Turmeric, or haldi, is a big part of Bharatiya culture. Apart from being the staple spice that adds richness to almost every dish it touches, the cult status of turmeric is owed to its almost magical healing properties. Treating wounds, curing infections, removing indigestion— you name it and turmeric does it. This gorgeous, yellow, powdery substance is a major player in Ayurvedic medicine, a branch of alternative medicine that has often invited ridicule and controversy from its Western medicinal counterparts.

Over the past decade, lots of funded research has tried debunking the “myths” surrounding turmeric and its magical healing properties. But are these really myths? Or are these facts? In today’s blog, we get to the bottom of 5 such myths.

Myth 1: “It’s All About Curcumin!”

Curcumin is the compound that gives turmeric its rich, yellow colour. And many scientists believe that isolating this single compound and recreating curcumin supplements can give one all the benefits of turmeric. But is that so? The answer is no. Curcumin is one among the many phytocompounds that give turmeric its magical healing properties. There is no one magical compound in plants that contributes to its healing potential. Rather, it is the combination of hundreds of other compounds that give a plant its unique capabilities. Reducing all of that to one chemical and calling it the “why” of turmeric is the myth!

Myth 2: “Turmeric has a Heating Effect!”

Since turmeric is a spice and is used in a majority of Bharatiya cuisines, a common misconception is that it has exothermic properties, meaning it produces heat inside the body after being consumed. This misunderstanding has led people to believe that turmeric can cause all sorts of problems, typically with regards to mucus/phlegm accumulation or inflammation. But neither Ayurveda, nor traditional Chinese medicine says anything like that. In fact, turmeric is said to have great anti-inflammatory properties, improves blood circulation and overall is a great immunity booster.

Myth 3: “Turmeric Stains the Teeth Yellow!”

Although it is true that turmeric does leave stains on kitchen tops or even one’s fingers, magically enough, it leaves no stains on white teeth! And not just that, nowadays, many natural health experts are advising turmeric as a natural teeth whitener rather than using artificial teeth whiteners that have all sorts of harmful chemicals. Turmeric is great for removing plaque and bacteria from the dental environment, and it also keeps the gums healthy and irritation-free.

Myth 4: “Any and All Turmeric from Anywhere is Good!”

Turmeric is definitely magical. No doubts about that. But is it true that no matter where you buy it from, or at what price you buy it for, the turmeric will always be pure? Most stores do not check labels before they put up new products on their shelves. Nowadays, many sellers of fake turmeric use a dye called metanil yellow to make it look vibrant. But did you know that research points to this dye being neurotoxic and carcinogenic? So, it is definitely unwise to believe that all types of packaged turmeric are pure and healthy. Check carefully for the ingredients used, and make sure the turmeric you buy is completely free from all adulteration. Make sure to only buy from trusted vendors, such as Namox Turmeric that is 100% pure and is from any kind of adulteration.

Myth 5: “Only Eating Lots of Turmeric will give you its Benefits!”

Well, this is definitely true for water, but for turmeric? Not really! Just a half to one tablespoon of turmeric powder can let you extract all therapeutic benefits. Eating one little tablet of turmeric everyday after waking up can give a tremendous boost to your immunity and help you prevent seasonal viral infections. This is a common practice in Bharat. If you are continually exposed to smoke, dust and pollution, you can definitely consider consuming a little raw turmeric everyday or have it with milk. You don’t need bricks of it. Even a little pinch of this magical compound can do wonders for your health!

Not only is turmeric a potent spice and a beautiful source of natural food colour, it is also a great medicine. In ancient times, many infections and wounds were treated with the help of this yellow powder and even now, many use it for a multitude of other natural benefits. Turmeric will always be one of the most magical spices of Bharat.