The Turmeric plant, though long used as an important coloring agent for curries and other foods, is also an important medicinal herb, used by both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine practitioners. Known also by is Latin name curcuma longa or simply curcumin, the Turmeric plant is used to treat a number of medical disorders, including digestive disorders, liver problems, and skin diseases. It has also been proven effective in stimulating improvement in bile flow, making it very beneficial for people suffering for both digestive and gall bladder problems. The plant is a relative of the Ginger plant, and grows to a height of 5 feet in tropical parts of southern Asia. The plant is characteristic in having a sharp, bitter taste. The Turmeric roots are dried and boiled to make the familiar yellow powder most commonly used in food preparations.