With its distinctive yellow colour and inimitable peppery flavour, turmeric is a highly prized spice in gastronomy, especially in Indian cuisine. It is no wonder that it is nicknamed “Indian saffron”. Thanks to its many beneficial properties, it is a real treasure for health. But in addition to giving colour and flavour to our dishes, this herbaceous plant is an unexpected ally in caring for our crops. Discover all its virtues and how to use it in your garden.
Turmeric, health benefits
Apart from its recognisable flavour, turmeric is very often used for medicinal purposes. It has, among other things, antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Its health benefits are innumerable: it relieves digestive disorders, prevents various chronic pathologies, provides an important source of vitamin C to the body and, thanks to the curcumin it contains, its anti-inflammatory effects are not insignificant. In addition, this plant is often recommended for the treatment of abdominal bloating, indigestion and hypercholesterolemia.
What are the benefits of turmeric for your plants?
The benefits of turmeric do not stop there: this substance is also a very valuable ally in the treatment of plants.
Among its main advantages in the garden:
- Cures plant diseases.
- It has a fungicidal action.
- Repels pests and insects that invade plantations.
When it comes to gardening, you of course have access to a variety of chemical fertilizers and industrial pesticides. But we don’t need to remind you that these substances are still harmful to the environment. They can also have dangerous effects on humans and animals. Therefore, to avoid their constant application, it would be good to employ some alternatives based on natural agents. That is why the use of turmeric can be very judicious.
You should know that this herbaceous plant contains a substance called “curcumin”: it is a very powerful antioxidant that has remarkable antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to stimulating our immune system, it also has incredible benefits on our plants. In particular, it has the power to eliminate many types of diseases: instead of resorting to chemical treatments, it is enough to spread a good amount of turmeric powder on the infected areas. In this way, certain common pathologies can be easily treated such as powdery mildew, the famous “white disease” resulting from a fungus that usually attacks crops and plants , especially during temperature changes and when humidity is high.
How to proceed? Prepare a mixture of two parts ash and one part turmeric to apply directly to the plant. As a bonus, this remedy will also act as a natural pesticide. Thanks to the strong smell of the spice, insects and pests will not harm your plants.
Good to know : Instead of buying it, you can easily grow this plant at home from a small piece of turmeric rhizome. You will therefore enjoy a bountiful harvest at home!
Turmeric, a natural remedy for insect bites
During gardening work , it is difficult to escape small accidental wounds and other insect bites. It is a common situation that even great gardeners are used to. But, the most experienced have their little tricks to reduce pain, including the use of turmeric. It is the perfect remedy to relieve wounds and skin irritations. In fact, this substance has an anti-inflammatory and emollient action, which quickly reduces itching and discomfort. As an added benefit, turmeric will disinfect the skin and protect it against a possible risk of infection.