Tumeric is a beneficial Antioxidant

Turmeric also known as Indian saffron, jiang huang, yellow ginger, yellow root, curcuma longa; a member of the ginger family (zingiberaceae) that  has its roots in deep traditional Indian culinary and medicine.  It  a tender tropical plant that requires a well drained moist soil, sun or light shade, warm temperature and high humidity; propagated by root division and sometimes started from the seed. The roots are harvested during the plant's dormant period. Then it's steamed or boiled before being dried for several days and grounded into deep yellow powder. Turmeric is bright yellow color with a musky plain sharp flavor used mainly for food coloring---i recall my mother using it in fried rice dishes during the holiday, it looks like sunshine on the dinner table after it's cooked and served (Holiday turmeric fried rice hmm yummy). It is one of the primary ingredients in my favorite herb/spice ---curries and curry powder used by many ethnic and modern chefs at home and beyond. It has been used as a flavor ingredient in worcestershire sauce and color used to prepare mustard. It is used in medicinal decoctions, tinctures, pills, poultices and powder. Tumeric's yellow pigments are known as curcuminoids--currcumin is turmeric's most active ingredients. Curcumin has been shown in studies to have antioxidant properties, possibly as strong as those of vitamins C and E. Scientific studies of turmeric began in 1971 and research has revealed turmeric may be better than hydrocortisone for reducing pain and stiffness associated with various forms of arthritis. Curcumin may help increase bile production and flow from the liver, enhancing the breakdown of fats during digestion. Some studies indicate it may protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol and various toxins. In some animal studies, curcumin reduced the secretion of stomach acid and seemed to protect the lining of the stomach and intestines. Research on turmeric's effect on the circulatory system indicate it could help prevent atherosclerosis because it tends to reduce levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) in the bloodstream and prevent clots in injured blood vessels that could lead to vessel block age. Laboratory and animal studies also suggest that turmeric may be helpful in preventing and treating different types of cancer but more research is needed to be sure of this. Turmeric preparations applied to wounds have been shown to prevent bacterial infections especially those caused by staphylococcus aureus. Turmeric helps stop bleeding and speed up healing.

Turmeric was over-looked until the 1970s, when research found many of its value and revealed its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and possible anticancer properties. Turmeric has long been used in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha systems of herbal medicine, as well as in traditional Chinese medicine, for treating liver disorder and digestive problems. Turmeric has been used as blood purifying tonic for fever, skin disorders like psoriasis, acne, morning sickness, skin infections like eczema, athlete's foot and sores, sprains, conjunctivitis, rheumatoid arthritis, hemorrhoids, eczema, dizziness, peptic ulcers, gonorrhea, chest pain, bloating, menstrual problems, jaundice, stomach upset, pains after childbirth, flatulence, asthma, insect bites, osteoarthritis; Turmeric helps control diarrhea, stimulates appetite, reduce inflammation, helps reduce cholesterol problems, prevents cardiovascular disease, turmeric helps improve stomach and liver function, treats certain kinds of cancerous skin lesions; it is useful for open wounds as an antibacterial.

Other Facts about Golden turmeric herb plant: Turmeric is notorious for its intense bright  yellow color, known to stain chef's wooden and plastic utensils, counter-tops, fabrics that are difficult to erase. Because of this vivid hue turmeric's powdered root has been used as a natural yellow dye for silk, cotton, and wool. It is used in Hindu rituals to dye the robes of priest. Turmeric water is Asian cosmetic applied by women to their faces to give their complexion a golden glow. Today turmeric has found its way into dozens of products lining the shelves of grocery stores. It is used as a coloring agent in canned beverages, dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, cakes and icings, biscuits, microwave popcorn, cereals, sauces, gelatin desserts and in various other culinary spice mixture. Turmeric combined with annatto is used to tint cheeses, salad dressings, butter and margarine.

You can find Turmeric in your Health food stores.