Many call turmeric a 'miracle drug.'  Most of 
turmeric's good qualities are yet to be discovered 
since more and more is continuously being found 
about its medicinal benefits.  The main constituent 
of turmeric is a color pigment called curcumin.  
Curcumin is a molecule similar to that of aspirin 
in its shape.  Turmeric is beneficial both internally 
and externally. Externally, turmeric is capable of 
clotting blood and pacifying
inflammation.  Our own team leader, Arpan Bakshi, has 
done research on powdered turmeric root.  Arpan pricked 
himself consecutively to examine clotting times.  He 
found that on average, blood alone clotted in about 
four minutes.  When the turmeric was applied on the 
incision, the blood clotted, on average, in about two 
and a half minutes.  Not only that, but in the same 
amount of time it had reached a much
further state in its healing process.  It had formed into 
a pre-mature scab.  As mentioned before, turmeric powder, 
when applied to an inflammated region, reduces 
inflammation.  Internally, turmeric suppresses clotting.  
This ability, of reacting differently in the presence 
of air and the atmosphere, and differently in the internal 
environment, causes it to be prevent stroke.  Turmeric is 
anti-bacterial, anti-viral and
anti-fungal.  Turmeric is a great purifier of blood, 
removing its toxicity.  It has become apparent, in some 
research, that turmeric may even be in some way beneficial 
for AIDS.  Ironically, the stain producing property of turmeric 
that is caused by the ingredient curcumin, is the same 
ingredient responsible for all of turmeric's medicinal values.  
Studies have also shown that residents of Asia have a smaller
percentage of colon cancer than residents of Europe or North America.  
This has been attributed to the tendencies of Asian peoples to eat 
turmeric as a part of their daily meals.