White Turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria) also called zedoary, poolankilangu is a perennial herb and member of the genus Curcuma, family Zingiberaceae.

The botanical name of white turmeric is Curcuma Zedoaria and it belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and genus Curcuma. Poolankilangu is the Tamil name and Zedoary is the common English name.

Poolankilangu is very very fragrant and it was used as a aromatic spice from ancient times.

White turmeric has been traditionally used for treating menstrual problems, vomiting, allergies, indigestion and also for treating cold, cough and fever. In some places, the juice got by crushing the roots is used for expelling worms and the extract is also used for preventing cancer.

White Turmeric Medicinal Uses:

1. Anti Cancer Properties:

White turmeric has been traditionally used for cancer treatment and this traditional use has been proven to be true. The compound that is responsible for it’s anti cancer properties is curcuzedoalide. 

2. Reduces High Cholesterol:

White turmeric powder consumption is very very good for people suffering from high cholesterol levels as it reduces LDL levels and increases HDL levels. 

3. Antimicrobial Properties: 

It’s so effective in treating many skin problems including acne. If we use white turmeric for external application, it will treat all skin problems really well and helps keep the skin blemish free.

4. Anti Inflammatory Properties:

Like all varieties of turmeric, white turmeric also reduces inflammation very very quickly. For reducing inflammation,  can either use it externally or consume the water extract of the root by boiling the dried root powder in water. 

5. Analgesic Properties:

Another medicinal use of white turmeric is it’s analgesic (pain reducing) properties. Curcumenol present in white turmeric is responsible for it’s wonderful analgesic properties.

6. Anti Ulcer Properties:

White turmeric root powder has been used in Unani system of medicine for treating ulcers. This is because white turmeric reduces the volume of gastric juice, gastric pH, acid content and ulcer index significantly and has been proven to be as effective as prescription medications for ulcers.

7. For Skin Care:

White turmeric is amazing to use for skin care and regular use heals almost all skin problems. For minor wounds and scrapes - apply white turmeric poultice, it helps heal the wound faster. 

For acne, using white turmeric face pack daily for a few days, will help both treat and prevent acne.

Country of Origin: India