Turmeric – The golden wonder root for health and well-being
Turmeric, also known as yellow root, saffron root or yellow ginger, is much more than just an exotic spice from the Far East. The intensely yellow-orange colored root originally comes from South Asia and belongs to the ginger family. Even at first glance at the bulbous plant, the difference to the familiar ginger is striking: While ginger is light and slightly brownish, turmeric shines in a rich golden yellow – a color that is not only visually striking, but also an indication of its powerful ingredients.
Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years – for healing, strengthening the body and cleansing from within. But what makes this root so special? And why has it come so much into focus in our country in recent years?
Turmeric as a versatile spice
Most people know turmeric from the kitchen, especially as an ingredient in curry powder. However, turmeric can do much more than just color dishes and give them a slightly earthy, bitter-hot taste. In the Indian healing art of Ayurveda, the root is traditionally added to almost every dish – not only because of its taste, but especially because of its cleansing and strengthening effect on the body.
In cooking, the power of turmeric is also evident in its impressive color intensity: it not only gives dishes a rich yellow, but also reliably colors clothing, cutting boards – and not least your hands. This is clear proof of how powerful its color pigments are – even at cellular level.
The active ingredients of turmeric – a treasure of nature
The therapeutically effective potential of turmeric lies in its root, the so-called rhizome. This is where valuable secondary plant substances such as curcuminoids are found, especially the well-known curcumin. This bright yellow pigment is not only responsible for the typical color, but also for a large part of the health-promoting properties.
In addition to 3-5% curcuminoids, turmeric also contains 2-7% essential oils, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral effects. This combination of active ingredients makes turmeric one of the most exciting medicinal plants of our time – it is not for nothing that it is often referred to as the “golden goddess of healing”.
Beneficial for the liver, stomach and intestines
There is an old saying in herbal medicine: yellow plants strengthen the center of our body. In this case, this means the area of the solar plexus, where organs such as the liver, gall bladder, stomach, spleen and kidneys are located. Yellow flowers, yellowish aromas and yellow roots such as turmeric have a particularly intensive effect in this area.
Turmeric stimulates the flow of bile and supports the liver in detoxification. At the same time, it promotes the secretion of gastric juices, which leads to better digestion and a generally strengthened digestive system. So if you regularly suffer from bloating, flatulence or sluggish digestion, turmeric is a natural helper.
The most important effects of turmeric at a glance:
- Promotion of bile production and bile flow
- Improvement of gastric juice secretion
- Support for the liver during detoxification
- Improvement of fat digestion
- Anti-inflammatory and decongestant
- Antibacterial and antiviral
- Antioxidant with potential tumor-inhibiting effect
- Protection for the nerves (neuroprotective)
- Anti-arteriosclerotic and antithrombotic
This clearly makes turmeric one of the plants with one of the broadest spectrums of activity – a real natural talent.
Therapeutic use
Due to its versatile properties, turmeric is used therapeutically for a variety of ailments. It has proven particularly effective for
- Irritable stomach and nausea
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Flatulence and a feeling of tension in the abdomen
- Bile complaints and bile stasis
- Inflammation, especially of the intestinal mucosa
- Problems with fat digestion
- Rheumatic complaints
- Elevated cholesterol and blood lipid levels
- After removal of the gallbladder to support the flow of bile
- Liver inflammation and mild liver poisoning
- Kidney and bladder infections
- Bacterial and viral infections in general
There is also increasing evidence of additional potential in research: In various studies, positive effects have been observed in cystic fibrosis, polyps and even osteoporosis due to oestrogen deficiency.
The only restriction: people with gallstones or an obstruction of the bile ducts should avoid turmeric, as the strong bile flow stimulating effect can cause discomfort. Apart from this, there are no known side effects or contraindications worth mentioning.
Turmeric and the gut – an underestimated connection
The use of turmeric is particularly interesting for intestinal problems or as part of an intestinal cleanse. Our intestinal mucosa is exposed to numerous strains every day – through unhealthy nutrition, preservatives, environmental toxins or stress. Chronic inflammatory changes quickly develop, which usually go unnoticed, but upset the intestinal environment in the long term.
A disturbed environment in turn promotes the growth of pathogenic germs, which can lead to complaints such as flatulence, diarrhea or constipation. Turmeric works here on several levels: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral. It helps the intestinal mucosa to regenerate and ensures a healthy, balanced microbiome.
Another important aspect: the promotion of bile flow by turmeric contributes significantly to the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. Bile is an essential component of digestion – it ensures the emulsification of fats and thus improves the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and trace elements. At the same time, it plays an important role in the elimination of toxins.
By providing holistic support for the liver, gall bladder and stomach, turmeric is a powerful ally for anyone who wants to improve their intestinal health in the long term.
Golden milk – the healthy turmeric drink for every day
A particularly popular way to integrate the benefits of turmeric into everyday life is with golden milk (also known as “golden milk” or “turmeric latte”). This warming drink comes from the Ayurvedic tradition, where it has been used for centuries to cleanse the body, strengthen the immune system and aid digestion.
The combination of turmeric, plant milk, spices and a little fat results in a powerful, anti-inflammatory drink that is particularly good to enjoy in the evening or in the morning.
Recipe for golden milk (1 portion)
Ingredients:
- 250 ml plant-based milk (e.g. oat, almond or coconut milk)
- 1 tsp turmeric (powder or freshly grated)
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon of ginger powder
- 1 pinch of black pepper (enhances the absorption of curcumin)
- 1 tsp coconut oil or ghee (optional, improves bioavailability)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (to taste)
- Sweetener of your choice (e.g. honey, agave syrup or date syrup)
Preparation:
- Place all the ingredients in a small saucepan and mix well.
- Heat slowly, but do not allow to boil.
- Leave to infuse over a low heat for about 5-10 minutes.
- If you wish, you can pour the drink through a fine sieve and then enjoy it.
Tip: Golden milk can also be prepared wonderfully with a milk frother and tastes delicious both warm and lukewarm.
Why is golden milk so healthy?
Golden Milk combines several powerful ingredients with positive effects on the body:
- Turmeric has an anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effect and aids digestion.
- Ginger promotes blood circulation and has a warming, pain-relieving and immune-boosting effect.
- Cinnamon regulates blood sugar and brings warmth into the system.
- Black pepper and fat help to optimally absorb the curcumin from the turmeric.
Overall, golden milk is an excellent remedy for supporting the immune system, metabolism, liver function and well-being – especially in the cold season or during periods of increased stress.
Turmeric-ginger shots – immune booster from the slowjuicer
Another popular application scenario for turmeric is the preparation of so-called turmeric-ginger shots. These highly concentrated juices are considered a natural immune booster and are now available in small bottles in many supermarkets. Even better: you can easily make them yourself – fresh, intense and additive-free.
Recipe for turmeric and ginger shots (approx. 3 portions)
Ingredients:
- 50 g fresh turmeric
- 50 g fresh ginger
- 2 organic oranges (peeled)
- 1 lemon (peeled)
- 1 pinch of black pepper
- optional: 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
Preparation:
- Roughly chop the turmeric and ginger (the peel can be left on if the ginger is organic).
- Pass everything through the slowjuicer – it is best to alternate between fruit and roots.
- Stir the juice briefly and sweeten if required.
- Fill into small glass bottles and store in the fridge (will keep for max. 3 days).
Note: It is advisable to wear gloves when handling fresh turmeric – the intense color stains strongly.
Effect of turmeric-ginger shots
These little power drinks provide a concentrated dose of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents and vitamins. Turmeric and ginger have a strong antibacterial, antiviral and protective effect on the entire digestive tract. The lemon provides additional vitamin C, while the orange juice provides a pleasant sweetness. Ideal for starting the day – especially when you have a cold or are feeling tired.
Conclusion
The causes of bloating are varied and range from food intolerances and mechanical problems to psychological factors. To avoid bloating in the long term, it is important to understand your own body better and address possible causes in a targeted manner. A healthy diet, thorough chewing, avoiding stress and, if necessary, intestinal cleansing can help to solve the problem at its root.
Do you often have flatulence? Then it’s worth questioning your eating habits and possibly having tests carried out for intolerances. After all, good digestion is the basis for well-being and health!
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