Turmeric

overall appearance

Perennial herbaceous plant growing 3-5 feet tall with large, broad leaves and distinctive underground rhizomes that are bright orange-yellow when fresh.

roots

Thick, branched rhizome system with primary rhizome (mother rhizome) and secondary finger-like branches; externally brown, internally bright orange-yellow with aromatic, slightly bitter taste.

stem

Short, thick underground stem (rhizome) with leaf sheaths forming a false stem (pseudostem) above ground reaching 2-4 feet in height.

leaves

Large, oblong-lanceolate leaves 8-20 inches long and 4-8 inches wide, with parallel venation, smooth margins, and a prominent midrib; leaves emerge directly from the rhizome.

flowers

Rare flowering in cultivation; when present, flowers are white to pale yellow, arranged in dense spikes 4-6 inches long, emerging from the center of the leaf cluster.

fruits/seeds

Rarely produces viable seeds; propagated primarily through rhizome division.

1 teaspoon powder in warm milk or water with black pepper

Fresh rhizome sliced and simmered 15-20 minutes

1:5 ratio in 60% alcohol, 2-4 ml three times daily

Fresh paste applied to wounds, skin conditions

Turmeric powder in coconut or sesame oil for topical use