Turmeric is probably best known as a fine golden-yellow additive in curry power, with a sharp spicy taste that lingers bitter on the palate.
In recent years turmeric’s value as a curry spice has recei
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ved far less interest than its medicinal properties and numerous scientific studies have shown, and continue to show, the healing qualities of the spice for numerous disorders and chronic conditions.
These healing properties may come as a surprise to the Western world, but turmeric has long been administered by traditional Chinese doctors to treat a wide range of ailments. Turmeric is also considered a very prominent herb in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic medics consider turmeric a symbol of prosperity and a cleanser for the entire body.
Turmeric, or as it is biologically known, Curcuma longa, belongs to the Zingiberaceae family of plants, along with ginger. The perennial plant is a native of Indonesia and India and cultivated in China, Bengal and Java. It is distinctive by its purply orange roots that grow two feet long. Above ground, the turmeric plant grows three feet high decorated by long lily-shaped leaves and yellow funnel flowers.
In medical circles, turmeric is best known as a digestive aid and anti-inflammatory as well as for the treatment of fevers, arthritis, jaundice and related liver ailments, as well as for general infections. Scientific study has shown the active ingredient in turmeric to be curcumin, which stimulates the production of bile and facilitates emptying of the gallbladder.
In animal studies curcumin has demonstrated more than just anti-inflammatory actions and shown to protect the liver, prevent tumours and fight certain infections. Turmeric is also showing promise as an antioxidant as well as a cardiovascular strengthening agent through lowering cholesterol levels.
Parts used
Dried rhizome
Tubers
Active compounds
Curcumin is the active constituent in turmeric and has demonstrated a wide range of therapeutic qualities from protection against free radical damages to controlling inflammation – the latter is thought to be the result of curcumin’s ability to reduce histamine levels and possibly increase production of natural cortisone.
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and additionally protects the liver from toxic compounds and improves circulation.
Additional compounds include:
Acrid
Volatile oil
Gum
Calcium
Starch
Medicinal actions
Anthelminitic
Antibacterial
Antibiotic
Aromatic
Carminative
Stimulant
Tonic
What is Turmeric used for?
Anaemia
Anorexia
Arteriosclerosis
Bacterial infections
Cardiovascular strengthening
Crohn's disease
Diabetes
Oedema
Haemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hysteria
Indigestion
Inflammation
Jaundice and other liver ailments
Mosquito repellent
Osteoarthritis
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Skin disorders, wounds and bruises
Sinusitis
Urinary diseases
Available forms
Capsules containing powder
Fluid extract
Tincture
Dosage
Adults
Tablets or capsules: 400 mg three times a day
Dried powdered root: 1000 to 3000 mg daily
Curcumin powder: 400 to 600 mg, three times a day
Fluid extract (1:1): 30 to 90 drops daily
Tincture (1:2): 15 to 30 drops, four times a day
Safety
Turmeric is considered extremely safe however extended of excessive use may cause stomach upset or ulcers.
Turmeric should be avoided in the case of:
Gallstone problems
Clotting disorders
Pregnancy
Acute jaundice or hepatitis
Possible interactions
Turmeric, or specifically curcumin, may have negative interactions with the following medications and it is advised to consult with a medical practitioner prior to using the herb medicinally:
Blood-thinning medications (like warfarin or aspirin)
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