A cousin of ginger distinguished by the brilliant yellow-orange colour of its rhizome, turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Asia. Its epithets range from “the spice of life” to “the golden goddess”, and it is said to have at least 53 names in Sanskrit alone, including gauri (to make fair), jayanti (one that wins over diseases) and vishagni (killer of poison).
Precious yellow gold
The list of uses for turmeric is as long as its list of names. Apart from being a popular spice and food colourant, it’s established in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for treating ailments from asthma and allergies to an irritable bowel, gallstones, indigestion and liver diseases.
Not surprisingly, turmeric’s track record has attracted researchers of every stripe, including those for modern medicine. Thousands of studies have been carried out and published over the past few decades, revealing growing evidence that turmeric’s strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties hold immense potential for the treatment of various diseases.
Cancer research journal Carcinogenesis says studies show that curcumin – the substance that makes turmeric yellow – is a stronger antioxidant than vitamin E and may help to suppress cancerous mutations in genes. Another study published in the Journal of Neurochemistry found that when mice were treated with curcumin extract, symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in their brain tissue dropped by 30 per cent in just a week.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Heritage in a Bottle
Crafted by Swiss perfumer Christine Nagel, Barenia is the first chypre fragrance from Hermes, a seductive scent that is a dance between the delicate butterfly lily and the vibrant burst of miracle berry.
Is my adult acne caused by hormonal changes?
Quinn Chen answers.
BEST IN CLASS
MOVING AWAY FROM INTRODUCING ENTIRELY NEW PRODUCTS, BRANDS SUCH AS SHISEIDO, CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE AND SULWHASOO HAVE CHOSEN TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD TO ELEVATE TRIED-AND-TRUE FORMULAS. THESE ICONIC CLASSICS ARE MORE EFFICACIOUS AND LUXURIOUS THAN BEFORE.
Sneak Peek
We've got our sights set on these new must-haves that promise to breathe new life into tired-looking eyes.
ACTS OF SERVICE
Beauty brands are enticing customers with a range of in-store treatments and services that offer expert tips, demonstrations and pampering.
BREAKING DOWN THE BENEFITS OF HYALURONIC ACID
Here's why this popular skincare ingredient is a potent fix for dehydrated complexions.
November favourites
Here are some of the must-haves you will not regret adding to your beauty shelf.
Against the rules
Step into the dark side with grunge-inspired moody tones and smoky, smudgy eyes.
Is it ever a good idea to engage in online discourse?
Sarah Bagharib answers.
GO WITH THE FLOW
Half a month in Mongolia living with nomadic families and exploring the country's storied beauty taught senior advertising strategist Uli Chan the beauty of impermanence.