Haldi or Turmeric has been used extensively as a spice, food preservative, cosmetic and medicine for centuries where the benefits of this legendary herb can never be emphasized enough. The orange yellow colour of turmeric is because of Curcumin which yields this iconic colour onto dishes and fabrics alike.
Because of its yellow-orange coloring, turmeric was associated with the sun or Vishnu in Indian mythology. It is a symbolism for the inner pride and overall prosperity of human beings. Thus it forms one of the key ingredients in any pious occasion.
The most well known medicinal action of turmeric is its use as a powerful anti-inflammatory, the effectiveness of which is comparable to pharmaceutical medicines. However, it also acts as an alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-allergic, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, stimulant, and vulnerary amongst many others.
