Turmeric is a well-known spice that has been used for centuries in various cuisines, especially in India. It is also widely recognized for its medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects. But did you know that there is another type of turmeric that is even more potent and rare? It is called black turmeric, and it has some amazing benefits that you may not have heard of.
What is Black Turmeric?
Black turmeric, also known as Kali Haldi in Hindi, is a perennial herb that belongs to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Its scientific name is Curcuma caesia, and it is native to northeast and central India. It is also found in some parts of Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Black turmeric gets its name from its dark brown or bluish-black rhizomes, which are the underground stems that are used as spice. The rhizomes have a robust camphor-like aroma and a bitter, earthy, and spicy taste. They are rich in alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals that give black turmeric its therapeutic properties.
How to Use Black Turmeric?
Black turmeric is not as widely available as the common yellow turmeric, and it is often more expensive due to its rarity and high demand. However, if you can find it in your local market or online, you can use it in various ways:
You can grate or chop the fresh or dried rhizomes and add them to your dishes, such as curries, soups, stews, rice, or salads. You can also make a paste by blending the rhizomes with water or oil and using it as a marinade or a condiment.
You can brew tea by steeping the rhizomes in hot water for about 10 minutes. You can add honey, lemon, ginger, or other herbs to enhance the flavour and the benefits.
You can make a powder by grinding the dried rhizomes in a blender or a coffee grinder. You can store the powder in an airtight container and use it as a spice or a supplement. You can also mix the powder with milk, yoghurt, honey, or other ingredients to make a mask or a scrub for your skin.
You can extract the essential oil from the rhizomes by using steam distillation or solvent extraction methods. You can use the oil for aromatherapy, massage, or topical application. However, you should always dilute the oil with a carrier oil before using it on your skin.
What are the Health Benefits of Black Turmeric?
Black turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments, such as asthma, bronchitis, cough, cold, fever, arthritis, rheumatism, wounds, ulcers, skin diseases, leprosy, epilepsy, snake bites, and more. Modern research has also confirmed some of the health benefits of black turmeric:
It has anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce pain and swelling in conditions such as osteoarthritis, colitis, and lung diseases.
It has antioxidant effects that can help protect the cells from oxidative stress and prevent ageing and chronic diseases.
It has antimicrobial effects that can help fight against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.
It has anticancer effects that can help inhibit the growth and spread of tumour cells and induce apoptosis (cell death) in various types of cancer.
It has anti-diabetic effects that can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent complications such as neuropathy and nephropathy.
It has anti-obesity effects that can help control weight loss and prevent metabolic disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
It has neuroprotective effects that can help prevent neurodegeneration and improve cognitive functions such as memory and learning.
What are the Side Effects and Precautions of Black Turmeric?
Black turmeric is generally safe to use in moderate amounts as a spice or a supplement. However, some people may experience some side effects or interactions with certain medications or conditions:
It may cause allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive to turmeric or other members of the ginger family. Symptoms may include skin rash, itching, swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.
It may cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation in some people who consume large amounts of black turmeric or who have digestive disorders such as ulcers or gastritis.
It may lower blood pressure in some people who have hypertension or who take antihypertensive drugs. It may also interfere with blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in some people who have bleeding disorders or who take anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.
It may lower blood sugar levels in some people who have diabetes or who take antidiabetic drugs. It may also affect the absorption and metabolism of some drugs that are metabolized by the liver, such as statins, cyclosporine, or warfarin.
It may affect the hormonal balance and fertility in some people who have hormonal disorders or who take hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. It may also affect the menstrual cycle and cause irregular bleeding or spotting in some women.
It may be unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as it may cause uterine contractions or affect the development of the fetus or the quality of the breast milk.
Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before using black turmeric if you have any medical condition or take any medication. You should also start with a small dose and gradually increase it as per your tolerance and needs. You should also avoid using black turmeric for a long time without a break, as it may cause toxicity or adverse effects.
Conclusion
Black turmeric is a rare and powerful spice that has many health benefits. It can help you fight inflammation, infection, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and more. However, you should also be aware of the possible side effects and precautions of black turmeric and use it wisely and responsibly. If you can find this spice in your area, you can try adding it to your diet or your skincare routine and enjoy its amazing properties.
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