Turmeric, a bright-yellow-hued root spice, has been used in cooking, medicine, and cultural ceremonies for thousands of years, especially in South Asia. Practitioners of both western healthcare and Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient holistic healing system with Indian roots, have lauded this plant’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
In 2015, we stuffed kale into everything. The year after kale we obsessed over pomegranates. In 2014, avocados were king.
It might be tempting to pop a Tylenol, Aleve, or an even more potent, potentially prescriptive drug to relieve pain, but the side effects and risks might not be worth it. If natural alternatives are available–that don’t cause side effects like nausea, stomach pain, rashes, headaches, heartburn, and rare conditions like anemia, bleeding of the stomach, chronic heart failure, and depression–what's there to lose?
I first came across turmeric in our family kitchen as a child. My mother had printed out a recipe for curry cauliflower, and while the curry powder gave the roasted cauliflower its delicious taste, turmeric was responsible for the subtler taste and stronger hue. Since then, I’ve seen turmeric in everything from egg and tofu scrambles to salad dressings to cookies–I kid you not. Most recently, I stumbled upon a recipe in Meghan Telpner’s The UnDiet CookBook for Jamu Juice.
We have all had to deal with sore, stiff, and achy muscles – they’re a fact of life. It is nice to know there are foods you can add to or increase in your diet to help ease your pain. Any foods that provide a substantial amount of magnesium are great for the muscles. Magnesium maintains proper nerve and normal muscle function.
Here is my list of 7 Natural Muscle Healers and Relaxers:
Turmeric is making its way under the superfood spotlight, and for good reason: it is anti-inflammatory, an anti-depressant, kills cancer cells, and gives skin a healthy glow, to name a few things it can do. Using it as a food rather than a supplement yields the most benefits, as turmeric requires fat to metabolize. Turmeric is in the same family as ginger, so it packs a punch of flavor which can make it difficult to consume without overpowering your food, unless you're fine eating curry every day.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease occur as our brains age into our elder years, but herbal medications can make a big difference in protecting our brains. Few things are sadder than to watch a loved one slowly deteriorate into a shell of their former selves. Alzheimer’s is unique in that its terror is that the mind and memories of the person we know so well, and who knows us so well, fade before our very eyes.
Turmeric is the spice that is best known as being responsible for the flavor and color of curry. However, this plant contains a compound called curcumin, which has amazing abilities to protect humans from many diseases. Turmeric’s taste is unique, and so are its potent healing powers that make it a must have in your spice or homeopathic cabinet!
Improves Mood and Memory in the Elderly
Golden milk, aka turmeric milk, has been a staple in Ayurvedic traditions for thousands of years. This powerful concoction helps to fight inflammation in the body and combat common illnesses including skin conditions like psoriasis, arthritis, headaches, diabetes, digestive problems, mood disorders and even Alzheimer’s. Drinking this ancient elixir is like taking several powerful prescribed medications without all of the terrible side effects!