What Are Curcumin and Turmeric Root? If you’re not familiar with turmeric and curcumin by now, allow me to introduce you. Turmeric is a root or rhizome plant native to India. Similar to ginger, with a more pungent flavor, and bright reddish-orange flesh, turmeric is widely used in cooking and medicine throughout the world. Most of us here in the west think of turmeric as a common kitchen spice, however, turmeric root has gained a great deal of fame lately because of its many amazing health benefits. Chock full of carotenoids, curcuminoids, and essential oils called ‘turmerones,’ it turns out turmeric root is brimming with beneficial compounds.