Curcuma longa Linn.

Family:                      Zingiberaceae / Scitaminaceae

Arabic Name(s):        Kurkum

Urdu Name(s):           Aruq as -Suff Haldi, Zard-Choli, Haldi

English Name(s):       Turmeric

Parts Used                  Rhizome.

Quality/Temperament

Warm and dry in third order.

Functions and Properties (Pharmacological Actions)

Deobstruent alterative anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, cicatrizing and vulnerary, colouring agent, vasodilator. Externally anti-inflammatory, analgesic, vulnerary and cicatrizing, preventive in several internal and external disorders of catarrhal or bleeding type as well as against accidental shocks, wounds and bruises. Expectorant, cosmetic, blood purifier.

Specific Action

Internally as alterative and deobstruent, externally antiseptic, cicatrizing, analgesic and vulnerary.

Medicinal Uses

Tumeric is regarded as traditionally effective remedy for expectoration of phlegm in whooping cough, asthma and bronchitis. As detersive and cosmetic applied in beautifying cream or poultices (as Ubtan) and to relieve scabies and irritation due to excess phlegmatic humours in the blood. As blood purifier administered in powders or infusion to relief chronic skin disorders. Being effective deobstruent administered in obstructive jaundice and dropsy. Applied in powders and ointments on open wounds, strokes and bruises. In chronic wounds where insects are seen, its application act as insecticide, clears the wound of any specific ooze and dry it subsequently. In strokes or accidents the painful parts are treated by application of the bruised rhizomes and by administering powder with warm milk. In opacity of the cornea and trachoma/granular conjunctivitis and purulent ophthalmia the rhizome is finely powdered and applied as collyrium. Paste with different herbs according to choice proves effective in eczema, prurigo, ringworm. Fumes are effective against catarrh and coryza, mucous discharge and hysterical fits, on ulcers and indolent ulcers. As alterative effective against haemoptysis, and chronic intermittent fevers.

Compound Preparations

Basliqun Kabir, Hab-i-Haldi, Hab Narkachur, Sunun Zard, Marham Jadwar, Roghan Surkh.

Dosage

1-3 g. (approximately).

Corrigent

Citrus fruits (juice).

Tenedium

Rubia cordifolia Linn. (Dyer's Madder) and Curcuma amada Roxb. (Mango Ginger).

Comments

Described as harmful for cardiac functions when used in large doses or for long duration.