Overview
Turmeric is a popular spice in wide use due to its ability to add flavor to food or color it. Turmeric probably had Asian origin; it has been used there since time immemorial. Like most plants, the turmeric plant has a root– the root is beneficial in that you can derive an important substance from it. This substance is called Curcumin, which is believed to have potent anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic properties; little wonder it is added to some cosmetics. Curcumin, due to its yellow color, can be used to color food. Turmeric is used in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases, from inflammation and osteoarthritis to depression, stress, and burns. It can be used as enema for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The essential component of turmeric that enables these processes is curcumin. [1]