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Digestive Herb Chart
AYURVEDIC FOODS
SERVING SIZE: 1/16 tsp SPECIES: Curcuma Longa FAMILY:
Zingiberaceae EAT IN: "Dosage Recommendations: 1/2 tsp, 2x a day is mentoned in the cooking section of John's great article!!" - Emily ann,  SEE MORE REVIEWS & COMMENTSAbout the Author: John Immel, How Can This Ayurvedic Food Make You Feel Great?AYURVEDIC ANALYSISYogis use turmeric to help stretch ligaments and repair injury. Liver heat is connected to laxity of the tendons and ligaments. Spring CleansingTurmeric improves circulation and thins the blood, giving the blood subtle quality to enter and clean the lymphatic system as well as all vessels and tissues. Its ability to move the blood dries dampness and increases heat. Turmeric's ability to support the liver while cleansing the lymphatic system makes it an ideal herb for spring cleansing (along with beets and dandelions). Turmeric's blood moving, and clearing properties are also beneficial for use in arthritis.Liver, the Blood and GynecologyTurmeric stimulates the liver (ranjaka Pitta) and bile flow, dissolving and preventing gallstones. It is a blood purifier specifically used to promote beautiful skin and eliminate systemic toxemia, eczema, urticaria, psoriasis, and acne. It helps with itching and skin problems due to cold, dry or stagnant qualities of other doshas (sheetaPitta). Turmeric is often mixed with other bitter herbs to enhance its anti-inflammatory and liver clearing effects.
The most potent way to take turmeric is in a tea. Try fresh, organic turmeric here for only $2.99 + shipping. For first time visitors only!. Turmeric destroys all Kapha accumulations in lower abdomen including endometriosis, amenorrhea, leucorrhea, fibroids, cancer and cysts from cold congestion. It promotes the flow of the menses and purifies breast milk. It specifically clears menstrual pain caused by arachidonic acid. DigestionTurmeric improves digestive strength by increasing blood flow. It is an antiseptic that promotes "sweet intestines", or intestines free of bacteria and ama. Its haemostatic and anti-inflammatory qualities treat stomach ulcers and colitis. Turmeric improves rasa agni, or the "body's raw power to nourish plasma and the blood". It clears ama, Kapha, and fat in diabetes. Its blood moving qualities are useful in Alzheimer's.Inflammation & JointsTurmeric is an anti-inflammatory with subtle quality to enter the joint space, reducing arthritis and inflammation, alleviating pain, and strengthening joints and tendons. It treats gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis. Its anti-inflammatory activities are also useful in asthma, broken bones, and wounds. By its heating and blood moving qualities, turmeric reduces pain topically in bruises and sprains however it stains everything it touches.OtherThose with cough and respiratory problems can drink turmeric milk (see Gold Milk). Turmeric smoke cures hiccups and lowers respiration. It is an anti-venom for King Cobra snake bites. The fresh root is used as a suppository in the rectum to cleanse and open the root chakra. Turmeric burns ama, reducing its diuretic effect. Contraindications include pregnancy, with other anti-coagulants, antiplatelets and (COX) inhibitors. Be careful when gallstones present. Caution in high Pitta/Vata.Turmeric in Chinese MedicineTurmeric, called Jiang Huang in Chinese medicine, addresses the spleen, stomach and liver meridians. It invigorates the blood, promotes movement of blood, unblocks the menses, chest and abdominal pain, alleviates amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea with cold deficiency, and swelling pain or pain due to obstruction. It expels wind.ABOUT TURMERICBUYING & PREPARATIONCOOKING TURMERIC Browse RecipesLearn about the health benefits of Turmeric for FREE
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WHY EAT AN AYURVEDIC DIET?Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. An Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body type and the specific imbalances you are working with at any given time. Ayurveda shows you your specific body type’s needs and what should be favored in your Ayurvedic menu. Watch as you eat less but feel more satisfied because what you are eating truly nourishes you. Since Ayurveda believes all disease begins in the digestive tract, food is your first medicine. By eating a healthy diet that’s ideal for your body, you experience optimal health.Is Turmeric Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL QUALITIES
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary.
The list of actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.Bone & Joint: Antiarthritic , ANTIARTHRITICHerbs that ease arthritic pain and promote joint health.Bone Tonic BONE-TONICAn herb that strengthens the bones and joints.Digestion: Carminative , CARMINATIVEStimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward.Digestive , DIGESTIVEHerbs that encourage healthy digestive.Spleen Tonic SPLEEN-TONICAn herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.Cleanse and Detox: Burns Toxins , BURNS-TOXINSAn herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them.Detoxicant DETOXICANTAn herb that eliminates or metabolizes toxins from the body.Heart & Circulation: Alterative , ALTERATIVELiterally, an herb that restores the proper function of the body. In practice, alteratives are usually blood cleansers and blood chemistry balancers. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.Antiplatelet , ANTIPLATELETAn herb that destroys platelets in the blood, therefore reducing the tendency of blood to form clots. They are useful in cardiovascular disease.Blood Thinner , BLOOD-THINNERHerbs that thin the blood. Helpful for people with heart disease or clogged circulation.Blood Tonic , BLOOD-TONICAn herb that produces more blood cells in the body or otherwise strengthens blood. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.Vasodilator , VASODILATORA vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.Vulnerary VULNERARYAn herb used for the treatment of wounds. Promotes healing of skin lesions and wounds/promotes cell growth and repairImmune System: Anthelminthic , ANTHELMINTHICKills wormsAnti Inflammatory , ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Antibacterial , ANTIBACTERIALHerbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth.Anticarcinogenic , ANTICARCINOGENICHerbs that inhibit or prevent the activity of a carcinogen or the development of cancer.Antifungal , ANTIFUNGALHerbs that destroy fungus.Antimicrobial , ANTIMICROBIALAn agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.Expels Poisons EXPELS-POISONSAids the expulsion of toxic substances from the body.Liver & Gall Bladder: Cholagogue CHOLAGOGUECholagogues stimulate the release of bile from the gall bladder for improved digestion.Lung and Sinus: Flushes sinuses FLUSHES-SINUSESAn herb that relieves sinus congestion by flushing out mucus.Mind, Stress & Sleep: Analgesic ANALGESICRelieves or reduces feelings of pain without eliminating sensation.Reproductive Health: Emmenogogue EMMENOGOGUEHerbs which stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus. They are used to increase scanty menstruation, relieve menstrual pain, and other functions.Skin Care & Beauty: Antipruritic , ANTIPRURITICAntipruritics are herbs that inhibit itching that is often associated with itching skin conditions such as sunburns, allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, fungal infections, insect bites, or contact dermatitis (as in poison ivy exposure.)Skin Tonic SKIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion.Weight Loss: Hypolipidemic , HYPOLIPIDEMICScrapes fats / cleanses blood vesselsLowers Blood Sugar LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGARAn herb that lowers blood sugar.Women's Health: Induces Ovulation INDUCES-OVULATIONHerbs that encourage ovulation.AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONERS!(Not you? Keep scrolling!) Eat Well for Life With Ayurveda: Balance Your DoshaHOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.View Other Ingredients for Autumn-WinterTurmeric is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter foods here.Comments & Impressions of 'Turmeric'Do you like 'turmeric'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something you'd like to know about 'turmeric'?
I love to use turmeric, either in a honey paste with 5% black or long pepper for penetration and 5% ginger for digestion, or in turmeric milk. I have a fairly extensive piece on turmeric at https://www.acupuncturebrooklyn.com/herbal-articles-by-karen-vaughan/turmeric-sweet-turmeric with recipes. The turmeric honey can shrink lipomas- one patient went from baseball sized to golf ball sized in 6 months.
Once a week after an oil massage ( sesame oil) we use coarse ground chickpea flour (laddu besan) with turmeric as a paste to clean the skin instead of a showergel . Very invigorating. - Raagini Pradhan
I mix it with a little honey for the kids when they have a sore throat. They think its quite magical.. they are right. - Karen Mackenzie Turmeric, boswelia and a few others as anti inflammatory for my tendonitis. - Erika King I take it everyday, i used it for my daughter, she had à bladder infection, she took a pill for two days together with cranberry juice and it was gone after three days! - Lisa Goudzwaard I like to mix it with warm milk (or almond milk when I'm not feelin' the dairy) and ginger. Thanks John. - Jeannie Faulkner How would I use Turmeric as an internal cleanser?
Judy
I am confused. In my Ayurveda Book by Judith Morrison, Turmeric is yes for Pitta, but it is a no here? I like Turmeric but stuffer from hot flashes. What should I do?
Dosage Recommendations: 1/2 tsp, 2x a day is mentoned in the cooking section of John's great article!!
Marcella - A small amount of turmeric (1/8 - 1/4tsp) reduces pitta due to the cleansing action on the liver. A larger amount increases pitta due because it creates excess heat. Thanks for asking!
Judy - Try 1/4tsp with meals 3x daily.
Thank you John! This is very useful.
In the article about ginger, it was mentioned that dry ginger and fresh ginger have different properties.
I was wondering whether similar changes occur also between dry turmeric and fresh turmeric ?
s.b.
Really informative article on Turmeric. As an Indian, I have been taking it in most of my food items as a spice (mostly as a saute in ghee). However, I am unable to get pain relieving effect for my neck pain from turmeric in food or milk. Instead, I tried curcumin extract capsules and it seems they have much better anti-inflammatory effect and does reduce the pain substantially. At the same time, due to curcumin I get skin rashes and it also disturbs my pitta. I am really confused here, do you recommend that I continue with curcumin tablet instead of turmeric for pain relief? If not, then how should I be able to get pain relieving effect of turmeric for my (muscular) neck pain? Any suggestion in this regard would be highly appreciated !
Dear Mayur P.
It sounds like you would benefit from an Ayurveda consultation to find the root cause of your pain
Angela
What is an alternative to turmeric or how can I use turmeric for a pitta-kapha person with high pitta and vata? I was using it, but now I am thinking it's too much for my pitta. ??
Is it alright to add tumeric to hot milk (soy or almond) with ashwaganda? Not sure if they have different properties...
You can combine turmeric with warm milk and ashwaghanda. Both of the herbs are warming and pacify Vata and Kapha. Serving them in warm milk will be especially nice for Vata.
While black pepper can enhance the effects of turmeric, it is also potent on its own.
I mixed ground Turmeric with warm milk-for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus pain more awesome.When my kids feel they are coming down with a cold they quickly grab turmeric and milk - it cures there sore throat, they think its a miracle herb.
Daywattie Haniff, how much do you use for lupus pain? a friend of mine has lupus now, and is struggling with extreme fatigue. She has been laying on a Bemer pad, and says it is really helping. I'd like to tell her about the turmeric and milk. thank you!
I also read that in addition to taking it with black pepper, it must be taken with coconut or olive oil to bind in the stomach or it will just be peed out
It's difficult to give general advice for a specific condition. Please consider making an appointment for a one on one consultation. You can learn more about our consultations and schedule one via this link: https://www.joyfulbelly.com/wordpress/ayurveda-consultation/?lnk=273
As per traditional information, turmeric doesn't need to be combined with other spices at all. There are reasons why researchers have noticed a "greater effect" with curcumin (specifically curcumin, not turmeric) when combined with black pepper extract. Turmeric is a complex thing, whereas curcumin is so processed away from its natural source that it struggles to function. The turmeric must also be reasonably fresh and a healthy plant to work correctly. In addition, some people should not use black pepper, as it doesn't fit their constitution and may cause them further illness, even combined with turmeric.For others' reference: adding whole turmeric (fresh, decocted, powdered, etc) to any substance that has a "sharp" or penetrating quality will aid its use, as with the majority of medicines. That even includes turmeric added to certain plant oils and resins. However, many people will find this unnecessary (do to their body's own abilities) or harmful. Those unsure of their personal constitution should seek a consultation with experienced, authentic, well-trained ayurvedic doctors.
a traditional home remedy for
This information has not been validated by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.
Reproductive Health Abortion (Past, Recent or Considering), Clots in menstrual blood, Dry / light period, Endometriosis, Infertility, Menstrual cramps, No period, Painful menstruation, White vaginal discharge, Yellow vaginal dischargeBones Aches & Pains - General, Cold aggravates pain, Fibromyalgia, Hair loss, Hip pain, Joint pain, Joint pain after eating, Joint pain in fingers, Morning joint pain, Muscle cramps, Osteoarthritis, Swollen joints, Tight musclesSkin Acne - general, Acne - painful, Cellulite, Cold aggravates, Dry skin, Easily cold, Thick skinBlood and Circulation Anemia, Autoimmune Disorders, Blood dark in color, Blood thick / Congested lymph, Cancer, Chronic Fungus infection, Chronic Infection, Cold extremities, Cramping back of leg, Diabetes (Adult Onset), Feet or Ankles Swelling, High Blood Sugar, High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides, Insulin Resistance, Irregular heartbeat, Jaundice, Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), Pale Tongue, Pins and Needles Hands and Feet, Staph infection, Sticky saliva, Swollen lymph nodes, Swollen lymph nodes - arm pits, Swollen lymph nodes - hips, Thick coating tongue, Tingling/Numbness, Wake up with sleep in eyeRespiratory Health Animal/dander allergy, Clear mucus, Ear pain/infection, Large amounts of mucus, Laryngitis, Lung Inflammation, Mucus Congestion, Mucus/congestion in mornings, Post nasal drip, Pressure / popping ears, Ringing ears, Seasonal allergies, Shortness of Breath, Spitting out mucus, Stuffed nose (can't breathe), Thick mucus, White mucusLifestyle Avoids coldDigestion Bad breath, Duodenal Ulcer, Frequent cavities, Gas, irregular digestion, Gastritis, Gum inflammation, H pylori infection, Hemorrhoids, Hiatal Hernia, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Pain lower back, Pancreatic Insufficiency, Receding gums, Stomach Ulcer, Tonsilectomy, Worm / Parasite, Yellow teethMind Stress Sleep Confusion / Cloudy Mind, Difficulty waking up, Excessive sleep, Migraines, Sleep deep & long, trouble waking up, Sleep during the day, Tired in morningWeight Loss Fat back of arms, Fat on back, Fat on buttocks, Fat on thighs, Feel overweight, Hypothyroid, Low metabolism, Stomach fatPoop Frothy Stool / with Bubbles, Stool entirely liquid, no solid pieces, Stool formed, but porous & airy, Stool in mushy pieces mixed with liquid, Stool thick mud, Undigested food in stoolDiet Sweet cravings
About the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda exudes a certain ease, which many find enjoyable and insightful. His online course Balance Your Ayurvedic Diet in a Week provides tools for gracefully healing with Ayurveda to thousands. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , which specializes in digestive tract pathology & Ayurvedic nutrition. John and his wife Natalie recently published Explore Your Hunger: A Guide to Hunger, Appetite & Food.John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, including his public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. |
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