Blacks and Health: The Natural Way to Heal #13
Turmeric
I come from the land of curry. Curry chicken, curry goat, roti…you name it, islanders love curry. This plant is actually a member of the ginger family and has such intense anti-inflammatory properties, it rivals cayenne pepper!
The active ingredient in this life-saving plant is “curcumin” and it gives off a slightly mustard-y smell. Did you know that North Africans used this spice to dye clothing? The brightly coloured gowns they wore were tinted with this plant.
I remember growing up with the delicious scent of curry wafting through our house as my mom prepared dish after dish of curry-laden meals. Not only is turmeric an excellent additive to boost the flavour of foods, but its medicinal properties are stellar.
Turmeric:
Fights cancer, like garlic
Fights infections, like peppermint (don’t get me started on peppermint)
Kills acne-causing bacteria, like Tea Tree Oil
Helps with digestion, like ginger
Lowers bad cholesterol, like garlic and vinegar
Helps with joint pain, like cayenne pepper
Ah. I will be making masala potatoes and longbeans tomorrow. I use rice instead of roti plates.
(Shh. On peppermint. Still did not find the seeds to stash away, but did buy a plant. Peppermint + fennel makes a nice tea. As I still lack the time to take care of the plant it is already turning into dried mint. Shh.)
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We should use the natural way since the White AmeriKKKlan’s medicine and technology does worse for us Black people than it does better.
Re: Turmeric
I need to delve further into this.
Thanks for adding to my knowledge base, Truth. I’m looking forward to *your* take on the fabulous/wondrous benefits of Oil of Oregano!!
Don’t really know much about this spice. Thanks for the information.
Thanks for the info. I really enjoy your herbal remedy posts. Just wanted to share with everyone that if you use peppermint oil (which DOAN mentioned that it helps improve circulation) massage it on a bruise three times a day it will help improve circulation and help the healing of the bruise.
Back when I was in college, I was playing broom ball and got hit in the hand with a stick, my hand swelled up and a knot formed on my hand. I went to the Western Doctor and was told that it would heal with time maybe in some months time. I then went to a masseus and they told me to massage three times a day and apply the peppermint oil ointment/cream. That knot on my hand went down within three days of me massaging it.
Truth
I told this brotha he should contact u if he wants his book introduced on your blog. here’s his website http://www.wordod.com/advice/
Pete
Ohhhh…let us know how that turns out.
Adeen
yes ma’am very very true.
Kowaba
I’m mad about peppermint. it truly is a cure all. you cannot go wrong with this herb.
Miss toogood
thank you I hope he does. I cannot stress enough that we must support black businesses.
Look in history at how many times White AmeriKKKlan used technology and weapons to try kill us off.
Sad to say but I don’t know any natural medicines yet. I would love to grow my own fruits instead of the chemically treated fruits in the grocery store.
Adeen
When you have the chance, please type in my search box below “blacks and health.” You’ll find every herb post I’ve done.
I’m the only person I know (in RL) that likes curry dishes (and I like mine painfully hot). I live in a 93% white area though so the range you can find here tastes like watered down garbage. There’s only one restaurant in town that serves it halfway decently in any of their dishes and its Chinese owned (go figure again).
Have to do everything ourselves…. and I’m not sure whether to cheer or cry about that right now lol.
Very whatever you do don’t ever take it to work cause they’ll be up in the kitchen eating it like gremlins. That is what happened to me. Always trying to put their whatever in you food processing it up all together.
I love making tea with it. I also use it to make coconut fritters. I also make a sweet almond, cardamom, coconut based ice cream using turmeric. It is yummy and such a stately color too.
You know I always assumed Curry was a Indian ingredient (“Indian” Indians, not native americans) This was actually very educational and I’ll be looking up a few recipes and ways to add this to some dishes. Can you add it to shakes? Can you add it to a fasting drink?
Negress,
Found this recipe on the internet. I tried it a few times (without the Add-ons) and it’s delicious!
Tropical Turmeric Smoothie Recipe
The Ingredients
1 cup almond or coconut milk
1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
1 fresh or frozen banana
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
A dash of sea salt
A little honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten (optional)
The Add-ons
1-2 tablespoons chia seeds
1/2 cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
1/3 cup coconut shreds/flakes
1 tablespoon maca
Show time
Simply place all of the ingredients into your blender and blend away for around 30-45 seconds or until your desired consistency is achieved.
@Wordshavmire,
I add mine to Yogurt. I also add it to Orange juice, so you can definitely add turmeric to shakes and fasting drinks…You can add it to just about anything and everything.
@ Words
Yes. one teaspoon goes a long way to get the heart pumping. Much like Cayenne Pepper, all you need is just a bit.
If drinking it is too much, try sprinkling it over food dishes, like chicken, potatoes and yams, and seafood. Yum!
ynotme
Thank you!
We love your recipes.
You’re welcome!
I’m just catching this advice! Thanx! Yogurt is probably my favorite protein source. I’ll check that out
I use a lot of cayenne in my lemonade fast so it shouldn’t be a problem. And if it can help with my heart maybe it can curb my Cholesterol issues (^;