How many spices are you aware of that have had folk songs written about them? How many have been known for their power to bring, beauty, good health and good luck to those who carry them? How many are applied to the skin by brides and grooms in India before they are married to look more beautiful? How many have a medical lore dating back hundreds if not thousands of years? If you answered turmeric to any of these questions you are correct!

Over time turmeric has been used in a wide variety of ways. Much of the attention turmeric has received lately revolves around its main active derivative - Curcumin.

The history of turmeric whose main active component is Curcumin is long, diverse and well documented. The spice itself has been used and valued by the people of India and Asia for centuries. Part of the Ginger family it is made from the grinding of roots of a large-leafed Asian plant known as Curcuma Longa. Uses of turmeric some of which are described in ancient Indian medical texts and used in Ayurvedic medicine are indeed numerous. From cuts and sores to chronic diseases.

With all this history, modern medicine and 21st century laboratories are beginning to sit up and pay attention. To date over 1,500 world wide medical research articles are in print exploring the powerful health benefits of Curcumin. Research has now shown that Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. These properties along with others are currently leading researchers down paths to see what other medicinal value Curcumin may provide to each of us, to date results have been extremely promising in many areas.

With its long and storied history it is becoming evident that modern medicine is beginning to open new chapters in the life of this valuable spice and its powerful component Curcumin.