Kurkuma \ ˈkər-kyə-mə \ is Dutch for Turmeric. I had the pleasure of living and working in The Netherlands for four years and that experience will always hold a special place in my heart. Turmeric resonates with me on many levels – I love the color of it, the flavor when I use it during cooking, and it’s potential health benefits.
The use of turmeric dates back nearly 3,000 years to the ancient Vedic culture of India. Since then, it has been used as an important spice, in beauty products, as a textile dye and in spiritual ceremonies. It is produced by grinding the rhizomes of the perennial herb, Curcuma longa, which is native to India, South America, China, and the East Indies. It is most widely known as the spice that gives curry powder its distinctive color, and the hues of turmeric range from bright yellow to deep orange, depending on the variety. I am an avid cook, and had the pleasure of working in India as well and will never forget my first trip to the spice market stalls in New Delhi.
Turmeric gets its health benefits primarily because of curcumin, a bioactive component. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some claim that it can heal wounds, help with a range of dermatological conditions, and is used for arthritis, heartburn, joint and stomach pain and a host of other issues.
On a personal note, I believe that people have the capacity to be fully self-expressed and creative in all aspects of their lives. I thrive in my work and personal life, celebrate joy in being alive, and derive tremendous satisfaction from helping others realize and expand their own capacity for enjoying life.
If you’ve read through all of that, Kurkuma seemed an appropriate moniker for my consulting business. If this magical spice is something that I enjoy and consume, is contributing to my well being and reminds me of places that I have loved to live and visit, than it’s good enough to represent my consulting business helping others.