Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Turmeric known as Haridra or Curcuma longa is a vital Ayurvedic herb with Pungent and Bitter tastes. It possesses Dry and Light qualities with a Hot potency allowing it to pacify Kapha and Vata doshas effectively. It is highly revered as a Varnya herb for improving complexion and a Kushthaghna agent for treating skin disorders like urticaria and itching. Therapeutically it is a premier remedy for Prameha or urinary disorders and diabetes reducing mucus and toxins. It acts as a powerful anti-toxic and wound cleanser known as Vishaghna and Vranashodhana. It is the main ingredient in the formulation Haridrakhanda used for allergies. The recommended dosage of the rhizome powder is 1 to 3 grams for blood purification and immunity.
Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma longa, is a rhizomatous herb that is a staple in Indian medicine and cuisine. In Ayurveda, it is known as Haridra and is revered not just as a spice but as a powerful Vishaghna (anti-toxic) and Kushthaghna (remedy for skin diseases) agent. It is extensively used to purify the blood, improve complexion, and manage diabetes (Prameha). It is often combined with Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry) to treat high blood sugar, a combination known as Nishamalaki.
Turmeric is a perennial herb with a short stem and tufted leaves. The medicinal part is the rhizome (underground stem), which is ovate, oblong, or pyriform (round turmeric) or cylindrical (long turmeric). Externally it is yellowish-brown, and the fractured surface is orange to reddish-brown. In Ayurveda, it is highly valued for its ability to improve skin health (Varnya) and scrape away toxins (Lekhana). It is a key ingredient in formulations like Haridra Khanda used for allergies.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Turmeric is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India):
Turmeric is considered safe for long-term use in dietary amounts. Medicinal doses are also well-tolerated. It is widely used as a household remedy in India for cuts and colds.
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Curcuma longa Monograph
https://pcimh.gov.in
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
FAO Ecocrop Database – Curcuma longa
https://ecocrop.fao.org
USDA Plants Database – Curcuma longa
https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, it is commonly taken daily in food. As a supplement (e.g., with warm water or milk), it supports immunity and skin health.
Q. When should it be taken?
It can be taken morning or evening. For throat and respiratory issues, it is often taken with warm milk at night.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. Milk is a classic vehicle to counteract its drying and heating nature, creating "Golden Milk." It can also be taken with warm water or honey (especially for Kapha/weight issues).
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Turmeric known as Haridra or Curcuma longa is a vital Ayurvedic herb with Pungent and Bitter tastes. It possesses Dry and Light qualities with a Hot potency allowing it to pacify Kapha and Vata doshas effectively. It is highly revered as a Varnya herb for improving complexion and a Kushthaghna agent for treating skin disorders like urticaria and itching. Therapeutically it is a premier remedy for Prameha or urinary disorders and diabetes reducing mucus and toxins. It acts as a powerful anti-toxic and wound cleanser known as Vishaghna and Vranashodhana. It is the main ingredient in the formulation Haridrakhanda used for allergies. The recommended dosage of the rhizome powder is 1 to 3 grams for blood purification and immunity.
Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma longa, is a rhizomatous herb that is a staple in Indian medicine and cuisine. In Ayurveda, it is known as Haridra and is revered not just as a spice but as a powerful Vishaghna (anti-toxic) and Kushthaghna (remedy for skin diseases) agent. It is extensively used to purify the blood, improve complexion, and manage diabetes (Prameha). It is often combined with Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry) to treat high blood sugar, a combination known as Nishamalaki.
Turmeric is a perennial herb with a short stem and tufted leaves. The medicinal part is the rhizome (underground stem), which is ovate, oblong, or pyriform (round turmeric) or cylindrical (long turmeric). Externally it is yellowish-brown, and the fractured surface is orange to reddish-brown. In Ayurveda, it is highly valued for its ability to improve skin health (Varnya) and scrape away toxins (Lekhana). It is a key ingredient in formulations like Haridra Khanda used for allergies.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Turmeric is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India):
Turmeric is considered safe for long-term use in dietary amounts. Medicinal doses are also well-tolerated. It is widely used as a household remedy in India for cuts and colds.
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Curcuma longa Monograph
https://pcimh.gov.in
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
FAO Ecocrop Database – Curcuma longa
https://ecocrop.fao.org
USDA Plants Database – Curcuma longa
https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, it is commonly taken daily in food. As a supplement (e.g., with warm water or milk), it supports immunity and skin health.
Q. When should it be taken?
It can be taken morning or evening. For throat and respiratory issues, it is often taken with warm milk at night.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. Milk is a classic vehicle to counteract its drying and heating nature, creating "Golden Milk." It can also be taken with warm water or honey (especially for Kapha/weight issues).
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem