Botanical name:-Curcuma longa
Family name:-ZINGIBERACEAE
English name:-Tumeric
Sinhala name:- Kaha
Tamil names :- mancal, Manjal
Sanskirt name: -Haridra,
Distribution:- Sri Lanka, India, Africa
Status:-Under cultivation
Edible parts:-Rhizoma
Ayurvedic usage:-
Treatment for:- Diarrohea, Dysentery, Flatulence, Dyspepsia, Jaundice, Diabetes mellitus, Amenorrhoea, Colds, Fever, Catarrh, Rheumatisim, Bronchial ailments, Skin diseases,Bruises, Sprains, Wounds, Leach bites, Snake bits
Parts used to make medicine:-Rhizoma
Propagation:-Rhizoma
Processing
Mother and finger rhizomes should be separated, washed
thoroughly and remove all stem parts. They should be left for about a day for
wilting. Mother rhizomes should be cut into pieces. Rhizomes should be boiled
well in a closed pot filled with ¾ of water for 30 minutes. When boiled
properly rhizomes become tender. Instead of water steam boiling can also be
applied. Pressure cookers can also be used to boil a few kilograms of turmeric.
Boiled rhizomes should be left in-door for about a day and then put for sun
drying. Drying in the first three days is limited to 3-4 hours and after that
continues drying is a must. Whole drying process requires 10-15 days. When
dried properly, metallic sound can be heard. Dried rhizomes are rubbed on a
rough surface to become them to bright yellow in color.
Products and Uses
Turmeric is available in the market as in a whole dried form
or in a powdered form. It is also used as an ingredient in the preparation of
curry mixtures. Oils and oleoresins are extracted from turmeric which is mainly
used as a coloring and flavoring agent in the food industry.