Curcuma.
Botanical name:
The rhizome of Curcuma longa, Linné (Nat. Ord. Zingiberaceae). Southern and eastern Asia, and extensively cultivated in China, Hindustan, and other countries.
Common Names: Turmeric, Curcuma.
Principal Constituent.—Curcumin, a yellow coloring matter.
Preparation.—Specific Medicine Curcuma. (A coloring agent.)
Action and Uses.—While turmeric is a mild aromatic stimulant, it is almost wholly used as a test for alkalies, and to color ointments and other pharmaceutical products.
