Gerald Quigley is a Community Pharmacist and Master Herbalist with skills in the integration of complementary medicines with prescribed medicines
Gerald’s regular media includes 3AW Melbourne, 4CA Cairns, 2CC Canberra, 2UE Sydney, 4BC Brisbane, 3GG Gippsland, Curtin FM Perth, 6PR Perth and 2HA Coffs Harbour. He is often sought for comment on Channel 9’s A Current Affair.
Of all the herbs we currently have at our disposal, none has caused the level of excitement in health and wellness circles as consistently as turmeric.
I read a report recently that, on the basis of its proven method of action, turmeric has the potential to be of use in over 600 health conditions.
Up until the last few years, we regarded turmeric as that yellow powder with a curry flavour, that we added to soups and casseroles. Our only concern was to be careful that we didn’t spill it onto a white bench-top!
However, texts on Indian medicine, called Ayurveda, have always rated turmeric as a food from the “Divine Mother”. One of my texts states “turmeric gives the energy of the Divine Mother and grants prosperity. It is effective for internal cleansing and purifying the channels of the subtle body. It helps stretch the ligaments and is therefore food for the practice of yoga.”
Additionally, the text goes on to say that turmeric “promotes proper metabolism in the body, correcting both excesses and deficiencies. It aids in the digestion of protein.”
It seems therefore that in Western civilization, our understanding of the enormous benefits of using turmeric in cooking is just the beginning.
Turmeric is poorly absorbed, and that means that the ability of our “untrained” digestive processes to maximise the nutritional benefits is a little compromised.
From a supplement perspective therefore, the race is on to produce turmeric, or it’s relatively well known “active” called curcumin, in a bio-available form.
Speak to your pharmacist about the options available. But don’t shy away from the universal benefits brought to us by this truly noble and nutritious herb.
The benefits seem to be explained by its subtle, but nevertheless, powerful anti-inflammatory action. Inflammation is the root cause for the development of chronic disease as we know it. Here’s an opportunity to reduce your risk, and maximise your wellness.
This Blog has been Taken from: Community Care Chemist
