THE 19th Century was the most fruitful period in the evolution of the Guyanese way of life. It was a time when Guyana came to be populated with immigrants from Asia, the West Indies, Southern Europe, and Africa, the latter of whom were taken off slave ships by the British navy and brought to the then British Guiana, which had become a multiracial, multicultural land and had embarked upon the creation of a distinctive culture. Among the elements of this newly evolving Guyanese Culture was the introduction of a large variety of foods deriving from various parts of the world. Among these were the many spices brought from India, with turmeric standing out since it was used in curries, which was part of the daily fare of the Indian immigrants.
In the Indian tradition, turmeric was not only a food but was also regarded as a medicine for the treatment of a large number of ailments, as prescribed by Ayurvedic medicine over 4,000 years ago. It was, however, only in the 20th Century that its quality as a “cure-all” was discovered by Western medical and scientific circles. Its attractive golden colour was celebrated, and users found it pleasant to ingest, either in its liquid or dry form.
Turmeric has the overall qualities of being anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and a booster for the immune system. These overall qualities are brought to bear on the various organs of the body, which various types of bacteria and viruses may attack.
Below, we will mention a sample of medical conditions where the use of turmeric has positive and curative effects:
Mental Health: Improves brain function, helps memory, works against depression and various other brain diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s. It has met with success in its use against Alzheimer and more and more Alzheimer sufferers are using it.
Cancer Prevention: Affects cancer growth, development and spread.
Heart Health: Regulates bad cholesterol (LDL), which could cause heart attacks and stroke. Cleans blood vessels to the heart. Prevents blood clotting
Arthritis: Alleviates arthritis symptoms, reduces pain and stiffness, joint health.
Skin Health: controls acne, pimples and itching.
Digestive Health: Enhances liver function by removing excess cholesterol, detoxifying the liver, and stimulating bile production.
Diabetes: Helps to manage diabetes by controlling blood sugar.
Leaky gut: Protects gut lining against leaks whereby toxins and bacteria leak into the bloodstream.
Aging: Delays aging by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, engaging age-related ailments.
Eyes: Promotes eye health.
There are many more ailments and health disorders that turmeric can treat.
Western medicine has isolated Curcumin as a drug in turmeric, which is responsible for its curative qualities. It is manufactured and sold in capsule form. In addition to Curcumin, there are 200 other ingredients in turmeric. The overwhelming opinion is that if it is used in its whole form, it is more effective than Curcumin alone. To be effective, however, turmeric should be used with Black Pepper since its curative properties could then be fully absorbed into the body with Black Pepper.
The suggested daily dose is one teaspoon of turmeric powder with a quarter teaspoon of Black Pepper powder, and this could be made into a drink or used in a sandwich. A tablespoon of honey could be mixed with the drink or used in the sandwich.
