Turmeric for Health

Everyone seems to be mentioning turmeric for health, these days. And it’s not just about a spice that you put in your curry. A proud member of the ginger family, turmeric is said to be an immune system builder and powerful antioxidant. I got the scoop from Randi Ragan, holistic well-being expert, founder of GreenBliss EcoSpa and author of the brand-new book A Year of Living Mindfully: Seasonal Practices to Nourish Body, Mind and Spirit. This beautifully-illustrated book is chock full of recipes, teas, tonics, exercises and daily practices—including instructions on how to make an easy turmeric for health tonic, which I’ve included below. All are designed to reduce stress, avoid illness and improve wellness. Interested? I’ve got two copies to give away!

I got the scoop on turmeric for health from Randi Ragan author of the brand-new book A Year of Living Mindfully. Interested? I’m giving away two copies! According to Randi, turmeric is loaded with healthy nutrients, including fiber, protein, niacin, vitamin C, E, K, copper, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and cancer-fighting curcumin. Turmeric is essential to health in the following ways:

Anti-Inflammatory

Extensive research shows turmeric to be a highly efficient source of pain relief and an impressive booster of skeletal and muscular system health. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties assist with common injuries, bone and joint challenges, and even workout soreness. Before you take another ibuprofen or pain pill, you might want to reach for turmeric instead.

Cancer Preventative

According to the American Cancer society, the curcumin found in turmeric not only interferes with molecular cancer development, but also stops the growth and spread of existing cancerous cells. It has become an important and fully natural part of holistic pre-cancer and cancer treatment.

Liver Support

The liver is a highly important organ in the human body and it’s responsible for converting food to energy and for cleaning blood. The liver is also vulnerable to a variety of microbial, metabolic, and circulatory challenges. Turmeric is a powerful supporter of healthy liver function and cleansing, and it has been extensively documented as a compelling treatment for several liver ailments including jaundice, cirrhosis, and hepatitis.

Skin Healer

When used topically, turmeric is surprisingly useful for cleansing and nourishing of the skin, as well as for promoting elasticity. When ingested, it serves as a powerful detoxificant that assists in the elimination of a multitude of skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, chicken pox, poison ivy and acne.

Heart Disease Fighter

Turmeric is a well-known preventer of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arteries that is responsible for heart attacks and strokes. Turmeric assists by lowering cholesterol levels, and by keeping “bad” LDL cholesterol from accumulating in blood vessels. It also has been clinically observed as a strong deterrent to the formation of blood clots.

Turmeric for health is obviously something we all need to know more about. But how to get more of it? Read on!

Randi Ragan’s Essential Turmeric for Health Tonic

Got a few minutes? Mix up this tonic for a work week’s worth of benefits!

Ingredients:

• 5-7 inches fresh turmeric root (available at most health food stores)
• 3 tablespoons prepared tamarind paste (available at many Asian groceries and markets)
• ½ inch piece of fresh ginger root, peeled
• 2 organic lemons, juice only
• Raw honey

How to:

1. Peel turmeric root. (Your fingers will turn yellow. All-natural dish soap gets it right out. If your cutting board or countertop get stained, slather on dish soap and rub it in. Let it soak in for five minutes or longer, then scrub with water and sponge.)
2. Fill a pot with filtered water, put peeled turmeric in and let it boil for at least 20 minutes until the water becomes a rich and vibrant marigold color.
3. Pour a little bit of cold water into the pot of turmeric tea to lower the temperature, then pour into the blender with the turmeric root. Blend so all the roots are assimilated into the liquid. (The color now should look like an extra, extra fiery marigold.)
4. Add the tamarind paste, ginger root, and lemon juice to the blender with the turmeric tea. Blend well.
5. Pour the tea into a large mason jar(s). Add honey to taste, close with lid, shake it up to mix.
   Store in fridge up to 3-4 days and drink daily for health maintenance and illness prevention.

This post was adapted from RandiRagan.com. For more recipes like these, enter to win Randi’s brand-new book here!

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