Did you know that the humble turmeric powder in your kitchen has miraculous medicinal properties? We unknowingly use the power of turmeric when we consume it as part of our diet. In Asian countries, turmeric is an important ingredient in almost all vegetables and curries. However, most of those who use it hardly realize the importance or health benefits of turmeric or the compound, curcumin, which is actually the main compound in turmeric that works wonders for many ailments. We will also talk about curcumin supplements that are often recommended for various general health and wellness conditions.

Is raw turmeric or ground turmeric good?

If you think it’s just to add color to curries and other foods, think again or read on. While it is true that it colors food, there are many other advantages and health benefits of turmeric.

Well, Turmeric or Curcuma longa is a rhizomatous flowering plant, which basically means a creeping root stalk. You can read more about this on Wikipedia. Here we will focus on how to use it and its health benefits.

How to use turmeric effectively for health benefits

Turmeric to stop shaking immediately

If you or someone you love is shaking, a little turmeric can help. However, its effectiveness depends on the exact state of health of the patient, there is nothing wrong with trying this home remedy that uses the power of turmeric.

Take one or two tablespoons of ground turmeric and add it to the hot mustard oil to make a fine paste using a spoon or ladle. Once the paste is prepared, apply it to both soles of the patient. Care must be taken that the heat of the paste is not lost and is bearable for the patient. However, the hotter it is, the faster the effect will be. Also make sure that the rest of the patient’s body is covered with warm clothing or a blanket.

The effect can be noticed within a few minutes of applying this hot turmeric and mustard oil paste. The chills will disappear and the patient will feel relaxed.

Does cooking turmeric take away its medicinal properties?

Not really if you don’t overcook it.

The Indian cooking style usually involves cooking at high temperatures, boiling or sautéing for a long time. Boiling or cooking turmeric for long periods of time can lead to the loss of the curcumin compound, which is the main compound that gives turmeric its true medicinal properties. Approximately 27-50 percent of this compound is lost if you cook turmeric for more than 10 minutes. However, if you add any sour agent, which is quite popular in Indian cooking, the loss of curcumin is reduced to 12-30 percent.