It is native to tropical South East Asia and needs temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C, and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive.A relative of ginger, turmeric is a perennial plant that grows 5 - 6 feet high in the tropical regions of Southern Asia, with trumpet-shaped, dull yellow flowers. Its roots are bulbs that also produce rhizomes, which then produce stems and roots for new plants. Turmeric is fragrant and has a bitter, somewhat sharp taste. Although it grows in many tropical locations, the majority of turmeric is grown in India, where it is used as a main ingredient in curry.

Turmeric is the ingredient in curry that gives it a vibrant yellow color.


It is also used in mustard and many other common foods to impart a yellow shade.

India is the worlds largest producer of turmeric powder as well as the world's largest consumer of the powder.

The city of Erode in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu is the world's largest producer of turmeric. Erode has often been referred to as "Yellow City" or "Turmeric City."

It is a ritual in Indian weddings to apply turmeric paste over the bride and groom's face and arms.

Women in India sometimes use turmeric paste to remove excess body hair.

People in the Middle Ages called turmeric "Indian saffron" because it was often used as a less expensive alternative to saffron.

A spoonful of turmeric added to the water in water-cooled radiators will stop leaks.

Turmeric paste is a home remedy for sunburn and it is also an ingredient in many commercial sunscreens.

Health Benefits:
1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.