Drugs for women , Lowering blood sugar levels, Anti-cancer, Anti-toxic, Ulcer medicine, Antinyeri medicine, Antibacterial and antifungal, Anti-allergic activity, Anti-inflammatory and painkiller property, Antimicrobial activity, Relieves Inflammation and Pain, Respiratory Problems, Digestive Aid
Often referred to as Zedoaria or Amba Haldi, white turmeric is actually the root of the Curcuma zedoaria plant. It is a perennial herb and is member of genus Curcuma and Zingiberaceae family. The Curcuma zedoaria plant is native to India and Indonesia, but has also been cultivated in Europe and in the US. It was introduced to Europe by Arabs around the sixth century, but its use as a spice in the West today is extremely rare, having been replaced by ginger. Though white turmeric nowadays is rarely used anymore as a spice and often replaced by ginger, it is still used in Asian cuisine. In Indonesia, white turmeric powder is often added to curry dishes. In Thailand, fresh, sliced white turmeric is used as an ingredient in salads. And in Indian cuisine fresh white turmeric is also used as an ingredient to popular dishes. It has lighter flesh and its flavor is very similar to that of ginger, but with a bitterer aftertaste.
Plant
Zedoaria or White Ginger is an herbaceous and rhizomatous perennial plant that grows up to 1.2 m in height and is composed of an upright pseudostem, a corm and underground cylindrical branches or rhizomes and fleshy roots. The rhizome is light yellow on the outside and bright yellow on the inside aging to a darker brown color. Some roots develop terminal storage structures. From March to April the axillary buds of the corm and apical buds of the third-order rhizomes emerge above the ground as inflorescences. This basal flower spike, which grows about 30 cm tall, appears just before the foliage. On the node closest to the flower spike, a vegetative shoot always develops. No additional floral buds sprout but more vegetative shoots develop. New branches start to develop on corms of recently formed aerial shoots. By autumn, the above-ground foliage dies back. From November to December storage roots are formed, having a high (> 70%) carbohydrate content.
It is used traditionally for the treatment of menstrual disorders, dyspepsia, vomiting and for cancer. Rural people use the rhizome for its rubefacient, carminative, expectorant, demulcent, diuretic and stimulant properties while the root is used in the treatment of flatulence, dyspepsia, cold, cough and fever.
History
During Medieval times, white turmeric was appreciated in the spice trade because people thought that its aroma was a combination of mango, turmeric, and ginger. The plant is also stated in Roman de la Rose’s 13th century poem, and was extolled by Nicolas Culpeper, a 17th century herbalist, for its ability to fight poison, expel wind, stay vomiting, stop the menses and fluxing, kill worms, and help the colic.
White Turmeric is very good for our bodies. White turmeric has a wide range of chemical constituents that include tianin, starch, curcumin, essential oil, sugar, saponins, resins, flavonoids, until the toxic protein that has the capability to prevent cancer cell growth. The presence of so many important ingredients is what that made turmeric supplements so much popular among the masses. Listed below are few of the health benefits of using white turmeric in your daily life
1. Digestive Aid
For millennia, white turmeric has been used to treat digestive problems, mostly in the gastrointestinal tract. The herb’s essential oil and the herb itself are beneficial in the treatment of colic, indigestion, spasms, loss of appetite, infestation of worms, flatulence, irregular bowel movement, and tastelessness. It is also a natural aid in preventing stress-related ulceration.
2. Respiratory Problems
In Ayurveda, an excess of kapha dosha is due to fluids like phlegm and mucus building up in the lungs and other areas of the body. Phlegm and mucus block the nasal passages and lead to breathing difficulties and respiratory disorders like cold, asthma, and cough.
3. Relieves Inflammation and Pain
White turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent that helps to treat inflammation, wounds, and other skin ailments. It was used in Indonesian folk medicine to treat inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). It was also utilized to protect asthmatic patients’ lungs by limitation inflammatory mediators’ release during short-term therapy.
The diuretic properties of zedoary support the elimination of the body’s toxic substances and excess fluids, particularly in the joints. If there is no detoxification, it may lead to inflammation and pain in cases of arthritis and rheumatism. White turmeric also reduces the body’s temperature during fever by purging infectious microbes and promoting sweat. “White Turmeric is an excellent natural anti-inflammatory plant and is often used by golfers looking to naturally decrease their knee pain. Combined with proper strengthening and conditioning of the knee, this product is highly effective”. Kristopher Explains from the website Knee Force.
4. Antimicrobial activity
Extracts of tubers show potent anti-microbial activity against E.coli, S.aureus, Cornyebacterium species, Candida sp, Aspergillus sp. etc.
Research found that anti-microbial action of C. zedoaria was as powerful as that of commercial mouth rinses in inhibiting growth of oral pathogens.
zedoaria’s anti-fungal activity is effective in terminating growth of drug resistant fungal species. It also prevents growth of amoeba, Entamoeba histolytica and also exerts larvicidal effect against mosquitoes.
5. Anti-inflammatory and painkiller property
Curcumenol, a compound obtained from this rhizome, shows painkiller activity better than aspirin. Extracts of the rhizome are proven to have painkiller activity in model of abdominal spasms and compounds- curcumenol and dihydrocurdione contribute to its analgesic activity.
6. Anti-allergic activity
Oils of Curcuma zedoaria have moderate to good antioxidant activity; they search free radicals and chelate heavy metal ions. Curcuminoids present in extracts of Curcuma zedoaria exert anti-allergic activity and are found to be therapeutic in skin related allergic reactions. Curcumin shows the highest anti-allergen activity and this is mediated by inhibiting activity of inflammatory proteins and preventing release of chemicals that initiate allergic reactions.
7. Antibacterial and antifungal
Turmeric is believed to reduce the amount of microbes in the mouth with the same results with mouthwash products on the market. In addition, extracts from white turmeric are also believed to inhibit fungal activity in the human body.
8. Antinyeri medicine
White turmeric was believed to be used as an analgesic or medicine to relieve pain. However, this analgesic effect depends on how many doses you use.
9. Ulcer medicine
Flour from the root of white turmeric is thought to reduce the amount and acidity of the stomach fluid so it can be used as a tukak medicine. These benefits still require clinical research in humans.
10. Anti-toxic
White turmeric extract can also be an antidote or a snake bidder. This can happen because white turmeric can inhibit the activity of snake venom.
11. Anti-cancer
White turmeric is believed to play an important role in the inhibition of cancer metastases or the spread of cancer from an organ to other organs. But, its effectiveness to overcome cancer still requires further research.
Antioxidants Essential oils of white turmeric are supposed to reduce the impact of certain free radicals.
White turmeric is also believed to be beneficial for the treatment of symptoms of arthritis, asthma, anti-rheumatism, and diuretic medications.
12. Lowering blood sugar levels
Eating white turmeric is believed to lower blood sugar levels. However, both still need medical research to prove it.
13. Drugs for women
White turmeric is suspected to treat female complaints like leucorrhea, relieve pain during menstruation, and menstruation expedite. However, this has not been medically proven and still needs further research.
How to use white turmeric, Curcuma zedoaria?
Curcuma zedoaria is used as an herb in traditional medicine. Not much data is available on the dosage but around 1-4 g of dried roots is safe. However these roots are bitter to taste.
In India fresh roots are used directly in dishes and pickles. The powder is used as a thickener in many dishes. In Indonesia dried roots are used or dried powder is obtained and used subsequently in dishes.
The paste of the rhizome is applied externally for pain. Essential oil is used in aromatherapy as well as digestive aid.
A clinical trial investigating the effect of C. zedoaria herbal tea has found that dose of 500mg to 1.5g of zedoaria root dry powder safe to consume over a period of 2 months.
Traditional uses and benefits of White Turmeric
It is used traditionally for the treatment of menstrual disorders, dyspepsia, vomiting and for cancer.
Rural people use the rhizome for its rubefacient, carminative, expectorant, demulcent, diuretic and stimulant properties.
Root is used in the treatment of flatulence, dyspepsia, cold, cough and fever.
It can inhibit cancer cell growth.
It can narrow female organs.
It may help treat itching of the female.
It can strengthen lust.
It is useful as antipyretics (fever).
It is used to treat pain shortness of breath (asthma).
White turmeric is used to treat inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract (bronchitis).
It may be useful as an antitoxin (antidote).
It can help reduce abdominal fat.
Culinary Uses
In Thai cuisine it is used raw and cut in thin strips in certain Thai salads.
It can also be served cut into thin slices together with other herbs and vegetables with certain types of nam phrik.
In Indian cuisine fresh white turmeric is also used as an ingredient to popular dishes.
White Turmeric Facts
White turmeric is the underground stem (rhizome) of the tropical plant Curcuma zedoaria in the ginger family. Quite rare in the west, white turmeric is used in Thai, Indonesian and Indian cuisines. It possesses quite a long list of herbal remedies; maybe because its high levels of antioxidants. With very light yellow-cream flesh and a unique pungent and sharp tasting with some fruit-sweetness. It is eaten fresh as a delicacy in salads, accompanies chili relishes or even cooked in curries.
Name
White Turmeric
Scientific Name
Curcuma Zedoaria Rosc
Native
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India
Common Names
White turmeric, zedoaria or gajutsu, zedoary, kentjur, Amba Haldi
Name in Other Languages
anskrit: Krachura, Sati, Shati Hindi: Gandamatsi Bengali: Sutha Arabic: Gadwâr, Satwâl, Zadwâr. Bosnian: Beli isiot, Isiot, Setvar. Chinese: E zhu, E shu, Yu jin (Medicinal name). Crotian: Beli isiot, Isiot, Setvar, Bijeli isiot, Czech: Kurkumovník zedoárový, Zedoár, Zedoárie, Zedoárové koření Danish: Zedoar. Dutch: Zedoar, Zedoarwortel, Maagwortel English: Setwall, White turmeric, Zedoary turmeric, Zedoary. French: Curcuma zédoaire, Gingembre bâtard, Zédoaire, Rhizome de Zédoaire, German: Zedoarwurzel, Zitwer, Zittwer Kurkume. Hindi: Kachur, Amb halad, Gandhmul, kachura (कचुरा) Hungarian: Citvor, Fehér kurkuma, Zedoária-gyökér Italian: Radice di curcuma, Zedoaria, Zedoaria lunga. Indonesian: Kunir putih, kentjur Japanese: Gajutsu, Gajutsu( ガジュツ) Kannada: Kachora, kacora, Kacōra (ಕಚೋರ) Korean: A-cul, Achul, bong-cul, ga-jyu-ceu, Kajyuchu, keo-kyu-meo je-do, Keokyumeo jedo, Kokyumo jedo, Pongchul, gajyucheu (가쥬츠), bongchul (봉출), achul (아출), keokyumeo jedo (커큐머 제도) Laotian: Khi min khay. Malay: Temu kuning, Temu puteh, Temu putih (Indonesia). Nepalese: Kacur, Van haledo. Portuguese: Zedoária. Russian: Kurkuma zedoarskaia (Куркума зедоарская ), Zedoari, Zedoarij, Zedoariy (Зедоарий) Serbian: Beli isiot, Isiot, Setval. Spanish: Cedoaria, Cetoal. Slovak: Zedoár Slovenian: Isiot Spanish: Cedoaria Swedish: Zittverrot Thai: Haeo dam (Chiang Mai), Kha mîn oi (Central Thailand), Kha mîn khuen (Northern Thailand), Kha min hawkuen, Kha min khao, Khamin khun, khamin oi, K̄hmînh̄ạwk̄hụ̂n (ขมิ้นหัวขึ้น), K̄hmînx̂xy (ขมิ้นอ้อย) Turkish: Çevdar, Gulpa hamar Ukrainian: Kurkuma zedoarskaya, Kurkuma zedoarskaâ, Kurkuma zedoarskaya (Куркума зедоарская) Vietnamese: Bông truât, Ngái tim, Nga truât, Tam nai, Nga truật, Nghe den, Nghệ đen
Plant Growth Habit
Herbaceous and rhizomatous perennial plant
Growing Climate
Tropical and subtropical wet forest regions
Plant Size
1.2 m in height
Flower
Yellow flowers with red and green bracts
Rhizome Shape & Size
Large and tuberous with many branches.
Rhizome Color
Brown skin
Flesh Color
Creamy color to light yellow
Flavor/Aroma
Warm and ginger-like, slightly camphorous, with a bitter aftertaste.
Taste
Bitter taste
Plant Parts Used
Roots, oil, and leaves
Health Benefits
Drugs for women
Lowering blood sugar levels
Anti-cancer
Anti-toxic
Ulcer medicine
Antinyeri medicine
Antibacterial and antifungal
Anti-allergic activity
Anti-inflammatory and painkiller property
Antimicrobial activity
Relieves Inflammation and Pain
Respiratory Problems
Digestive Aid
Traditional Medicinal Use
It may increase appetite.
It may be useful as a laxative (laxative).
It can be used as an antioxidant.
It is beneficial to treat fever, colds, bloating, etc.
It purifies blood and acts as a body stimulant.
It treats respiratory disorders, acts as an aphrodisiac, and tones up the uterus.
It is used to treat urinary tract infections and urine-related disorders.
In its powdered form, it helps regulate menstruation.
It helps to normalizes body temperature, improves liver condition, and improves digestion.
It is used to prevent stress ulceration and acts as a gastro-intestinal stimulant in flatulent colic.
It helps treat cough, vomiting, colic, and dyspepsia.
It is used to make cosmetics, perfumes, bitters, stomach essences, and liquors.
It is used as anti-venom for Indian Cobra bites.
Culinary Uses
In Indonesia, it is ground to a powder and added to curry pastes.
In India, it tends to be used fresh or in pickling.
Other Facts
The essential oil produced from the dried roots of Curcuma zedoaria is used in perfumery and soap fabrication, as well as an ingredient in bitter tonics.
Zedoary roots were extensively exported to Europe where the oil was extracted by steam distillation and used to provide fragrance to perfumes, soaps, oils etc.
Precautions
Pregnant and nursing women are advised to avoid it.
Women suffering from heavy menstrual cycles are advised not to use white turmeric.
Individuals taking blood thinning medications and blood pressure medicines should consult a health practitioner before taking C.zedoaria.
