Turmeric is a perennial plant that is native to tropical South Asia and is part of the ginger family. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and has trumpet-shaped, dull yellow flowers. The roots of the turmeric plant are bulbs that produce rhizomes, which then produce stems and roots for new plants. The rhizome, or underground stem, is used as a spice and in traditional medicine.
Turmeric has a bitter, somewhat sharp taste and a fragrant smell that can be described as medicinal, minty, musty, and woody. It’s a major ingredient in curry powder and is used in cooking and as a household remedy. Turmeric has been used for centuries and is considered safe, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declaring turmeric and its active component curcumin as GRAS (generally regarded as safe).
Turmeric has been used in traditional Asian medicine for many years to treat certain conditions. It’s also considered an important medicine in Ayurveda, where it’s known by the names Haridra, Kurkuma, Longa, Gauri Vat Vilasani, and Kumkum Turmeric. Turmeric is also considered very auspicious in religion, and has a special significance in marriage rituals.
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