Curcuma longa, Manjal, Turmeric, മഞ്ഞള്‍

Family: Zingiberaceae
Vernacular names: Manjal, മഞ്ഞള്‍ (Malayalam), Turmeric (English), Haridra (Sanskrit), Manjal (Tamil)
Distribution: Cultivated throughout the tropics
Description: Rhizomatous herbs. Leaves 4-6, distichous; lamina oblong-lanceolate. Inflorescence central, concealed within the leaf sheaths; spike 8-10 cm long with a distinct white coma. Flowers yellow.
Habit: Herb
Habitat: Cultivated
Flowering & Fruiting: September-October

Parts used: Rhizomes
Properties & Uses: Rhizome is laxative, carminative, diuretic, stimulant, vulnerary, alexiteric and emollient. Externally rhizome is used in the treatment of scabies, itches, boils, abscess, eczema, leucoderma, eye diseases, pains, bruises and sprains; internally for cough, cold, fever, inflammations, ozoena, biliousness, dyspepsia, affections of the liver and jaundice; especially for mothers after delivery and in disorders of blood. It is also beneficial in asthma, gonorrhea and urinary diseases. Paste made of rhizome powder, molasses and mustard oil when chewed gives relief from respiratory problem. Paste of the rhizome along with Azadirachta indica leaf taken every morning in empty stomach is good for diabetes. Fresh rhizome paste is applied on cuts and wounds for healing. Rhizome powder mixed with hot rice, mustard oil and table salt is taken for 3-4 days to cure dysentery. Fresh rhizome juice along with salt is prescribed for intestinal worms. Rhizome oil acts as antacid, carminative, stomachic and tonic. Flower paste is used in ringworm and other parasitic skin diseases and also in gonorrhea.
Systems of Medicines: Ayurveda, Folk, Unani, Homeo,
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