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Turmeric

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. Cooks sometimes refer to turmeric as "poor man's saffron", because its bright yellow-orange colour resembles the more expensive condiment.

In recent years turmeric’s value as a curry spice has received 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)
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
  • Reserpine

(Sources: NCCAM, MedlinePlus)

- (updated by Birgit Ottermann, Health24, October 2010)

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