Turmeric: The Golden Root With An Ancient Soul
Bright as a marigold and earthy as the soil it grows in, turmeric has been cherished for centuries as both a culinary staple and a wellness companion. Often called the golden root, turmeric has a long, storied history that weaves together food, tradition, and ritual, all long before it ever found its way into modern kitchens and teacups.
Turmeric's Golden Story Through The Ages
Turmeric has been cultivated for over 4,000 years, with deep roots in India and Southeast Asia. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and other holistic traditions, turmeric wasn’t just valued for its flavor. It was respected as a symbol of purity, protection, and vitality.
For generations, turmeric has been incorporated into daily life: added to foods, brewed into drinks, blended into pastes, and shared during important moments. It wasn’t something “extra”. It was essential.
Traditional and Cultural Uses
Turmeric’s presence has always been intentional, inviting warmth, balance, and brightness into everyday life. Across cultures, turmeric has been used in ways that go far beyond the spice rack.
Daily rituals: Traditionally added to warm drinks and foods as part of grounding, nourishing routines
Ceremonial uses: In many cultures, turmeric symbolizes prosperity, protection, and new beginnings
Household staple: Used in everything from cooking to natural dyes and festive preparations
Turmeric has long been associated with cleansing energy and spiritual protection. Its golden color is often linked to the solar plexus chakra, connected to confidence, clarity, and personal power.
In spiritual practices, turmeric has been used to:
Cleanse spaces and objects
Support intention-setting rituals
Symbolize abundance, warmth, and light
The Tale of Ganesha
There are many legends involving Turmeric in the Hindu tradition. One such legend is that of the Goddess Parvati and her son, Ganesha.
Parvati is the wife of the God, Shiva. As legend goes, Parvati was at home on Mt. Kailash, preparing for a cleansing bath involving turmeric paste. Realizing that she had no one who was exclusively loyal to herself to guard the door, she took turmeric paste from her own body and molded it into the shape of a boy. Breathing life in to him, she named him Ganesha and declared him her own loyal son.
When Shiva arrived home, Ganesha was guarding the door. Not recognizing Parvati's husband, the boy denied entrance to the God. Furious that he should be turned away from his own home, Shiva ordered his army to destroy the boy, but to no avail. Ganesha possessed such power, being the son of a Goddess.
Shiva flew into a furious rage, and severed Ganesha's head from his body, killing him. When the Goddess Parvati discovered what her husband had done, she became enraged and threatened to destroy all of Creation.
The Goddess Parvati demanded two conditions be met in order to save the world from her vengeful wrath: Ganesha would be returned to her, and he would be worshipped before all other gods.
Shiva agreed, and replaced Ganesha's lost head with that of a strong and powerful elephant. He breathed life anew into Ganesha's body, and declared him his own son as well.
Ganesha is honored as the God of New Beginnings and is celebrated in both Hindu and Buddhist festivals. And to think it all started with a little bit of Turmeric paste.
Where Warmth Meets Wellness
Turmeric’s vibrant golden color isn’t just beautiful, it’s also a clue to what’s inside. The compound responsible for turmeric’s signature hue is curcumin, a naturally occurring antioxidant that has been studied for its role in supporting overall wellness.
Traditionally, turmeric has been used as part of daily routines meant to help support balance within the body, especially when it comes to comfort, digestion, and general vitality. While it’s not a cure-all, turmeric has earned its long-standing reputation as a supportive botanical.
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Curcumin (a natural antioxidant):
Antioxidants help protect the body from everyday stressors like environmental exposure and normal metabolic processes. By helping reduce oxidative stress, antioxidants may support the body’s natural defenses and overall well-being.
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Warming properties:
In herbal traditions, turmeric is often described as “warming,” which is why it’s commonly enjoyed in teas, broths, and golden milk–style drinks to support circulation and digestive comfort.
How Turmeric Is Commonly Enjoyed
Turmeric has long been incorporated into everyday life, not as a supplement trend, but as a consistent, nourishing ingredient:
Steeped into teas or golden milk blends
Added to rice dishes, curries, and savory sauces
Sprinkled over roasted vegetables
Blended into smoothies for a warm, earthy depth
Many people enjoy turmeric as part of rituals meant to support joint and body comfort, digestive ease, and overall feelings of balance, especially when used regularly and mindfully.*
As with most botanicals, turmeric is best appreciated as part of a broader lifestyle rooted in nourishment, intention, and consistency.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Turmeric is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Do not use turmeric if you have gallbladder problems, bleeding disorders, diabetes, or liver disease. Please consult your physician before use, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
A Golden Ritual To Carry Forward
Turmeric reminds us that some of the most meaningful rituals are also the simplest. For centuries, this golden root has been woven into daily life. Turmeric is not as a trend, but a steady companion for nourishment, warmth, and balance. It invites us to slow down and reconnect with traditions that honor both body and spirit. In a world that moves quickly, there’s something grounding about returning to a time-honored root and letting its golden glow become part of your everyday ritual.
Golden Moon Milk Ritual
Here’s a simple, comforting way to enjoy turmeric at home.
Golden Moon Milk is warm, earthy and gently spicy. It's perfect for daily rituals such as grounding on slow mornings, or winding down on cozy evenings.
Golden Moon Milk
5 minutes
5 minutes
1 comforting cup
Herbal Tea
South Asia
Ingredients
1 cup water or milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
½ teaspoon Positively Botanical's Turmeric Powder
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of black pepper (traditionally paired with turmeric)
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Optional:
1 cinnamon stick or pinch of ground cinnamon
Dash of vanilla extract
Honey or maple syrup, to taste
Instructions
Heat your water or milk in a small saucepan until warm and gently steaming (avoid boiling).
Whisk in turmeric, ginger, and black pepper until fully combined.
Add cinnamon or vanilla if using.
Remove from heat and sweeten to taste.
Pour into your favorite mug and sip slowly.
✨ Optional ritual step: Stir clockwise while setting an intention or taking a few calming breaths.
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