Black Turmeric
The Rare Miracle Herb
We have always known Turmeric as â??Haldiâ?? in our Indian kitchen so the one image that comes up instantly is that of the Yellow Haldi.Isnt it? But there is a rare plant not easily available with the local nursery which is,â??Kali Haldiâ?? or Black Turmeric. By etymology, Kali is the feminine form of Kala, which means black color and hence the plant is termed as Black Turmeric in English. Black Turmeric has a similar resemblance to its cousin, the Ginger.
Black Turmeric or Kali Haldi is a rare and a perennial herb found throughout the Himalayan region, North-east and central India. The exact location in India where turmeric originated is still in dispute, but all the available details point to its origin in western and southern India. Black Turmeric has been in use in India for more than 5000 years now.
It is the underground portion of the stem, or rhizome, of the Curcuma Caesia plant. Black Turmeric (Curcuma Caesia) is a kind of turmeric with bluish-black rhizome and a strong camphor odor, famous for its unique medicinal properties. It is a perennial herb, belonging to Zingiberaceae (Ginger) family, native to North-East and Central India. Presently Black Turmeric is on the verge of extinction due to Bio-piracy. Black Turmeric is highly sought after and often associated with Occult in Indian tradition. Itâ??s been used for ages in rural India as a miracle herb because of the belief that it protects one from the negative energies, evil spirits and Black Magic. Black Turmeric is addressed by various names in India.
Ayurvedic name: Narkachur
Unani name: Siyah haldi,Kali haldi
Hindi name: Kali Haldi, Narkachur
Trade name: Black zedoary, Kali Haldi
Botanical name: Curcuma Caesia Roxb
Family: Zingiberaceae (Ginger Family)
