Curcuma dans la médecine monastique

Turmeric, curcuma, yellow ginger, yellow root, saffron root or curcuma – all names for one plant species: Botanically it is called Curcuma longa and belongs to the ginger family. Its home is in Southeast Asia. In India and China, turmeric has been cultivated for thousands of years as a food and medicinal plant. Meanwhile, its cultivation has also succeeded in other tropical regions, even in Australia. The plant likes it warm all year round and prefers partial shade.

Turmeric reached Europe in the late Middle Ages via the Silk Road and soon became a sought-after spice, especially included in the well-known curry blend.

 

The most important ingredient of turmeric is curcumin. About 3 percent of the natural pigment, which also gives the rhizome its typical rich yellow color. In addition, the rhizome contains up to 5 percent essential oils as well as resins, proteins, and sugars.

 

In curry, turmeric forms an important component. But not only dried as a spice does the plant show its flavorful side. Also freshly prepared, the tuber enriches the diet and unfolds its tart, resinous taste even in a tea.

Due to its strong yellow coloring, turmeric is also used for dyeing various materials.

Most interesting, however, is the ginger family plant because of its healing effects, which traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda have long used. Today, numerous studies are said to confirm the medical benefits of turmeric, which has earned the tubers the reputation as a superfood. However, scientific confirmation is still pending.

Turmeric is attributed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, based on the contained curcumin. The active ingredient is said to slow down and reduce cell damage. Anti-cancer effects are also suspected. On the other hand, the positive effect of turmeric on digestion is undisputed, as it stimulates the liver to produce bile acid. Bloating and feelings of fullness are said to be well treatable this way.

 

The perennial, herbaceous plant can grow up to one meter tall. From about August, an inflorescence develops, producing beautiful flowers. The rhizome is fleshy like ginger but significantly smaller and branches into tuberous secondary rootstocks, which are yellow to yellow-orange in color.

 

Turmeric does not dissolve in water. Therefore, you should always stir a freshly prepared tea well. The Hindi revere the plant as a symbol of light and the sun.