With its characteristic yellow color and inimitable peppery flavor, turmeric is a highly prized spice in gastronomy, especially in Indian cuisine. No wonder it is nicknamed “Indian saffron.” Thanks to its many beneficial properties, it is a real treasure for health. But in addition to giving color and flavor to our dishes, this herbaceous plant is an unexpected ally to take care of our plantations. Discover all its virtues and how to use it in your garden.

Turmeric, health benefits

Aside from its recognizable taste, 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 negligible. In addition, this plant is often recommended for the treatment of abdominal bloating, indigestion, and hypercholesterolemia.

What are the benefits of turmeric on 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.
• It 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 there is no need to remind you that these substances are still harmful to the environment. They can also have dangerous effects on humans and animals. Therefore, in order to avoid its constant application, it would be good to use some alternatives based on natural agents. That’s 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 potent antioxidant that has remarkable antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to boosting 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 such as powdery mildew, the famous “white disease” that results from a fungus that usually attacks crops and plants, especially during temperature changes and when humidity is very present, can be easily treated.

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 won’t 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. Therefore, you will 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’s even a common situation that great gardeners are used to. But, the more seasoned have their little tricks to reduce the pain, including the use of turmeric. It is the perfect remedy for relieving wounds and skin irritations. In fact, this substance has an anti-inflammatory and emollient action, which quickly reduces itching and discomfort. As a bonus, turmeric will disinfect the skin and protect it against a potential risk of infection.