Turmeric lends its medicinal properties to many systems in the body. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and so can help with just about all inflammatory issues from arthritis to asthma and eczema. It also helps to support the function of the liver and can be used as a warming digestive aid.
Turmeric burst onto the wellbeing scene a few years ago now and has been a major trend in wellness products from supplements to ready to drink products and of course infusions. The root crop produces an amber, golden opaque brew, with soft sweet spice notes. This deep golden yellow coloured root of the turmeric plant - which is first cousin to ginger and galangal - is also well known for its ubiquitous use in Indian cuisine.
Now herbal infusions and powdered lattes with turmeric as a base are all the rage, however we have been using turmeric as both food and medicine for thousands of years. Turmeric supports the body in many ways but the key to its medicine is that it has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. This means that it can reduce painful inflammation. Medical herbalists use it principally for joint pain and inflammation of the gut.