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
