Turmeric is known around the world for its amazing health benefits and its use in multiple dishes and drinks. The west has caught up with eastern wisdom regarding the bright yellow spice that is a permanent fixture in almost all Indian kitchens. While yellow turmeric has been taking the health and culinary world by the storm, not many know about black turmeric. Yes, you read that right! The magical turmeric rhizome that you are so familiar with, also has a blackish-blue cousin that is usually grown in the Northeast of India as well as some other states. The scientific name of black turmeric is Curcuma caesia and it is also known as black zedoary. The plant that black turmeric comes from is a perennial herb that has pale yellow flowers with reddish border.Black turmeric is a rare herb. It is the underground portion of the stem, or rhizome, of the Cucurma caesia plant. The plant itself is sometimes grown as an ornamental, but the root has been used for centuries for medicinal and religious purposes. Black turmeric offers benefits similar to the orange variety, but the darker cultivar contains higher concentrations of curcumin than any other Curcuma species. In Hindi, the herb is called Kali Haldi. It is used widely in India for health and religious purposes. Black turmeric contains the highest concentrations of curcumin of any plant species. It is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The root has been used medicinally for centuries to treat arthritis, asthma, and epilepsy. Black turmeric root is crushed and can be applied to bruises and sprains to ease discomfort or applied to the forehead to help relieve symptoms of migraines. Black turmeric has an appearance that more closely resembles its cousin, the knobby ginger. The main stem, or rhizome, may have smaller rhizomes branching out, reaching from one to two inches in length. The outer part of the rhizome is a light brown, with rough areas. The flesh is a bluish-purple color that can appear entirely blue or in light and dark concentric circles, sometimes lighter in the center or just near the skin. Black turmeric has a pungent, camphor-like smell. It is somewhat bitter, with an earthy, hot taste. The plant is grown in a similar manner as common turmeric plant and just like yellow turmeric, black turmeric is available in both fresh and powder form. In some parts of Madhya Pradesh, the rhizomes are considered auspicious. The plant may be used to indicate abundance and the possession of this plant is said to prevent a shortage of food grains and cereals at home. The rhizome has a characteristic sweet smell due to the presence of essential oils. The plant has special significance for tribes in Manipur and some other states, where the paste from the rhizomes is applied on wounds as well as snakes and scorpion bites.
Medicinal Uses Of Black Turmeric
There are a number of uses of the black turmeric, according to a report published in the International Journal Of Research In Pharmacy And Chemistry. One of the most popular uses of the black turmeric rhizome or root is to crush it into a paste and administer it to anyone suffering from gastric issues, including stomach ache and dysentery. Black turmeric powder can be mixed with water and consumed to get relief from gastric stress. Just like common turmeric, black turmeric is also said to control bleeding and induce quick healing in cases of cuts or wounds and snake bites. Black turmeric may also provide relief from inflamed tonsils. When applied topically, black turmeric paste may provide relief from painful and stiff joints. Black turmeric is known to possess antioxidant and anti-fungal properties and may help in fighting inflammation in the body, as well as keep infections away.
Currently there is limited research into the benefits and potential uses of black turmeric.
The west has caught up with eastern wisdom regarding the bright yellow spice that is a permanent fixture in almost all Indian kitchens.According to the 2013 report in the journal, “Less information is available regarding the clinical, toxicity, and phytoanalytical properties of this plant. Several phytochemical studies have been reported but still it needs to progress.” Currently, black turmeric rhizomes are very rarely available in grocery stores, but you may go to your nearest nursery to see if you can cultivate the plant at home.
