Turmeric, known as baridra in Sanskrit, in fact, is extensively cultivated all over India, more so in the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. There are several varieties, each known by the name of the locality where grown. The short and thick rhizome of ovate shape of this herb is the turmeric of commerce.

The brownish-yellow rhizomes consist of central bulbous portion with finger like lateral offshoots. They are separated and broken into convenient sizes. After removing dirt and fibrous roots, the rhizomes are subjected to the process of curing. This involves cooking them in water and drying uniformly. Later, 'polishing' is done by rubbing or trampling to remove the outer skin. The final product is the attractively colored turmeric we come across in the markets.

Turmeric is intricately interwoven in the Indian culture, particularly among the Hindus. It is one of the auspicious items in their religious ceremonies. Anointing a bride with turmeric paste is a compulsory wedding ritual for the Hindus. The herb is also a normal constituent of condiments and curry powders. It is a universally recognized organic dye.

Besides all this, importance of turmeric lies in its medicinal properties. It finds a high place in the Indian Systems of Medicine.

Juice of the fresh rhizomes is applied to wounds, bruises and leech-bites. This juice is also used as antiparasitic for many skin affections. Turmeric paste is applies to smallpox and chickenpox to facilitate the process of scabbing. The paste is used in ringworm, eczema and other parasitic skin diseases like the juice of fresh rhizomes. In cases of pemphingus and shingles, affected part is coated with mustard oil on which turmeric powder is dusted for cure within 3-4 days. Application of paste of turmeric and red sanders wood (Pterocarpus santalinus) in buffalo milk removes freckles from face. According to 'Susruta - samhita', taking 40 gm turmeric with urine for a month is useful in leprosy.

Milk in which turmeric rhizomes have been boiled and sugar added, is a popular drink for treatment of cold. Mixture of clarified butter and turmeric powder relieves cough. Simply inhaling the fumes of burning turmeric in the cases of catarrh and coryza causes a copious mucous discharge and provides instant relief.

Turmeric powder and lime paste is applied to inflamed joints. Clarified butter mixed with turmeric powder, rock-salt and honey is useful in some poisoning cases. Exposing scorpion sting affected body part to the smoke of turmeric powder sprinkled over burning charcoal provides relief.

Application of an ointment made of turmeric, hemp leaves and onion with warm mustard oil or linseed oil is a great relief in painful and protruding piles. Paste of turmeric powder with latex of Euphorbia nerifolia (common Milk Hedge) is also a useful ointment in piles.

Several standard turmeric formulations like Haridrakbanda for obstinate skin complaints, Haridradi Ghrta for jaundice and Haridradi Taila (oil) for wounds are available easily.

Modern day research has found that water extract of turmeric possesses significant anti-inflammation activity. In another experiment, it was observed, application of turmeric powder over septic as well as aseptic wounds in rats and rabbits substantially accelerated the healing process.

In a clinical study at Vidarbha Ayurvedic College in Maharashtra state of India, powders of turmeric and Achyaanthes aspera (Rough Chaff) along with latex of Euphorbia nerifolia were coated on surgical linen thread as described in 'Susruta-samhits' and was applied to nineteen patients of fistula ulcer. The treatment resulted in faster improvement in the patients.

An ulcer on the right lower leg of a woman was successfully treated with dressing of turmeric powder along with oral administration of several herbs at the Ayurvedic Health Care Center in South Australia.

Doctors at Sitapur Eye Hospital in Uttar Pradesh state of India, in controlled clinical study of the cases of corneal ulcer, observed that the use of herbal eye drops made of turmeric and several other herbs, along with conventional allopathic treatment, recovered faster than those who received the allopathic treatment alone.

These are but few examples. Several other clinical studies and research projects have confirmed many of the suggested medicinal properties of turmeric in the Indian Systems of Medicine. Today, healing properties of turmeric are recognized the world over.