TURMERIC

Circuma longa: Zinziberaceae

TASTE: bitter, astringent, pungent	VIPAKA: pungent
WARMTH: heating (small, less aromatic roots may be cooling)	DOSHAS: V+ P+ K-

MERIDIANS: heart, liver, and lung

ACTIONS: mildaromatic, carminative (and improves intestinal flora), stimulant, alterative (purifies and warms the blood), vulnerary, antibacterial, emmenagogue, cholagogue, anodyne, astringent, antiseptic, antiinflammatory, antitoxin, regulates blood sugar.

INDICATIONS: indigestion, poor circulation, cough, amenorrhea, pharyngitis, diabetes, arthritis, anaemia, wounds, bruises, irregular menses, dysmenorrhea, uterine tumours, gallstones, trauma and injury, diabetes

PRECAUTIONS: high Pita, pregnancy, acute jaundice and hepatitis

CONSTITUENTS: an acrid volatile oil, gum, starch, calcium chloride, a yellow pigment called CURCUMIN, valepotriates, alkaloids

PREPARATION AND USE:
-use in poultices mixed with honey for bruises, wounds, and itch
-milk decoction is tonic to the skin
-take in food or powdered in capsules: take 2 OO caps, 3-6 times daily for 1-3 mo for gallstones

NUTRITIONAL USE: used as a seasoning and as a colouring agent

USE IN MAGIC: Purification
-mixed with water and scattered with a ti leaf in areas to be purified in Hawaiian magic

USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH:
-gives the energy of the Divine Mother and grants prosperity
-cleanses the chakras and channels of the subtle body
-helps loosen ligaments, so good for the practice of hatha yoga
-fortifies and restores spiritual strength
-clears anger and argument

"I learn to celebrate the differences of others, which add spice to my life."

THE ESSENTIAL OIL

ACTIONS: analgesic, antiinflammatory, bactericidal, cholagogue, carminative, diuretic, hypotensive, laxative, rubrefacient, stimulant.

INDICATIONS: arthritis, muscular aches, anorexia, sluggish digestion, liver congestion

DOSE: 1-3 drops