Haridra is a rhizome or root belonging to the ginger family and grows in South Asia. The roots can be eaten raw or ground to a powder after drying. The final powder is brilliant yellow in color and used as a spice in flavoring foods and imparting the yellow color. Haridra is also used as a dye and in cosmetics. It has a part in many religious ceremonies in India. It has many medicinal properties and is used as a household anti-septic and anti-inflammatory medicine. 

Haridra’s properties include being an alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, appetizer, astringent, cardiovascular, carminative, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, stimulant, and vulnerary.