Turmeric

January 26, 2021

TURMERIC

Curcuma longa

Family: Zingiberaceae

Part used: Rhizomes

Energetics: Bitter, pungent, warm, dry

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, carminative, hepatoprotective, immunoregulator, nutritive

Turmeric is an herb that I often use. I eat it regularly. We don’t grow it on the farm, but other farmers are growing it in Maine and other New England states. Eating turmeric is my number one way of using it. I add it to many foods, smoothies, cookies, soups, curries and golden milk drinks. If I’m not eating it, I like tincturing it. Turmeric is an herb that can be tough for our bodies to absorb, so it’s important to add either ginger or black pepper to your formula too. I use turmeric for supporting the liver and aiding in detoxification, and it’s great for digestive support and soothing the gut. I also like to use it for keeping general inflammation in the body at bay, especially digestive inflammation and in the joints.

Contraindications: None known.

Also in Herb Profiles

Ashwagandha

March 10, 2021

Ashwagandha, native to India, grows on our farm in Maine as an annual. I harvest the roots every fall to make into tinctures and dry for teas, soup stocks and powder. Ashwagandha is a wonderful adaptogen that can be used as a daily tonic. It is part of the nightshade family, so if you have allergies you may want to avoid this herb. Otherwise, it’s a wonderfully rejuvenating and nourishing herb that I like to use as a brain tonic and to clear up brain fog and poor memory. It helps induce sleep, relieves anxiety and stress and is great for supporting the reproductive system. Ashwagandha is a great herb for rebuilding vitality and overall strength in the body.

Astragalus

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Blue Vervain

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