[hoodat]

Turmeric is one of the few natural remedies that has been given actual medical testing and so far it has proven helpful in all conditions it has been tested for.
It improves cholesterol, regulates blood sugar and tones the nervous system.
Probably it's most beneficial use is as an anti oxident and anti irritant. Irritation is implicated in an amazing number of diseases including arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome, joint problems, lower back pain and skin problems. The fresh root is available in many Asian markets and the powder is available in health stores and even grocery stores. The spice shelf in your grocery store is not the best place to buy it. It is expensive there and often adulterated but surprisingly cheap if you buy it in bulk. I can buy a whole pound for less than $20 if I buy in bulk. Normally however I use freshly grated root from my own garden.
A few people use it in tea but it is difficult to use it that way since, to get the full benefit, it must be taken with a small amount of fat and some freshly ground pepper. Both aid the body in absorbing the cucurmin (the active ingredient) If you want to try it that way I use coconut oil for the fat. It gives a pleasant coconut taste to the tea.
I get my daily dose by using it in my morning miso soup with coconut oil and fresh pepper. You can add it to any soup or stew. About a teaspoon daily is my usual dose.
It can also be mixed with skin lotion and applied externally but it is a dye and will turn skin yellow/orange wherever it is applied so it is best used as a spot application to eczema or a flaky spot on your skin..
As a matter of fact it will dye anything it touches so keep it off your good clothing. I wear a butchers apron when preparing it. I have a friend from India who is fond of joking, "It won't stain me. I'm Indian". It doesn't show on her darker skin.
No harmful side effects have ever been shown in its use.
One final word. It is a beautiful plant that can be grown wherever the ground doesn't freeze or as an indoor plant if you have a big pot and a sunny room. It does have a long dormant period (October to May in San Diego}. The leaves can be used for tea or as a wrap for fish Asian style. My rabbits come to the front of the cage to beg for it when they see me cutting fronds. The flower is breathtaking but only a clump which has been undisturbed for three years or more will normally flower. Do a search on turmeric if you want to see what the plant and flower look like.