The root of the Olena plant is a member of the ginger family. It has been treasured as a medicine for centuries as a treatment for liver, kidney and gallbladder ailments.

Turmeric had primarily been known to be a source of yellow dye and an Indian culinary spice. It is a standard ingredient in curry. Other valuable meicinal uses for the spice have also been established: It has anti-inflammatory effects, increases efficient isulin use, fights fungal infections and soothes digestive problems. It has been shown to lower cholesterol and inhibit blood clotting, which indicates that turmeric may help prevent heart attacks and strokes. If you have had problems with gallstones or if you have a tendency to develop gall gravel, you can reduce your risk of suffering further problems by taking powdered turmeric. Naturopathic Doctors recommend 5-10tsp. of turmeric for daily medicainal use. You can add generous amounts to your cooking and take capsules regularly.

The therapeutic effect is the yellow pigment curcumin which is mainly responsible for turmeric's wide array of medicinal applications. Curcumin is anti-inflammatory: It stimulates the body to release its own cortisone. Curcumin is also antifungal and antibacterial: it seems to have anatioxidant properties as well. It also increases the body's ability to use insulin efficiently and helps prevent blood-clot formation.