Turmeric (Curcuma domestica; curcuma longa; Curcuma domestica Valet)

Other names: Kilaw, Luyang dilaw, Dilaw, Kuning, Kulyan, Kunig, Kunik, Lampuyang, Kinabol, Kalabaga, Dulao

Known to Chinese as jianghuang which literally means yellow ginger, turmeric or “kalawag” remains one of the widely used herbs in Asia particularly in India and other South Asian countries. In the Philippines, turmeric is primarily used as food coloring. Unknown to many people, kalawag has many medicinal properties. Studies showed that it has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Its yellow-staining oily pigment known as curcumin limits the body’s ability to make enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) which is the precursor in making prostaglandins. The prostaglandin is responsible in initiating the classic “heat, pain, redness and swelling” associated with inflammation. Curcumin also acts as free radical scavenger. Free radicals’ damages tissues, exacerbates inflammation and can also cause mutations that leads to cancer.

Other medicinal uses of turmeric: fights free radicals, protect the livers against toxins, inhibits platelet aggregation, aids circulation, lower cholesterol levels, improves blood vessel health. Have antibiotic, anticancer properties.

treatment for: dandruff; flatulence, rheumatism, sprain, bruise, pruritus (itchy skin),