Curcuma aromatica (Kasthuri Kaha; Kasthuri Manjal)

Curcuma aromatica, commonly known as Kasthuri Kaha in Sinhala and Kasthuri Manjal in Tamil and Malayalam, is a wild species of turmeric native to South and Southeast Asia. Unlike the common turmeric (Curcuma longa), Curcuma aromatica is not typically used for cooking due to its bitter taste, but it is highly prized for its medicinal and cosmetic properties. It has a distinctive fragrance, hence the name "aromatic turmeric." The rhizomes are lighter in color compared to regular turmeric and are rich in essential oils, making them especially useful in skincare routines, traditional beauty treatments, and Ayurvedic medicine.

In traditional practices across India and Sri Lanka, Kasthuri Manjal is renowned for its skin-enhancing benefits. It is used in face packs, body scrubs, and treatments for acne, scars, and uneven skin tone. The rhizome is often dried and powdered for use in natural cosmetics due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. In Ayurveda, Curcuma aromatica is also used to treat wounds, improve blood circulation, and as a general detoxifier. Its non-staining nature (unlike regular turmeric) makes it especially suitable for external applications.