Spices and carnival: turmeric and coriander.

Coriander: it is a plant discussed because we find it both in pagan feasts (carnival - "Carnem Levare", that is, in the ban on consuming meat during the Lenten period, that is, after Shrove Tuesday) and in the Bible (after the exodus the hungry Jews were satiated with the manna rained from the sky that tasted similar to coriander). The latter nod suggests that this spice has digestive activities as well, excluding the children of Israel from suffering from ingestion.

The Jews adapted the use of coriander by the Egyptians who considered it so necessary and useful that they placed it in the tombs of the pharaohs, presumably to prevent digestive disturbances in the afterlife. This activity has also been confirmed by specific studies to the point of finding it in liqueurs, together with carminative plants (to enhance the effect) and with laxatives (to sweeten the purgative effect). Instead the Romans used it as a spice to preserve meat. This ability has been confirmed by a Russian-Japanese study. This herb contains substances that suppress certain bacteria, fungi and insect larvae that attack meat, the same microorganisms can also attack humans. Therefore it would be better to wash the cut or peeled part thoroughly with water and then sprinkle with coriander (also read cinnamon).

Some possibilities of interest for this plant are as hypoglycemic (therefore useful in symbiosis with insulin treatment to enhance drug therapy) and as an adjuvant for arthritis (anti-inflammatory action). The coriander infusion can also be used as a detox towards heavy metals as it is a chelating agent for the latter. Five glasses of boiling water are used for a bunch of coriander leaves (stripped of the stems). It is left to infuse for about 20 minutes and then passed into a colander. To be sweetened with honey.

Turmeric: nothing but a litmus test!

In Europe it has not had success and use as in Indian and Chinese Ayurvedic medicine. Its first use (in the seventies) was as an ingredient of the papers used in the laboratory to measure alkaline pH given the change in color, which was then replaced by the papers back in the sun. Its beneficial effects are still studied mainly in India today given the skepticism shown by western herbalists and doctors.

It is used

For the treatment of wounds with an antibacterial action such as coriander, cinnamon.

Digestive, stimulates bile secretion, promoting the digestion of fats.

In case of intestinal parasites because it fights the protozoa therefore it is used in case of dysentery as well as in cases of fever and infections.

Hepatoprotective because curcumin has protective effects on liver tissues exposed to hepatotoxic drugs (such as acetaminophenol analgesics like tachipirine) and in cases of continuous alcohol intake.

Arthritis because curcumin has anti-inflammatory effects which can also be used to burn the wound.

Cardioprotective because (as well as ginger) it helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and has a preventive action against the formation of blood emboli (these lead to heart attacks and some forms of epilepsy). Here it does not replace drug treatment but makes it work well. It is having interesting possibilities as an anticancer agent as it inhibits the growth of lymphoma cancer cells.

There are some contraindications

1. It reduces fertility, this experiment has not been clarified for men but only in vitro however it is better to avoid in cases where you want to become pregnant or if you are pregnant.

2. Being curcumin a powerful anticoagulant it could cause problems for people with coagulation disorders

Various forms can be prepared, although the preparation of the golden milk is recommended (as Ayurvedic medicine also recommends) or the root decoction. In case you want to take in the form of tablets the maximum recommended dose of curcumin depends on the purpose of its use.

The boiling water is mixed with the turmeric powder and a little black pepper which enhances its effect (due to intestinal absorption) thus obtaining a homogeneous and dense mixture. This should be added (half a teaspoon) in a glass of milk, preferably of vegetable origin in the evening before bedtime. It should be kept in the refrigerator.

Instead, the decoction is prepared by boiling 5 grams of turmeric root (a spoonful of sliced ​​root) in a cup of water for 3-4 minutes. It is left to rest for 10 minutes, filtered, and sweetened with honey as desired. To drink a few times a day. Useful for dealing with winter diseases as well as for hydrating sports.

Turmeric also has many benefits as a cosmetic, therefore anti-aging cream, anti-inflammatory (regulating sebum), against sun spots etc.