If I had only a single herb to depend upon for all possible health and dietary needs, I would without much hesitation choose the Indian spice turmeric. There is little that it cannot do in the realm of healing and much that no other herb is able to accomplish. Turmeric has a broad spectrum of actions, mild but certain effects, and is beneficial for long term and daily usage. Though it is a common spice, few people, including herbalists know of its great value and are using it to the extent possible. It is an herb that one should get to know and live with. "Turmeric, the Ayurvedic Spice of Life," should be part of the library of every herbalist or anyone interested in plants and spices. Turmeric is indeed the spice of life. It carries the energy of life to our entire being and connects us to the beneficent forces of this conscious universe in which we live. It is also perhaps the most useful, and certainly the most commonly used Ayurvedic herb. Turmeric is a good place to start studying and using Ayurveda and a good herb with which to take a new lease on life. Dr. David Frawley (Vamadeva Shastri) Author, Yoga and Ayurveda: Self-Healing and Self-Realization, Ayurvedic Healing