When the cold and flu season comes around, it’s hard not to feel that getting one or both is inevitable. After all, doesn’t everyone get sick during the winter? Especially with temperatures fluctuating between the 50s and below zeros. So why not fight it with an easy to find natural remedy called turmeric. Scientifically known as Curcuma longa. It is a culinary spice that spans cultures – it is a major ingredient in Indian curries, and makes American mustard yellow. It can be found in its natural form as a yellow or white small root or as a yellow powder. This brightly colored relative of ginger is a promising disease-preventive agent as well. I learned of Turmeric after I was diagnosed with Lupus about two years ago. I kept searching online for natural ways of fighting my joint inflammation and pain. Then I came across turmeric as the number one natural anti-inflammatory for joint pain. So I have been using the powder form in all of my cooking ever since. I can truly say that it has helped significantly in reducing my inflammation and the need for prescription medications without having negative effects.

The other day I took a walk down India Square in Journal Square looking for some turmeric to use for my cooking. At the moment, I was battling a cold and sore throat from this bittering weather and to my surprise turmeric is a great remedy for colds and sore throats.

According to Vini who works at Siya Cash and Carry at 832 Newark Ave. in India Square, “Turmeric is widely used for sore throats. Just drink it in water and a bit of salt, or just mix some turmeric powder with honey and eat it. We use it for food coloring and to give food a good taste.” In all Indian markets is better known as Haldi, she said. Vini also told me that “The natural form is the best way to go, just chop it up and add it to salads or just munch on it. We all use it in our foods especially to enhance flavor and give food coloring.”

Besides being a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and a natural antibiotic. Turmeric is good for skin toning and to purify the blood. On the onset of a cold before running out to the doctor, give turmeric a try and see how your condition improves. Turmeric is available in powder forms at most supermarkets here in Jersey City. We have the added benefit of India Square in Journal Square where you can find large quantities of powder turmeric as well as fresh turmeric in its root form.

About the writer:

My name is Raquel Gonzalez, I live in Jersey City together with my husband and six years old daughter. I have a biology degree from Rutgers University and I love to cook, enjoy nature and eating organic. I love doing certain things the old fashion ways, like cooking with wood fire, treating different illnesses with natural homemade remedies and growing my own vegetables and raising chickens. I was diagnosed with Lupus a little over two years ago, became extremely ill as a result lost a five months pregnancy. I was told by doctors there is no cure and that I needed to follow a medication regimen for the rest of my life.

But instead I took charge of my health. I did all the necessary research, cut out all gluten, wheat and processed foods. I now follow a diet based on fresh, organic vegetables and herbs, everything cooked at home. I have been feeling at my best after making such changes and after trying different natural remedies. I was born and raised in the country side in the Dominican Republic and I love everything that has to do with nature and living as healthy as possible. I believe that if eating healthy bettered my health, it can definitely better the health of many other individuals. I always try to keep a positive attitude towards everything in life and I believe this positive attitude has helped me immensely in overcoming the challenges I have had to face. I am currently in the works of starting an urban farm here in Jersey City to be able to provide the Jersey City residents with locally grown, organic vegetables and herbs. And also teach the younger generations the importance of eating healthy.

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