Turmeric is a root plant from Asia that has been used for millennia. It is known for its characteristic golden hue that gives curries and mustards their vibrant color. For centuries, this ancient spice has been popular in seasoning, cooking and dyeing textiles. But turmeric has been used for medicinal purposes for nearly 4,000 years. In traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine, it has long been a remedy for health problems such as skin problems, allergies and joint pain.