Curcuma Longa

is more commonly referred to as turmeric. It is a plant from the ginger family, native to Southeast Asia. It is used as a culinary spice and in traditional medicine due its powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and is promoted as a dietary supplement for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others. It can also decrease pain and muscle damage associated with exercise and aid recovery and muscle performance.  Turmeric’s effects on health are generally attributed to the orange-yellow coloured, lipophilic polyphenol substance called ‘curcumin’, which is obtained from the rhizomes (rootstalks) of the plant.