Haridra (Curcuma longa)
Haridra - Curcuma longa
Haridra, commonly known as ‘Turmeric’ is a tall herb, rootstock large, ovoid, with sessile cylindrical tubers orange-colored inside and cultivated throughout the tropical and other regions in India. The name ‘Haridra’ indicates the yellow colour of rhizomes of the plant. The word ‘Curcuma’ came from its Arabic name Kurkum and ‘longa’ indicates that it is long or tall. Haridra is one of the most commonly used drugs in bothAyurvedic and Allopathic medical field. The plant have many therapeutic actions.
IAFA conducted various studies in Turmeric to find out the therapeutic actions of the herb. Our experts have successfully proven the activities like hepatoprotective, antiallergic, immunostimulant, anticancer, antitumor, antihyperlipidimic, antioxidant and antimicrobial property of Haridra. The experienced scholars of IAFA found out that the active phytoconstituent curcumin induces permanent growth arrest of human colon cancer cells. Bisabolene sesquiterpenoids of Haridra is proven to possess anticonvulsant activity with which it extends its therapeutic use in seizures and epilepsy. Curcuma is also proven to possess antidiabetic activity by promoting glucose uptake with increased insulin sensitivity in muscle cells. Curcuma also have antistress and antidepressant activities. Curcuma have preventive effect on acute pancreatitis. It is brought into action by decreasing pancreas injury and reversing the elevation of serum amylase.
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Action of Haridra - Curcuma longa in Allergies
IAFA experts are putting continuous efforts to prove the antiallergic property of Haridra. The plant contains phytoconstituents like volatile oil, resin, starch grains, curcuminoids, curcumin and volatile oil contains mono and sesquiterpenes such as camphor, camphene, zingiberene, curcumenes etc. These phytoconstituents contribute to its antiallergic and antimicrobial actions. Juice or decoction prepared from this herb can be used to pacify kapha and pitta doshas, and can be used against allergic reactions caused by these doshas.
Vernacular Names and Botanical Classification
| Botanical Name | Curcuma longa |
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Native Names | |
| Sanskrit Name | Haridra, Nisa, Krmighna |
| Hindi Name | Haldi |
| English Name | Turmeric |
| Malayalam Name | Manjal |
| Kannada Name | Arishina |
| Marathi name | Halad |
Ayurveda reference of Haridra - Curcuma longa
Morphology of Haridra - Curcuma longa
- Haridra is a tall herb
- The rootstock large, ovoid, with sessile cylindrical tubers
- The tubers are orange-colored inside.
- Leaves very large in size
- Leaves will grow up to 1.2 meters or more in length.
- Flowers in autumnal spikes.
Geographical distribution of Haridra - Curcuma longa
Haridra is cultivated throughout the tropical and other regions in India as a commercial crop.
Phytoconstituents of Haridra - Curcuma longa
The plant contains phytoconstituents like volatile oil, resin, starch grains, curcuminoids, curcumin and volatile oil contains mono and sesquiterpenes such as camphor, camphene, zingiberene, curcumenes etc.
Parts used of Haridra - Curcuma longa
- Rhizome
Dosage of Haridra - Curcuma longa
- Decoction(Kwatham)- 50-100 ml
- Juice (Swarasa) – 10-20 ml
- Powder(churna)- 2-4 g
Medicinal Properties of Haridra - Curcuma longa
- Shotha hara – anti inflammatory
- Varnya – increases complexion
- Pramehahara – cures diabetes
- Vranahara – useful in ulcers and wounds
- Kushtaghna – useful in skin diseases
- Krimighna – useful in worm disease
- Vishaghna – useful in poisoning
- Sitapittahara – cures Urticaria
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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Home remedies of Haridra - Curcuma longa
- In Diabetes (Prameha) – Powder of Haridra and Phyllanthus emblica are mixed together in equal quantity and taken in diabetes. It is said to be the best medicine to control diabetes.
- In Ring worm infestation (Dadru kushta) – Haridra powder is taken with cow’s urine and jaggery. It is taken orally for a period of 5 days.
- In Gout (Vatarakta) – Decoction prepared of Haridra and Tinospora cordifolia is taken with honey. Oral intake of this decoction at a dose of 60 ml per day will cure Gout.
- In Filariasis (Slipada) – Haridra taken and is powdered well. This powder is taken with cow’s urine and jaggery. It is effective against filariasis.
- In Thirst (Trisna) due to kapha dosha – Water processed with Haridra is taken with honey and sugar. The mixture can alleviate thirst instantaneously.
- In Anaemia (Panduroga) – Haridra powder is mixed with powder of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica and Phyllanthus emblica and taken with ghee and honey.
- In Insect bite (Visha) – Paste is made with Haridra and Ocimum sanctum and applied over bitten area.
- In Skin diseases (Kushta) – Paste of Haridra is applied over skin. The paste have antiallergic and antimicrobial property and can cure skin infections.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Allergist
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