Tumeric

            Zingiberceae

            Turmeric

            Khamin kaeng, Khamin Yuak, Khamin hua (Chiang Mai); Khimin, Min (Southern); Tayo (Karen-Kamphaeng Phet): Sayo (Karen Mae Hong Son). (Chiradet and Alanya Monosoi, 1994, 69) Phaya wan, Khamin thong, khamin di, khamin pa, khamin khai (Wut Wuthithamwet, 1997, p. 124)

            Rhizomes yellow flesh, pungent, used to enhance color of curry, butter, cheese, pickled Chinese mustard plants; also used as a fabric dye, cosmetic, preservative as it contains curcumin. (Wut Wuthithamwet, 1997, p. 124)

            Carbohydrates, fiber, protein and calcium, phosphorus and iron, Vitamin B1, B2 and niacin. (Phak Phuen Ban A-han Phuen Mueang, 2007, p. 35). Lanna people use fresh rhizome in curry to disguise the unpleasant smell of the meat (fish). Leaves are used to wrap “aep” for grilling.

Food for upset stomach, stomach ulcers, gallstones, as an antifungal, antibacterial, antivirus, relieves allergies, speeds up healing of wounds and nourishes skin, antioxidant. (Phak Phuen Ban A-han Phuen Mueang, 2007, p. 35)
Lanna Pharmaceutical Indication: part of the formula for treating ringworm. (Chiradet and Alanya Monosoi, 1994, 69). Fresh turmeric is applied to the skin to counter insect bites to relieve inflammation. It is used to reduce swelling,, as a treatment of gallstones, kidney stones, sneezing, boils, etc. (Rattana Phromphichai, 1999, p. 857)
Modern Thai Medicine Indication: the rhizome is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammation, induces flow of bile. Volatile oil in turmeric can cure stomach ache, gastritis, cramps. (Chiradet and Alanya Monosoi, 1994, p. 69)

            All year round

            

Chiradet and Alanya Monosoi. (1994). Lanna Pharmaceutics: Lanna Herbal Medicine. Bangkok: Institute of Traditional Thai Medicine. (in Thai).

Phak Phuen Ban A-han Phuen Mueang. (2007). Bangkok: Fa Aphai Co., Ltd.

Rattana Phromphichai. (1999). Khao Min Hua. InSaranukrom Watthanatham Thai Phak Nuea (Vol.2,pp. 856-857). Bangkok: The Siam Commercial Bank Foundation for the Encyclopedia of Thai Culture. (in Thai).

Wut Wuthithamwet. (1997). Saranukrom Samunphrai: Ruam Lak Pesatchakam Thai. Bangkok: Odean Store. (in Thai).