Ever wonder why I chose the name “Golden Goddess” as the trademark for our line of turmeric products? I was inspired by the ancient language of India known as Sanskrit, and how it expresses the benefits of turmeric in a poetic fashion.

Sanskrit is an extraordinarily complex and beautiful language with a vast vocabulary. Still used today in the reading of sacred texts and chanting, it was the original language used 6,000 years ago in the original medical texts of Ayurvedic medicine.

The Sanskrit language is so vast that it has more than 250 words to describe rainfall, 67 words to describe water, and 65 words to describe earth. The most important medicinal spices and herbs have many names that describe their many properties and actions.

According to Ayurvedic expert Prashanti de Jaegar, “Every Ayurvedic herb typically has dozens of names that point to different aspects of the herb including its appearance, its mythology, and its healing ability.”

In his book “Turmeric, the Ayurvedic Spice of Life,” he notes that turmeric has many names in Sanskrit, among them:

• Bhadra: blessed, auspicious, friendly, kind
• Guauri: the one whose face is bright and shining
• Haldi: golden yellow
• Jayanti: the victorious one
• Jvarantika: the destroyer of fever
• Krimighni: the destroyer of pathogens
• Pavitra: sacred
• Uma: Goddess of Transformation and Splendor

My favorite is Kanchani: Golden Goddess. And henceforth the name. When you enjoy benefits of turmeric in a Golden Goddess Chai, Chocolate, Tea or spice powder, know that they are inspired from this ancient poetic tradition.

I came across an article written by Sayer Ji that beautifully expresses turmeric benefits from a metaphysical as well as scientific perspective, expanding upon our Golden Goddess name. With his gracious permission, I share this article here:

Turmeric’s Healing Power: A Physical Manifestation of Compassion?

Few, if any, plants have been revered as thoroughly — by the religious and scientific community alike — as a healer of the human body, mind and soul, as beautiful turmeric.

It could be written off as an overly imaginative cultural oddity that ancient Indians understood turmeric to be the physical essence of the Divine Mother — a botanical embodiment of compassion and healing. After all, nothing in the known biochemistry of this common spice plant lends itself to so gratuitous a characterization, does it?

It turns out that even modern science now confirm that this ‘curry’ spice has therapeutic properties relevant to well over 600 different health conditions, and may therefore bestow on those who take it significant protection from many common causes of human suffering. Some of the more amazing examples are its ability to reverse aspects of dementia (Alzheimer’s disease), replace Prozac, prevent type 2 diabetes, produce cardiovascular benefits as significant as exercise, including preventing post-bypass heart attack by 56%, heal the diabetic liver, kill lethal pancreatic cancer, and help kick painkillers to the curb for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, while giving at least a dozen more pharmaceuticals a run for their money.While these examples are not proof of ‘divine’ benevolence, they certainly raise some interesting questions, not the least of which is how any substance could be so well suited for improving human physical and mental health with such a depth and breadth of effectiveness.

The author has personally reviewed the majority of the biomedical abstracts on turmeric and its primary polyphenol curcumin, available to view on the National Library of Medicine’s bibliographic reference database known as MEDLINE (and searchable through engines like Pubmed.gov), and has been awed by how diverse and powerful this spice is for addressing the broad range of diseases and/or disease symptoms that commonly afflict our species.

One of the novel findings that emerged in the author’s comprehensive review of turmeric is that it can beneficially modulate over 175 distinct physiological actions, many of which operate upon traditional pharmacological pathways, e.g. interleukin-6 down-regulator, apoptotic, cyclooxygenase inhibitor, etc. During the indexing process the image emerged of a many-armed Indian Goddess, due to how diverse, intelligent and simultaneous are this spice’s healing gifts.

In fact, from the perspective of monochemical-oriented pharmacology, a drug with more than 10 simultaneously therapeutic actions, and without the vast array of adverse, unintended side effects commonly associated with novel, patentable chemicals, turmeric would represent an impossible, miraculous entity, which if patentable, would generate more revenue than all the blockbuster drugs on the market put together. Instead, sadly, most pharmaceuticals have dozens of side effects that are often more powerful than the purported therapeutic properties they possess.

Amazingly, a 2012 article published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer discovered that when a type of cancer cell (retinoblastoma) was exposed to the turmeric polyphenol curcumin, it altered the expression of over 2,000 genes! The authors describe the remarkably broad changes:

“We identified 903 downregulated genes and 1,319 upregulated genes when compared with the control cells after treatment with 20 µM curcumin concentration for 48 h.”

The amount of information that would be required to alter the expression of such a wide range of genes in a way that actually inhibited the viability of the cancer cells is staggering, and likely a reflection of a higher order level of intelligence that our present day theoretical and empirical scientific frameworks are not equipped to fully comprehend.

Is Turmeric Simply A Biochemical Entity, or Does it Contain “Intelligence” and “Compassion”?

After some reflection on the mass of data that accumulated on turmeric’s ability to alleviate suffering, the question emerged: are these many “evidence-based,” scientific studies really just exoteric descriptions of “compassion” and “intelligence”? Are we now rediscovering through the optic of modern science — albeit through the reductionist and animal sacrifice-based (vivisection) methodology of empirical science — the “spirit” of herbs like turmeric, whose very existence represent a kind of surplus of benevolent, regenerative energy that permeates the universe, bestowing its grace upon its inhabitants/creations? Is this not what the ancients meant, or saw, when they described the spice in Sanskrit as “Gauri” (“The One Whose Face is Light and Shining”) and “Kanchani” (“Golden Goddess”)?

Benefits of Turmeric: Like a Many-Armed Goddess

Our turmeric database on GreenMedInfo.com (and by “our” I mean yours, as well, as this is an open source project) now contains the world’s largest archive of biomedical data on the subject of turmeric’s medical value in one place, and includes voluminous research on turmeric’s potential to prevent and/or treat multi-drug resistance cancers, chronic degenerative conditions, neurological problems, depression, serious infections, as well as hundreds of other diseases. Please share this information with others, especially those who need an “evidence-bridge” connecting ancient healing wisdom with the modern scientific approach.

© Friday, April 25th 2014 GreenMedInfo LLC. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of GreenMedInfo LLC. Want to learn more from GreenMedInfo? Sign up for the newsletter here http://www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/newsletter.

A Note from Us Here at Spice Pharm:

Thank You to Sayer Ji for Your Lovely Insights and Science-Based Research on the Many Benefits of Turmeric!

As we go on our journey, discovering how natural medicines consistently help us, we appreciate Sayer Ji and his Green Med Info website as a tremendous resource and inspiration. On this site, there is a nearly complete database of all of the research done on turmeric and various other herbs and spices.

The author and founder, Sayer Ji, has made it his life’s work to promote spices and herbs as natures way of healing the body. Perhaps the best part is that everything he says, is backed by modern research.

Author Credit

Sayer Ji is founder of Greenmedinfo.com, a reviewer at the International Journal of Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine, Co-founder and CEO of Systome Biomed, Vice Chairman of the Board of the National Health Federation, Steering Committee Member of the Global Non-GMO Foundation.

Spicy vitality… what does it mean to you? I recently sent out a survey to understand that, plus what our readers’ interests are so I can better serve you with great information. Big thanks to everyone who completed it!

I felt like a kid at Christmas unwrapping your responses. It really meant a lot to me to hear back from peeps.

Following are some of the nuggets and gems that people sent.

Spicy Vitality: Does the Concept Resonate or Not?

Overall, the phrase “spicy vitality” resonated strongly with almost everyone!

My original definition that I sent out was:

“Having physical energy to do the things you love to do, and the gusto to power you through things you have to do cheerfully. Spicy vitality is being well-grounded and comfortable in your body, and having emotional resilience and joyous involvement in life.”

When I asked if this resonated or not and why, awesome comments came in. Better than my definition

Here are just a few of them:

• “It’s a positive, fun, uplifting, happy dance kind of statement.”
• “Spicy means fun and every woman wants more vitality in her life!”
• “I like foods that are a bit spicy. Plus I think of spice as enhancing any taste. Vitality is something I want to achieve so I feel like this wording appeals to me!”
• “Spicy denotes sexy. Vitality denotes youth and vigor. Hence vigorous sexiness.”
• “It sounds like something which is delicious, good for my health, and enjoyable in every way!”
• “Indicates a love and energy for life”
• “It gives me the desire to be part of the group that has “spicy vitality”
• “It feels alive, juicy and vibrant!.. Feels Good, God, Grace.”
• “Vitality is great at any age but as I get older the concept is even more precious. Spicy just adds to the zing.”
• “Spiced sounds exotic, hot as in hot and sexy”
• “It expresses a sensual and creative vitality.”
• “Both spicy and vitality bring “vibrant” to mind.”
• “LOVE IT the term resonated immediately. Two perk words together, and alluding specifically to your brand.”
• “Spicy Vitality feels positive and uplifting. I think because both words are positive. It makes me think: “interesting,” “different,” “new experience,” a bit like trying flavorful new foods in ethnic restaurants or travel. Adventure. Well-being.”

This is exactly what spicy vitality means to me, thank you for improving the definition!

Every day, being able to wake up and live, to move forward, and to be happy and healthy is extremely important.  I am so glad that the ideas of quality living, vibrancy, sexiness, fun and happiness came across in the definition.

Another comment was that adding the word ‘spicy’ to vitality lends a precious element to life. I couldn’t agree more.  The life that we have is very precious and we should live our lives with spiciness every day.

Who wants the opposite? Bland, dull, boring….

Several readers mentioned that “spicy vitality” brings forward the idea of food as medicine and using spices and herbs instead of using pharmaceuticals.

That resonates with me, thank you!

If you read the ‘About’ section on our website, you will find that the concept of using holistic means to heal our bodies is one of the big goals of Spice Pharm.  We become our own primary care, staying healthy and avoiding big pharma where at all possible.

When we take care of our bodies using what the earth has already provided, we are engaging in that sensual and creative vitality: we are connecting with what is already designed to heal our bodies from the very core.  Here at Spice Pharm, we want you to enjoy living. To LOVE living!

A few people gave “spicy vitality” the thumbs-down.

They thought the words didn’t go together, had too many syllables or equated the term with hot spicy food they don’t like.

I understand and appreciate your point of view.

For only two words, that is a lot of syllables!

And I know people who don’t like hot peppers or the kind of spicy that scorches your taste buds.

But there’s also nutmeg, cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, coriander, garlic…Golden Goddess Chai and Chocolate Elixirs… Golden Goddess Turmeric Tea….

Spicy doesn’t have to sear your mouth! Spicy can be enlivening without the burn!

And spicy has become a metaphor in our language. As I’m hopelessly mono-lingual, does anyone know if “spicy” in other languages has so many meanings as it does in English? Please contact me, I would love to know!

How often do you feel spicy vitality?

I’m happy to see the majority of folks feel spicy vitality at least sometimes or often. A few lucky peeps are almost always there! The answers here were:

I confess to be in the “often” category, and aspire to “almost always.” I’m on an upward trend and expect to get there this year!

But I remember the days when I was burned out and fatigued, so I empathize and sympathize with you who said “rarely” or “never.”

Hopefully I can provide you with inspiration to feel better in the coming year…and…. I have some new energy products in the pipeline! Stay tuned for more on those later this year!

What gets in your way of feeling spicy vitality?

Oh, the stresses of life. The reasons that we aren’t feeling that wonderful spicy vitality… In today’s world, there are definitely common factors that keep people in the doldrums.

There were some very poignant answers to this. We all face so many challenges and share common humanity. Do any of these sound familiar to you?

• “Too many demands/too little sleep or down time”
• “Physical/mental limitations acquired over a lifetime”
• “Not having time to eat well, not getting good, restful sleep, not spending enough time walking, dancing, and playing outside.”
• “Lack of energy due to stress from work and from the political environment.”
• “The separation and feeling of an absence of Love…pretty much”

I know I’ve felt them all.

Rolling up the responses into categories, the top draining issues emerged as:

• Work/demanding schedule
• Anxiety/stress/fear
• Tired/fatigue
• Pain/joint/back/arthritis
• Politics/state of the world

These issues feed other issues that were mentioned:

• Lack of sleep
• Lack of nutrition and time to eat well
• Lack of exercise
• Excess weight

So know that you are not alone.

We’re in this together. We’ll get through it and dance and feel joy along the way.

While life gets in the way, we need to learn to spend more time on self-care. Even little things like a hot bath, a kind thought, talking a walk, breathing deeply, helping someone… they can all add up in big ways.

This is another reason why I created Spice Pharm.

It started as part of my own self-care from grueling work schedules, sleeplessness and fatigue. I started tapping the wisdom of nature and using herbs and spices to help rejuvenate and repair my body, when it was crashing.  We need to take care of our bodies and souls so that we can live life to the fullest.

Finally, what topics interest you the most?

I was all ears for these responses!  This will guide my efforts this year!

1. Less fatigue/more energy: As I’ve pulled myself out of Stage 3 adrenal fatigue, metabolic syndrome and debilitating joint pain, this is a topic I’m quite familiar with. I look forward to sharing about this in future posts.

2. Food as medicine: Recipes: OMG, this is a topic I love. Expect lots more recipes in the coming year!

3. Improving digestion: This really important as we live in a society that thrives on preserved, sugar filled junk foods. And we’re assaulted by GMOs and pesticides from every direction.  When we eat these consistently, it messes with the good fauna in our stomach – our microbiome. Also, Ayurvedic medicine has some great wisdom to share here.

4. Food as medicine: Science: OMG, another topic I can geek on. So glad you love it too!

5. Natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals: If you’ve read the ‘About’ section on Spice Pharm, you know that this is a large part of what we do here. Our products help with stress reduction, pain management, inflammation, weight loss, and other aspects of health.

Other notable topics of interest are:

• Tips for getting better sleep
• How to lose weight
• Ways to relieve joint/back pain
• Brain health
• Reducing stress
• Beating anxiety and depression without meds
• Pain relief

And the top write-in topic was how to maintain libido! Yes, let’s keep it sexy and fun. Check out this blog on ashwagandha for some initial ideas.

So there you have it everyone.

I really appreciate all of the feedback and wanted to share the results of what you told me.

Also, thank you to everyone that provided constructive criticism on the branding and the term “spicy vitality.” It gives me the feedback I need to always keep improving and to always grow and progress.

If you didn’t answer the survey, or if you want to add additional thoughts — please leave a comment below! Thanks!

Keep watching for new updates and blog posts, and let’s keep in touch.

All the best,

Kitty