Turmeric Root Oil
Turmeric oil is extracted from the rhizomes of turmeric plant. This herbaceous perennial plant is a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. Turmeric is indigenous to the tropical South Asian countries. It is widely cultivated in many other tropical zones like Jamaica, India, Indonesia, Philippines and Haiti. Among these countries, India is the major producer of this precious herb. This plant grows up to a maximum height of 6 feet. Turmeric plants have an historical use of more than 4,000 years. This evergreen herb has broad bulb. The Turmeric leaves are long, rectangular and big in size. These leaves are attached to the stem and form a curve. This plant grows all round the year. The flowers of this plant are dull yellow in color and looks like a trumpet. The roots or the bulbs of this plant produce the significant part of this herb which is nothing but the rhizomes. These rhizomes are key source for the production of roots and stems for the new plants. The Turmeric powder and the Turmeric oil are extracted from the rhizomes. This herb is used as a natural medicine as well as culinary herb. It is generally used as a food coloring, offering a unique flavor and aroma to the food varieties.
Turmeric essential oil is extracted from the underground stem of the turmeric plant by steam distillation process. This oil has a spicy, sharp, slightly bitter and astringent taste. Turmeric oil bears a woody, herbaceous, gingery and spicy aroma. This oil blends well with Ylang ylang oil, clary sage oil, ginger oil and labdanum oil.
Latin name: Curcuma longa.
Alternative names: Indian saffron, Poor man’s saffron.
Turmeric is widely cultivated as a major crop in many Asian countries. This herb is distinct from most other herbs as it is grown from root grafts. Moist soil with a proper drainage system can boost the growth of this plant. The bulb or the root is harvested during winter season. Turmeric oil contains curcumin, essential oil, 6-heptadiene-3, curlone and turmerone. This oil has relaxing, anti-arthritis, antiseptic, stimulating, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, relaxing, antifungal and anti-oxidant properties.
Uses: Turmeric oil is used to treat skin disorders like dermatosis, wounds, burns, boils, cuts, skin infections, rashes and certain allergies. This oil is also trusted to treat digestive problems like gas, indigestion, nausea, flatulence, colic, lack of appetite and certain ulcers. With its antioxidant properties, turmeric oil is also used for treating cancerous diseases. Joint pains, muscular aches, ulcerative colitis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, dyspepsia and few other viral infections are also treated with this powerful oil. Turmeric oil is very effective in killing the germs and enhancing blood circulation.
