Turmeric, one of the indispensable ingredients in Indian cuisine, is at the forefront of Ayurvedic treatments and herbal remedies. Black turmeric is another type of turmeric that belongs to the genus Ginger. Black turmeric is cultivated in the same way as regular turmeric. Black turmeric is widely grown in the northeastern part of India. Outer bark brownish-yellow with blue inside. Black turmeric is more distinguished by its camphor aroma. Black turmeric, one of the rare plants, has been used in India for centuries for medicinal and religious purposes.
Black turmeric contains higher levels of curcumin than other turmeric varieties. Therefore, as it acts as a good antioxidant, it is best applied on crushed wounds. Black turmeric is also used to treat asthma, gout and cystitis. It is best taken in combination with peeled black turmeric, ginger, lemon and cucumber. It is always effective to use black turmeric whole. Dried black turmeric can be stored for up to six months. Black turmeric has been used for worship of Goddess Kali for centuries in India. Tribes in Northeast India used to carry a piece of black turmeric in a bag or in a closet to ward off evil spirits. Available in powder form or on the market. The Department of Agriculture has listed black turmeric as an endangered species as of 2016. As part of this, plans have been launched to cultivate and conserve black turmeric in Odisha.