Wild Turmeric | Kasturi Turmeric | Kasturi Haldi
Curcuma aromatica (wild turmeric) is a member of the genus Curcuma belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. Botanically close to Curcuma australasica, wild turmeric has been widely used as a cosmetic herbal in South Asia and nearby regions. In Tamil and Malayalam, it is known as Kasthuri Manjal (கஸ்துரி மஞ்சள்/കസ്തൂരി മഞ്ഞൾ).
History of Wild Turmeric
Wild turmeric, a member of the Zingiberaceae plant family, undergoes a distinct growth cycle. Its perennial foliage recedes in late autumn, while its rhizomes remain dormant throughout winter. In early spring, vibrant inflorescences emerge from the base of the rhizomes. During the summer monsoon and subsequent weeks, the plant experiences rapid growth, with stalks reaching heights of 20–30 centimeters and adorned with enlarged, colorful bracts featuring pink tips. Even after flowering, leaves continue to sprout, contributing to the plant's lush foliage. At its peak, wild turmeric can stand approximately 40 centimeters tall.
Natural Habitat: Wild turmeric thrives in the South Asian region, particularly in areas such as South India, Japan, and Sri Lanka. Variations in its chemical composition have been observed across different geographic locations. Primarily native to the Western Ghats, this species has a long history of utilization by communities throughout South Asia.
Kasturi Manjal, commonly known as wild turmeric powder or Curcuma Aromatica, is a renowned Ayurvedic beauty ingredient with a legacy spanning centuries. Esteemed for its ability to promote skin radiance and address diverse skin issues, it boasts a wealth of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory elements, and antibacterial properties. These attributes render it advantageous for a wide range of skin types, making it a cherished component in skincare routines worldwide.
Here are some of the advantages of incorporating wild turmeric powder into your skincare routine:
Diminishes Pigmentation and Dark Spots: Wild turmeric contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant that shields the skin from free radical damage. By curbing melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin coloration, it aids in fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Treats Acne: With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics, wild turmeric is effective in combating acne-causing bacteria. It also alleviates inflammation and redness, contributing to clearer skin and reduced acne breakouts.
Enhances Skin Texture: Wild turmeric serves as a natural exfoliant, eliminating dead skin cells and refining skin texture. This process results in smoother and more radiant-looking skin.
Minimizes Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Enriched with antioxidants, wild turmeric shields the skin from oxidative stress induced by free radicals. Consequently, it aids in diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Accelerates Skin Healing: Wild turmeric possesses wound-healing properties that expedite the recovery process for cuts, scrapes, and other skin injuries. This promotes faster healing and aids in maintaining healthy skin.
Wild turmeric powder stands as a safe and efficacious natural remedy for various skin conditions, offering versatility as a face mask, ubtan, or additive to other skincare products. To ensure optimal results and skin compatibility, it's advisable to commence with a modest quantity and gradually escalate usage.
Consider these pointers for utilizing wild turmeric powder for skin:
Create a Face Mask: Blend wild turmeric powder with water, yogurt, or milk to form a paste. Apply evenly to the face, leaving it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Enhance Skincare Products: Incorporate wild turmeric powder into your preferred face cream or lotion to amplify the benefits of your regular skincare regimen.
Indulge in a Turmeric Bath: Elevate your bathing experience by adding a few tablespoons of wild turmeric powder to your bath water. Soak for 20-30 minutes to detoxify the skin and enhance overall skin health.
Authentic Kasthuri Turmeric
Methods to Verify Authenticity
Kasturi turmeric is esteemed for its potent antibiotic properties and is recognized as a medicinal herb. The rhizomes of Curcuma Aromatica, commonly known as "Wild Turmeric," are meticulously cleaned, dried, and ground into powder for external application on the skin. Freshly prepared face packs with this powder serve as excellent skin rejuvenators. Applying it to the body before bathing is considered a proactive measure against skin ailments, fostering a radiant complexion.
However, there is a prevalent misconception surrounding the identification of Curcuma Aromatica. Many mistake yellow zedoary (Curcuma Zedoaria) for the authentic Curcuma Aromatica and inadvertently purchase or sell these counterfeit rhizomes or powders worldwide. Consequently, the product often labeled as Curcuma Aromatica powder in the market is typically yellow zedoary powder. Genuine cream-colored rhizomes or powder of Curcuma Aromatica are seldom found in commercial circulation.
Kasthuri Turmeric (Curcuma aromatica) has been revered for its medicinal, aromatic, and cosmetic attributes since ancient times. In the 1970s, it spanned approximately 6000 hectares in India. However, its cultivation has significantly declined, leading to endangerment. This decline is attributed to the infiltration of a cheaper, counterfeit genotype known as Manja Koova or Zedoary (Curcuma zedoaria) into the market, facilitated by unethical middlemen and vendors.
Visual Inspection: Kasthuri Turmeric leaves exhibit an appealing green hue, whereas Manja Koova (Zedoary) displays a distinct dark violet midrib extending from the base to the tip of the leaf.
Tactile Examination: When the undersurface of Kasthuri Turmeric leaves is gently touched, a cushiony or velvety sensation is felt. Conversely, Manja Koova (Zedoary) lacks this cushiony texture.
Rhizome Color: The cross-section of Kasthuri Turmeric rhizomes reveals a light cream hue akin to ginger or mango-ginger, while Zedoary rhizomes appear yellowish.
Aroma: Crushing or breaking Kasthuri Turmeric rhizomes releases a characteristic camphoraceous scent. The resultant powder retains this pleasant aroma, distinguishing it from Zedoary, which lacks such olfactory qualities.
Color of Powder: Kasthuri Turmeric powder exhibits a wheat bran coloration, contrasting with the light to medium yellowish hue of Zedoary powder.
What we do ?
At VERDC, our passion is deeply rooted in unlocking the boundless potential of wild turmeric, revered for centuries for its profound healing properties. We are driven by an unwavering commitment to sourcing only the finest wild turmeric, meticulously selected from untouched regions where it thrives in its natural habitat, untouched by human intervention.
Our journey embarked with a profound vision - to offer natural, holistic solutions that elevate wellness and vitality to new heights. Through tireless dedication and extensive research, we've perfected the delicate process of preserving the purity and potency of wild turmeric. Each batch undergoes stringent quality control measures to ensure it maintains its rich nutritional profile and therapeutic benefits, delivering nothing but the best to our valued customers.
What truly sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of excellence in quality. From the initial sourcing stage to the final processing, every step is carefully curated and executed to uphold the highest standards. We take pride in our close partnerships with local communities and farmers, fostering sustainable practices that not only preserve the delicate ecosystems but also empower livelihoods, creating a positive impact beyond our products.
Whether you're seeking natural remedies to invigorate your skincare routine or enhance your overall well-being, our wild turmeric powder offers a versatile solution. Enriched with a powerful blend of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and bioactive elements, it serves as a potent ally in nurturing your skin and rejuvenating your body from within.
What makes our wild turmeric different ?
Verdc Kasturi Manjal embodies the essence of purity, crafted from organically cultivated tubers of Curcuma Aromatica. Our commitment to quality is unwavering as we meticulously oversee each stage of harvesting and production to guarantee the utmost excellence.
Sourced from organic farms nestled amidst the lush landscapes of the Western Ghats in Kerala, our Kasturi Manjal is selected with precision. Every tuber is handpicked with care, ensuring that only the finest specimens make their way into our product. This meticulous selection process ensures that we capture the full spectrum of benefits offered by this remarkable botanical treasure.
Once harvested, our Kasturi Manjal undergoes a carefully orchestrated drying process. Shielded from direct sunlight, the tubers are gently dried in the soothing shade, preserving their inherent goodness and potency. This slow drying method allows us to retain the natural compounds and delicate aroma, ensuring a product of unparalleled quality.
After the drying process is complete, the tubers are finely milled to perfection. Our state-of-the-art milling facilities ensure that each particle is ground to the ideal consistency, resulting in a powder that is velvety smooth and free from any impurities. This meticulous milling process guarantees a product that is not only visually appealing but also maximizes the bioavailability of its beneficial compounds.
From the fertile soils of organic farms to the final packaging, Verdc Kasturi Manjal embodies our unwavering commitment to quality and purity. Experience the difference of our meticulously crafted product, crafted with care to enhance your well-being naturally.
Thank you for choosing VERDC - where nature meets nurture.
