The Monsoon Season is now coming to an end. Along with the monsoon, raw turmeric will also be available in the market. Let’s find out how raw turmeric, which you may have seen in Pandavas, is different from turmeric powder and how it can be beneficial for health…

Raw Turmeric Has More Medicinal Properties: When raw turmeric is cut or crushed, it emits a unique fragrance. In Ayurveda, raw turmeric is also referred to as “Karpuraharidra” and “Amragandhiharidra.” Karpuraharidra means that raw turmeric smells like camphor, while Amragandhiharidra means that it has a scent similar to that of ripe mangoes.

Dr. Bhuvan Ram, a professor at the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, says that raw turmeric has more medicinal properties compared to dry turmeric powder.

Whether it is raw or dry, both are rich in minerals and antioxidants. Turmeric contains manganese, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, fiber, vitamin B3, B6, choline, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin E. But the most significant component is “curcumin.”

Curcumin Turns Turmeric Yellow

Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound that gives turmeric its yellow color. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help alleviate conditions like fatigue, swelling, pain, and infections in the body. Raw turmeric contains more curcumin, making it a preferred choice. Dr. Bhuvan explains that curcumin is well-known for its cancer-fighting properties, and research is ongoing on its potential as a cancer treatment.

Boosting Immunity with Ghee Mix

Raw turmeric is not always readily available, but when it is, it can be a boon for your health. Mix crushed raw turmeric with a tablespoon of ghee and consume it every morning. This enhances your immune system and makes it stronger.

Drink Turmeric-infused Milk

Milk mixed with crushed raw turmeric is known as “Golden Milk.” By consuming this, you can protect your body from various illnesses, especially seasonal flu. It is particularly beneficial for children, especially those with breathing difficulties. A paste made from turmeric, jaggery, and khandsari sugar is also prepared to provide it to children. Dr. Bhuvan explains that turmeric is a root, so it’s best to consume it crushed. Many people prefer to drink warm milk with raw turmeric or turmeric powder, but it doesn’t provide all the necessary nutrients.

Raw Turmeric Helps Digestion

Consuming raw turmeric can improve your digestion. Even in the case of indigestion, raw turmeric should be consumed. It’s also known to have pain-relieving properties in cases of ulcers. Raw turmeric is highly beneficial for the liver. It enhances liver enzymes, as reported in the “Archives of Nutrition.” The oldest Ayurvedic text, “Sushruta Samhita,” states that turmeric works as a detoxifier in the liver. Dr. Bhuvan advises that in southern states of the country, turmeric is primarily used in a paste form due to these properties. Raw turmeric is warm, and it helps balance phlegm, gas, blood disorders, and skin issues.

Raw Turmeric Acts as Natural Sunscreen

Raw turmeric is a natural sunscreen lotion. Due to its properties, it’s often referred to as “Varnini” (for beautiful glowing skin), “Kanchani” (skin enhancer), and “Yoshitpriya” (women’s favorite) in Ayurveda. “Yoshitpriya” means the one applied on the face and is beneficial for women’s health. According to the Dhannvantariya Nighantu, raw turmeric is considered hot. It’s beneficial for issues related to phlegm, air, blood diseases, and skin disorders. Dr. Bhuvan points out that due to these properties, in southern regions of the country, raw turmeric is mostly used as a paste, especially for skin protection against ultraviolet rays.

Kachi Haldar in Diabetes

Raw turmeric can be given in diabetes. It is beneficial for reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Raw turmeric is also known to purify the blood. Dr. Bhuvan Ram suggests that mothers should consume raw turmeric mixed with milk after childbirth. This is because it purifies the mother’s milk and cleanses the uterus. Breastfeeding mothers can provide good milk to the baby.

Kachi Haldar is a Natural Painkiller

For any sprain or injury on the hand, foot, or body, applying a paste of raw turmeric and turmeric can be beneficial. This is a natural painkiller. Have you ever noticed that when raw turmeric comes into contact with lime, its color turns red? The reason for this is that when it comes into contact with lime, turmeric neutralizes phenolic proton, transforming the yellow pigment into a red quinonoid structure. The longer the wavelength of the red pigment compared to yellow, it becomes longer. This is why when turmeric is mixed with lime, its color turns from yellow to red.

Should You Drink Water with Raw Turmeric?

Should raw turmeric be soaked in water all night and consumed in the morning? Dr. Bhuvan Ram says that raw turmeric should not be drunk in water. It has no benefits. It should be boiled and then consumed.

Raw Turmeric’s Paste is Best

Consuming raw turmeric’s paste is not only delicious but also contains medicinal properties.

How to Make Turmeric Pickle

• Wash the turmeric and clean it with water.
• Let it dry in the sun for a while.
• Grate the peeled turmeric finely.
• Heat mustard oil in a pan.
• Add asafoetida, fenugreek, and all spices along with turmeric.
• Add lemon juice to the turmeric mixture.
• Mix it well.
• Store the turmeric paste in a container.
• Keep it in the sunlight for two days.
• The turmeric paste is ready to eat.