A knife cut. Blood. Dripping incessantly. Unflustered, the Indian housewife reaches for the closest and safest remedy at hand – Haldi.

The present day situation brings numerous health problems, some related to pollution and some to a hectic life style. Would we not like to have a remedy to most, if not all, day-to-day health issues, many resulting later on in major health problems? Turmeric could be such a solution.

Well what is turmeric or arad; some of us call it haldi or even borrie. Although best known as a spice that gives a distinctive flavour and yellow color to curry, is a member of the ginger family and has long been used for healing. Ayurveda and Unani and other traditional medicine systems practiced in India have relied on this pungent spice for centuries, and so it’s not surprising that the Asian subcontinent is where the most intensive research about this has been conducted.

It has so many medicinal properties that it can easily be considered the best herb. Turmeric alone can cure many diseases. Keep turmeric in your home and the doctor stays away. Its importance in daily life has been known in India since ages gone by. The Chinese also using for the treatment of ailments. In Unani (the ancient Persian system of medicine) Hakeems (medicine practitioner) consider it to be the safest herb. It is only recently that modern science is becoming aware of it.
1-2 spoons of turmeric powder mixed in a glass of hot milk after injury greatly helps in relieving pain and swelling. It works well on internal injury to the muscles and even to the bones. It is good for tendons and ligaments. It is applied as an ointment for injuries by combining turmeric, pieces of onion and hot mustard oil with a bandage over it. It is a great healer of wounds as it has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. It is an important ingredient of burn ointment.

It has haemostatic ability and helps in stopping bleeding from an injury as well as being very helpful to those suffering from arthritis and stiffness in the body. Turmeric is also a very good medicine after surgery, which works by decreasing pain and increasing the rate of healing. It is beneficial for all blood disorders since it purifies, stimulates and builds blood. Such are its benefits in cases related to blood that it is specially recommended after childbirth.

Turmeric used during the menstruation cycle helps in removing stagnant blood. Turmeric protects the liver from toxins and cholesterol. Turmeric paste mixed with almond oil and honey is applied on the skin to purify and nourish it. The skin glows and all the blemishes and impurities are removed, particularly on the face. It inhibits all skin related diseases and is beneficial for eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

It is also good for Anaemia. Turmeric is taken along with ghee (clarified butter) for treatments of coughs and colds, asthma cases and blocked nose. It is a great reliever of one of the major modern ge problem – piles. A paste of turmeric, onion and mustard oil applied locally in the rectal area is helpful. It can be taken internally to stop bleeding. Turmeric taken with yogurt treats diarrhoea.

Turmeric lowers the chances of heart attack by inhibiting the platelets from sticking together. Turmeric and ghee taken with warm water is a good home remedy for asthma attacks. It is equally beneficial if boiled with milk for decongestion. Turmeric taken with fresh garlic is a home remedy for general respiratory infections.

These uses are only from a medicinal point of view. It has another use as spice. It is a vital ingredient in every kitchen in India. It gives taste and colour to food. To sum up, turmeric is a one-stop home remedy for most modern illnesses. It can cure wounds, purify blood, help the liver to recover, inhibit heart attacks, help in eye care, and improve skin conditions. The list is endless. The best thing is you do not have to search for it. It is usually available right in your home – ready for use. Turmeric has traditionally been in use as a multi-purpose home remedy in India.

It is important to note that this information is in no way intended to be an alternative to traditional medicine, or professional medical advice. If you are in doubt or you are pregnant then it is always advisable to consult the doctor