People from the Indian subcontinent have been using turmeric for centuries as a spice to add flavour to their food as well as a natural healing agent that can help manage a wide variety of ailments better. For instance, Indian grandmothers will promptly hand you a glass of warm milk with turmeric and honey if you complain of a sore throat. Similarly, Ayurvedic doctors rely heavily on turmeric paste to treat wounds and burns as it can help expedite the healing process.

The main source of all the therapeutic properties that turmeric is lauded for is curcumin, a natural polyphenolic pigment that gives turmeric its beautiful golden hue. Curcumin makes for a great remedy for treating skin infections too, which are a common occurrence in tropical regions where the humidity is always high, making conditions conducive for fungal and bacterial growth.

Some of the most amazing medicinal properties that curcumin is packed with are:

1. Anti-inflammatory agent – Curcumin has some very strong anti-inflammatory effects on the body as it is able to successfully suppress the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes in the body, thus reducing the intensity of pain, swelling, and itching associated with many skin infections, stomach infections, and even auto-immune diseases like arthritis.
2. Antioxidant – Curcumin is a well-known antioxidant that has the ability to scavenge a variety of free radicals like Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS). An excess of these free radicals in the body over years is the primary cause for the degeneration of body parts as one ages.
3. Anti-microbial agent – Curcumin is one such natural remedy that can be very effective in fighting pathogens of almost all kinds including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Curcumin has the ability to fight most of the bacterial, fungal, and viral strains by proliferating their cells and inducing apoptosis or cell death.
4. Neuroprotective properties – Research has indicated that curcumin has the potential to stimulate the regeneration of brain cells and thus keep neurodegenerative diseases at bay.
5. Cardiovascular protectant – By improving the endothelial function and preventing the accumulation of plaque in the blood vessels, curcumin can keep the heart and the arteries in top shape for a long.
6. The promoter of Better Digestion – Curcumin can stimulate bile production which aids proper digestion and curbs stomach problems like bloating, flatulence, and constipation.

In light of all of the above health benefits that curcumin has to offer, it is an excellent idea to include this natural powerhouse of healthy properties In your diet. One recipe that can not only act as a remedy for a bad stomach or the flu but can also be classified as soul food, is hulthy broth. Made using Bagdara hulthy which is curcumin enriched, this broth is very effective in curing any ailment under the sun. Hulthy broth is an amazing remedy especially for illnesses that make their presence felt during the damp monsoon season. This flavourful broth can be had when one has a cold or a stomach infection or an earache. Not only does it provide nutrition, but it also keeps the body hydrated. Here is how you make it:

Ingredients:

1. 2 tablespoons of Bagdara Hulthy
2. 1-inch knob of ginger – grated
3. 4 cloves of garlic – chopped
4. 1 small onion – diced
5. 3 carrots – chopped finely
6. 4 cups of Water
7. Salt

Preparation Method:

1. In a pan heat some olive oil and throw in the diced onion. Sautee the onions till they turn golden brown.
2. Add the garlic, ginger, and Bagdara Hulthy to the pan
3. After about 2 minutes add the chopped carrots and sautee
4. Add the water when the carrots are soft. Also, add the salt.
5. Once the broth comes to a boil, blend it in a blender
6. Add some lemon juice and a sprig of cilantro before serving hot.

Try this Soup and tell us your experience in the comments section.