One area of health on which turmeric has a traditionally known effect is the immune system.

Turmeric and Ayurveda

The classical Ayurvedic texts describe turmeric as having a balancing effect on all three doshas - vata, pitta and kapha. The second traditionally described effect is the strengthening of Agni, the digestive fire. From the perspective of Ayurvedic medicine, Agni is responsible for breaking down food. This is described in the classical texts like a cooking process. In the process, the nutritious substances are broken down so that the body can use them well and harmful substances are neutralised.

This picture also corresponds to what modern medicine now knows about the digestive system. Also from this point of view, vital substances are broken down and assimilated in the digestive system. Harmful substances are recognised and neutralised. It is now known that over 80 % of the immune system is located in the digestive tract.

In many Asian countries, people consume 1 - 3 grams of turmeric daily in their diet. The success: food seasoned with turmeric protects against bacterial and viral infections of the digestive tract, diseases of the digestive system such as stomach upsets and irritable bowel syndrome are virtually unknown, stomach and intestinal cancer are much rarer than in our country.

Dysfunctions of the immune system

Dysfunctions of the immune system can go in two directions: An overstimulated immune system, which leads to inflammation of the mucous membranes and allergic general reactions such as fatigue, dullness and lack of performance in allergic diseases. In contrast, a weakened immune system leads to frequent infections with bacteria, viruses or fungi.By nurturing the intestinal flora and stimulating the body's own immune-enhancing anti-inflammatory substances (leukotrienes), turmeric helps to keep the immune system in balance. Thus, turmeric protects the body from allergic overreactions as well as from susceptibility to infections with pathogenic germs.

With its sunny yellow colour, turmeric not only pleases the senses when eating, the miracle tuber turmeric helps to make the meal digestible and healthy.

Recipe

Inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nasopharynx (whether viral or allergic): Dissolve 1 level teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 pinch of pepper in a cup of lukewarm water, drink in sips, once or twice a day in total.