Have you any Turmeric home?
Whether inside your kitchen or onto your medicine shelf. It is indeed wise, to have some turmeric in the house. Keep reading to know why. For the uses and benefits of turmeric fan out, far and beyond everyday awareness.
Welcome to, TURMERIC …. Part 2 Let’s explore, what’s more to turmeric. Some lesser known facts from India….Past to Present.
Traditional wedding ceremony in Hinduism: Turmeric in plate for haldi ceremony
Turmeric Milk- A Wonder Medicine Drink
When it comes to medicines, Turmeric holds its own unique position amongst the list of popular herbs available in India. The ancestors were adept at recognising properties of herbs and plants which they applied in preparing medicines. Mixing herbs to produce medicine and ointments was another level of alchemy.
Do you know, today’s well known Turmeric frappe or Golden milk is an adaptation of the primitive Ayurvedic remedy. It was used to treat cough, cold, fever, joint pain, skin and body cuts or injuries. The original recipe includes warm milk with turmeric, black pepper and few drops of ghee or clarified butter. Intake of this medicine drink aids speedy recovery of any internal or external injury of the physical body. It also helps in faster healing of many skin diseases. The anti inflammatory properties of the medicine milk can prevent and even safeguard from arthritis, stomach ulcers, menstrual cramps and liver problems to name a few. This magic formula also known as “Haldi wala Doodh” in Hindi is still prevalent and widely consumed by the followers of Ayurveda, in India and around the world.
The Turmeric Glow up
Not just physical health but even beauty and vanity is associated with turmeric, right from the era of kings and Queens. Turmeric mixed with other essential herbs when applied over the body, relaxes the skin and enhances physical appearance. It’s common nowadays to have turmeric as composition of beauty packs, body scrubs and other cosmetics. While for those still following the old school, turmeric is a key ingredient for homemade face packs, creams and oils. It is proven since long, turmeric provides lustre to the skin. Mixing a pinch of turmeric to a teaspoon of sandalwood paste prepared in milk works as an effective face pack to regain lost glow.
Plant Protection With Turmeric
If you are a plant lover or gardener, who hates to see pest on your plants. Then, it’s good to know, that turmeric helps here too. Homemade turmeric spray can come super handy, to ward off the many attacks on your Greens. Research well the correct proportion of water mixed with turmeric to create that Magic Potion.
Sacred Rituals using Turmeric
Turmeric has many other less heard uses too.
In India, amongst the Hindu community, the dead body, before the funeral, is laid on the ground, inside the house. A boundary line with turmeric powder is drawn all around it. Turmeric helps avoid any insects or ant attacks. Meanwhile, rituals towards the final departure of the deceased, are undertaken by family and friends. This practice, is carried out, whenever somebody dies and body is taken home before funeral.
Turmeric Used At Auspicious ceremonies
Not only in times of Grief, but also at auspicious occasions, festivals and religious celebration. Turmeric continues to remain of special importance.
Whether it is The Haldi ritual at Hindu weddings. (Smearing turmeric paste over the body of bride n groom). Or, use of turmeric to draw rangoli (floor designs) at religious ceremonies and prayers. A much wider use of turmeric is easy to spot in different parts of India, from north to south. Drawing Swastik symbol using turmeric paste at the home entrance to welcome good luck and ward off the evil is a custom prevalent in different parts of India. Offering kumkum and haldi (red powder and turmeric) to apply on forehead, the 3rd eye dot amongst married Hindu women, is a famous tradition in Southern India.
Astrology and the Occult
If you are the one with deep interest in astrology rituals combined occult sciences, then this may sound interesting. Here goes it! If, Jupiter or Guru is sitting in a weak position in your birth chart, then take a daily bath with some turmeric water. That’s about one teaspoon of turmeric powder dissolved in a 10-15 ltrs bucket of water. If that’s not possible, then a dot of turmeric powder or paste on forehead (third eye point) might work. Everyday application is said to make a difference. These interesting tips come with a disclaimer – practice at your own discretion.
Here’s how I look at it, through the lens of colour psychology. The yellow of turmeric, brings back a level of confidence and optimism, needed during difficult times. You may take this extra info, however you please.
Important Note
It’s important to guide your attention towards turmeric benefits and usage mentioned in this article. All the interesting tips and hacks come with a disclaimer. You practice them at your own discretion.
There is still so much more to turmeric from past till present. I recommend you to dive-in at your own pace. May curiosity push you deeper.
As I Am Forever Exploring.
