What is turmeric root?

Turmeric root is the root or rhizome of a plant widely grown in Southern Asia, mainly in India. It is a relative of ginger and has many medicinal and culinary uses. If it is not used fresh, it can be boiled, dried and turned into a yellow powder.

Turmeric root, with its distinct flavor and yellow color, is used for flavoring and coloring curry powder, mustard, cheese and butter. Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine have used it for treating infected wounds and for reducing inflammation associated with digestive, liver and skin problems. As of 2014, recent research suggests that it has potential therapeutic effects on indigestion, dyspepsia, ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers, osteoarthritis, cancer, heart disease and uveitis.