April 15, 2011, 6:09 pm

Every Sri Lanka kitchen uses Turmeric (Curcuma longa) as a culinary spice. In the USA it is used to make American mustard yellow. American scientists, however, have found out that there are also other values. Research has found that it is a disease-preventive agent as well, probably due largely to its anti-inflammatory qualities.

Here are some of the diseases that turmeric has been found to help prevent or alleviate:

Alzheimer’s disease:  the reports indicate that extracts of turmeric contain a number of natural agents that block the formation of beta-amyloid, the substance responsible for the plaques that slowly obstruct cerebral function in Alzheimer’s disease. (Elderly villagers in India appear to have the lowest rate of Alzheimer’s in the world, perhaps due to the fact that Indians eat turmeric with almost every meal).

Arthritis: Turmeric contains more than two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds, including six different COX-2-inhibitors (the COX-2 enzyme promotes pain, swelling and inflammation; inhibitors selectively block that enzyme). By itself, curcumin – the component in turmeric most often cited for its healthful effects – is a multifaceted anti-inflammatory agent, and studies of the efficacy of curcumin have demonstrated positive changes in arthritis symptoms. it is also used for tendinitis, bursitis.

Cancer: Curcumin and/or turmeric were effective in animal models in prevention and/or treatment of lung and colon cancer, mammary cancer, prostate cancer, murine hepatocarcinogenesis (liver cancer in rats), esophageal cancer, and oral cancer. the effectiveness of the herb against these cancers compared favourably with that reported for pharmaceutical.

Adding turmeric to your diet is one of the best moves toward optimal health you can make. In rare instances, daily use over extended period of time can cause stomach upset and/or heartburn. If pregnant, do not use without your doctor’s approval. Do not use if you have gallstones or a bile duct dysfunction; however, curcumin, an active component of turmeric, can increase bile solubility and is recommended for the condition.

It has been advised to restrict use to the minimal amounts on foods given to children.

Turmeric; Kaha in Sinhala and Manjal in Tamil (Curcuma domestica = C. longa. Scita. mineae.) – is a perennial herb, 2-3 ft. the tuberous rhizomes are of a bright orange-yellow colour and waxy resinous consistency; they are ground into a fine powder, which has an aromatic flavour. apart from being a culinary spice, it is also employed in India for dyeing wool and silk.

The plant is propagated by the rhizomes or by division of the crown, and is suited to open, friable soil, under partial shade; it thrives in a hot and moist climate up to about 3,000 ft. A crop may be produced in about 9 months from planting. the rhizomes should be dug up as soon as the stems fade. They are prepared for market by drying in the sun, being usually scalded in hot water to check or destroy their vitality and thereby prevent sprouting. this process is called curing and polishing.

Other healthy herbs and spices from home gardens

Ginger and pepper, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, chilli, red onion, Bombay onions, vanilla, mustard, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, fennel, garlic, chili peppers, basil, cinnamon, rosemary, thyme.