Latin (botanical) name: Curcuma Longa

Common names: Turmeric Root, Indian Saffron, Indian Valerian, Jiang Huang, Radix, Red Valerian, Curcuma, Curcuma Rotunda, Amomum Curcuma Plant

Description: A perennial plant, Tumeric has oblong, palmate roots or tubers. These are a deep orange inside. The leaves of the root are about 2 feet long, smooth, lanceolate, and tapering at the end. The flowers, three or five together surrounded by bracteolae, are a dull yellow. The tubers are yellowish externally, but internally, deep orange or reddish brown, marked with shining points, dense, solid, granular fracture, which forms a light yellow powder. This powder has a fragrant odor and a bitter, acrid taste.

Use: Make a tea by pouring approximately 2 cups of boiling water over 2 heaped tsp of herb. Let steep for 3-5 minutes. In general, sip a cup before breakfast, and another 2 hours after dinner

Cautions & Interactions: Do not take during pregnancy. Keep out of reach of children.