Turmeric – The Spice of Life

The plant Curcuma longa is a low-growing perennial with sword-shaped leaves and yellow flowers. But there is more to this plant than meets the eye. Underground the plant has horizontally growing stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes can be cultivated, dried and ground into the golden spice we know as turmeric.

The idea of turmeric supplements is nothing new. The therapeutic use of turmeric goes back over 5,000 years to the height of Ayurveda. In Sanskrit, Ayurveda translates to ‘the science of life’ and is a system of wellness practices that balance the body and mind for optimal health and longevity. Turmeric also has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The therapeutic use of turmeric goes back over 5,000 years to the height of Ayurveda

These traditional health systems believe turmeric has special properties that restore balance to the body. As such, it has been traditionally used for a wide variety of conditions. These systems employ practices of consuming turmeric as a whole herb or extract, as tea and even applying it topically to the skin. Turmeric is also consumed regularly in many cultures as a culinary spice that gives dishes a distinct, earthy flavor. In Bali, this treasured herb is used to prepare yellow rice which is used as an offering to the Hindu deities.

The Golden Antioxidant

The bright, golden robes of Thai Buddhist monks are dyed with turmeric. This deep orange-yellow color has given turmeric nicknames like, "herb of the sun" and the "golden spice." Turmeric’s characteristic golden color comes from the presence of a phytonutrient called curcumin. Curcumin is a bright yellow pigment and it is what gives turmeric its antioxidant properties.** Plant-based antioxidants like curcumin occur naturally to help protect the plant and are beneficial for human health as well.** Turmeric has long been uses as a food preservative because of its antioxidant properties.

It is believed most of the beneficial effects of turmeric come from curcumin. The amount of curcumin found within turmeric will naturally vary, but it is estimated to be about 2-5%.1 Puritan’s Pride offers a wide variety of turmeric products to best suit your preferences. Some of our turmeric products are standardized for curcumin to ensure you are getting a consistent dose of this important plant-based antioxidant. We also offer whole herb preparations for those that prefer the goodness of turmeric the way nature intended. For a true Ayurvedic experience, use our turmeric supplements to make turmeric tea or a turmeric latte – simply open the capsules and use the powder in place of turmeric in your favorite recipe.