Turmeric (Curcuma longa) often misspelled "tumeric" is a plant, a culinary spice, a major ingredient in Indian curries, and the source of American mustard's bright yellow color. It is widely used in cooking and gives Indian curry its flavor and yellow color. It comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and has a tough brown skin and a deep orange flesh. This herb has a very interesting taste and aroma. Its flavor is peppery, warm and bitter while its fragrance is mild yet slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger, to which it is related. Turmeric was traditionally called "Indian saffron" because of its deep yellow-orange color and has been used throughout history as a condiment, healing remedy and textile dye.
Turmeric has a long standing reputation as a potent medicinal herb capable of improving numerous health conditions including heartburn, stomach pain, chest pain, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, flatulence, colic, liver problems and gallbladder disorders. Turmeric is also used to treat headaches, bronchitis, colds, lung infections, fibromyalgia, leprosy, fever, menstrual problems, and cancer. Other uses include depression, Alzheimer's disease, water retention, worms, and kidney problems.
Some people apply turmeric to the skin for pain, ringworm, bruising, leech bites, eye infections, inflammatory skin conditions, soreness inside of the mouth, and infected wounds.
In food and manufacturing, the essential oil of turmeric is used in perfumes, and its resin is used as a flavor and color component in foods.
For the most curcumin content, be sure to use turmeric rather curry powder.
The health benefits of turmeric are extremely well known, stretching back to ancient times. It has been widely used in medicine as an anti-inflammatory, to treat digestive and liver problems, skin diseases, biliary disorders, anorexia, cough, hepatic disorders, bloody urine, hemorrhage, toothache, rheumatism, sinusitis, bruises and wounds. Studies show that turmeric may help fight infections and some cancers, reduce inflammation, and treat digestive problems.
The benefits of turmeric lie in the active ingredient called curcumin. This powerful compound gives turmeric its therapeutic benefits, its yellow color, and its pungent flavor. More specifically, curcumin harbors anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, stomach-soothing, and liver-and heart-protecting effects.
Curcumin is also a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants scavenge molecules in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Antioxidants can fight free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. Antioxidants are disease-fighting substances that mop up the continuous onslaught of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells as they travel through the body and are responsible for premature aging and diseases such as cancer if left unchecked. In fact, Naturopaths often recommend turmeric for situations in which high concentrations of antioxidants are required.
In addition, curcumin lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation. It also stops platelets from clumping together to form blood clots. Turmeric is thought to reduce inflammation by lowering histamine levels and it may also stimulate the adrenal glands to increase production of a hormone that reduces inflammation. It is often used to ease joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. However, it is also used to reduce joint pain and in inflammation in other disorders as well.
Studies with animals show that turmeric benefits liver health. Several animal studies suggest that turmeric protects the liver from the damaging effects of certain toxins, including alcohol. These findings certainly lend credence to the herb's history of use in liver aliments.
Among the many health benefits of turmeric, is that it harbors antiplatelet activity. The herb reduces the ability of the blood to form clots and, as such, this action may improve circulation as well as offer some protection against heart attacks and strokes.
If you suffer from digestive problems this may be the herb for you. Turmeric helps digest fats by stimulating the flow of bile. No wonder it was used traditionally as a digestive aid.
Indigestion or Dyspepsia
Curcumin stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, which some people think may help improve digestion. The German Commission E, which determines which herbs can be safely prescribed in Germany, has approved turmeric for digestive problems. And one double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that turmeric reduced symptoms of bloating and gas in people suffering from indigestion.
Ulcerative Colitis
Turmeric may help people with ulcerative colitis stay in remission. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease of the digestive tract where symptoms tend to come and go. In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, people whose ulcerative colitis was in remission took either curcumin or placebo, along with conventional medical treatment, for 6 months. Those who took curcumin had a relapse rate much lower than those who took placebo.
Osteoarthritis
Because of its ability to reduce inflammation, researchers have wondered if turmeric may help relieve osteoarthritis pain. One study found that people using a formula of herbs and minerals with turmeric, winter cherry (Withinia somnifera), boswellia (Boswellia serrata), and zinc had less pain and disability. But it's impossible to know whether it was turmeric or one of the other supplements -- or all of them together -- that was responsible.
Heart Disease
Eating curcumin, a natural ingredient in the spice turmeric, may dramatically reduce the chance of developing heart failure, researchers at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre of the Toronto General Hospital have discovered. Early studies suggested that turmeric may help prevent atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque that can block arteries and lead to heart attack or stroke. In animal studies, an extract of turmeric lowered cholesterol levels and kept LDL "bad" cholesterol from building up in blood vessels. Because it stops platelets from clumping together, turmeric may also prevent blood clots from building up along the walls of arteries. In a study entitled, "Curcumin prevents and reverses murine cardiac hypertrophy," published in the February edition of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers found when the herb is given orally to a variety of mouse models with enlarged hearts (hypertrophy), it can prevent and reverse hypertrophy, restore heart function and reduce scar formation.
Cancer
There has been a great deal of research on turmeric's anti-cancer properties, but results are still very early. Evidence from test tube and animal studies suggests that curcumin may help prevent or treat several types of cancers, including prostate, breast, skin, and colon cancer. Research suggest curcumin helps stop the spread of breast cancer into the lungs. It also helps current breast cancer medications and procedures work better, according to researchers in Texas. These findings are the results of tests carried out on mice. Further research is needed, said the scientists. However, they said the results so far are 'exciting'. Its preventive effects may be because it is a strong antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. For example, in the laboratory, curcumin kills cultures of human leukemia cells. This action may be due to turmeric's antioxidant properties or some other anti-cancer activity. Needless to say, more research is needed to determine turmeric benefits as a potential cancer agent. Cancer should be treated with conventional medications. Don't use alternative therapies alone to treat cancer. If you choose to use complementary therapies along with your cancer treatment, make sure you tell all your doctors.
Bacterial and Viral Infections
Test tube and animal studies suggest turmeric may kill bacteria and viruses. But researchers don't know whether it would work in people.
Uveitis
A preliminary study suggests curcumin may help treat uveitis, an inflammation of the eye's iris. In one study of 32 people with chronic anterior uveitis, curcumin was effective as corticosteroids, the type of medication usually prescribed. More research is needed.
Scientists at The Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) and Yale University School of Medicine have found that a compound in the spice turmeric corrects the cystic fibrosis defect in mice. This research is reported in the April 23, 2004 issue of the journal Science.
Rutgers researchers have found that the curry spice turmeric holds real potential for the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer, particularly when combined with certain vegetables.
Turmeric Prevents Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis, Bone Loss, University Of Arizona Study Shows.
Van Andel Institute (VAI) researchers have found that curcumin, a component of the curry spice turmeric, blocks herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) infections that commonly result in facial cold sores. Finding out how curcumin blocks the infections will be key to developing a treatment for cold sore sufferers.
Eating a curry once or twice a week could help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The powerful ingredient in curry is curcumin, a component of the spice, turmeric. Professor Murali Doraiswamy, director of the Mental Fitness Laboratory at the Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Carolina, told delegates at the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Annual Meeting in Liverpool that curcumin prevented the spread of amyloid plaques, found outside brain cells.
You might want to make curcumin part of your daily diet. This active ingredient of the Indian curry spice, turmeric, not only lowers your chances of getting cancer and Alzheimer's disease, but may reduce the size of a hemorrhagic stroke, say Medical College of Georgia researchers. Second-year medical student Jay McCracken is working with Dr. Krishnan Dhandapani, neuroscientist in the MCG School of Medicine, using animal models to study curcumin's effect on intracerebral hemorrhages, bleeding in the brain caused by ruptured vessels.
A fructose study led by Ling-Dong Kong, M.D., from Nanjing University in China investigated the effects of curcumin on fructose-induced hypertriglyceridemia and fatty liver in rats. Curcumin, a compound derived from turmeric (curcuma root), is sold as an herbal supplement and is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-viral properties. Researchers observed a hyperactivity of hepatic protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), which is associated with defective insulin and leptin signaling, in fructose-fed rats. For the first time this study demonstrated that curcumin inhibited hepatic PTP1B expression and activity in fructose-fed rats. "Our results provide novel insights into the potential therapeutic mechanisms of curcumin on fructose-induced hepatic steatosis associated with insulin and leptin resistance," said Dr. Kong.
UCLA/VA researchers found that curcumin – a chemical found in curry and turmeric – may help the immune system clear the brain of amyloid beta, which form the plaques found in Alzheimer's disease. Published in the Oct. 9, 2006 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, the early laboratory findings may lead to a new approach in treating Alzheimer's disease by enhancing the natural function of the immune system using curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
The National Institutes of Health lists 24 current studies on the effects of turmeric and its chief active component, curcumin. Such studies raise the question of which is better to take: whole turmeric, generally used as a powdered spice with food; or curcumin, which is usually taken as a supplement? Each has been shown to have health benefits, but unless you have a specific condition such as inflammatory bowel disease, I favor using turmeric (especially in cooking) rather than taking curcumin pills. This reflects my general belief that, until proven otherwise in head to head studies, whole plants are usually a better choice than isolates. On the other hand, curcumin appears to have a more rapid and dramatic effect, and may be the better choice as a therapeutic (rather than a preventative) preparation.
Bruises, Sprains and Wounds
Turmeric powder with lime or water on the affected part eliminates swelling and pain in bruises.
Turmeric powder along with hot milk intake is also beneficial for bones.
Turmeric powder to wound or cut can stop bleeding immediately and also hasten its healing.
Turmeric powder, green flour with mustard oil poultice to the sprained portion enhances blood circulation.
Bandage of turmeric powder and ghee with salt and water gives relief to the bruised portion.
Insect BiteHealth Benefits of Turmeric
Mixture of turmeric powder and lime nullifies the toxic effect
Coryza
Inhale burning turmeric fumes for few minutes.
Whooping Cough
1 tsp ground toasted turmeric powder with 2 spoons of honey 3-4 times a day relieves cough.
Chewing betal with little turmeric is also a good remedy.
Indigestion and Stomach Problems
Turmeric powder and salt in equal quantity with warm water gives instant relief in acidity.
Intake of ground turmeric along with half proportion of pepper and cardamom after meals proves to be effective.
Curd with turmeric drink after lunch cures digestive problems.
Skin Problems
Applying paste of turmeric rubbed on stone with water on the affected part is helpful in decreasing ringworm white spots.
Applying paste of turmeric and til oil on the body prevents skin eruptions.
Appling paste of turmeric before bath is preventive against skin problems and also is a depilatory.
Urticaria
Turmeric powder with 1 tsp honey twice a day is helpful
Intake of roasted turmeric with gur (Jaggery) cures itching.
Cotton dipped in turmeric oil over pustules gives relief.
Massaging face with mix ground haldi and milk of banyan or peepal tree soaked overnight for 1 hour before bath eliminate freckles on the face and imparts natural glow.
Cough, Cold & Asthma
Taking turmeric powder and little salt with hot water or sucking a small piece of haldi or licking 1 tsp turmeric powder with 1/2 tsp honey gives relief in cough and eliminates congestion of bronchi.
Having 1/4 tsp turmeric with hot water is helpful in checking running nose.
Inhaling smoke of burned turmeric acts as an expectorant.
Taking 1/4 roasted turmeric in hot sand and then ground with hot water relieves breathing problem of any type.
Taking turmeric boiled in milk and sweetened with jaggery is very useful in cold and asthma.
Sucking a piece of turmeric or keeping it in mouth at night relieves chronic cold.
Mixture of turmeric powder, barley powder and banana ash in equal proportions adding honey for taste, taken for 4-5 days in a day eliminates trapped phlegm in the body.
Massaging the throat and chest with little turmeric powder, black pepper and mixed with ghee relieves irritation of bronchioles.
Inhaling fumes of cowdung along with turmeric is also a good expectorant.
Taking 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder with 3-4 gulps of hot water acts as a preventive against asthma.
Tonsilitis
Fomentation with paste made of 10 gms turmeric powder roasted in mustard oil and then tied around the neck gives relief in tonsilitis
Worms
Licking the paste of turmeric powder and 1/2 tsp of vayavidang choorna with 1 tsp of honey for 7-8 days kills worms and throws them out.
Blisters in Mouth
Gargling with 1 glass water in which little turmeric powder is boiled, twice a day, cures it.
Urinary Troubles
Taking paste of ground or juice of raw turmeric and honey with goats milk twice a day cures all urinary problems.
Small Pox
Taking 1 tsp of turmeric powder and tamarind for 4-5 days act as a preventive against small box.
Application of thin turmeric powder, cream of fresh milk and wheat flour mixed with mustard oil or fresh cream on the affected part twice a day flatten the deep spots of small pox and makes the skin soft.
Pregnancy and Postnatal Care
Taking 1 tsp of turmeric powder with hot milk in latter part of the 9th month of pregnancy helps in easy delivery.
Intake of 1 tsp of roasted turmeric powder with gur (Jaggery) after delivery eliminates weakness and relieves uterus swelling.
Pain in Breast
Apply paste of stone rubbed turmeric on the affected part.
Gout
Take 1/2 kg of turmeric, roasted coconut, 1 kg jaggery, 200 gm cashew nuts or ground nuts daily in the morning with basil or lemon tea makes the joint supple and also gives relief in pain and swelling.
Pain in Ribs
Gentle massage with turmeric oil helps to relieve pain.
Massaging the ribs with paste of turmeric powder in milk of the Aak plant gives quick relief.
Applying paste of turmeric powder in hot water on the aching ribs is a good option.
Jaundice and Liver Problems
Taking 4-5 ground turmeric with water or honey twice a day is helpful.
Leucorrhoea
Try turmeric powder with sugar twice a day.
Washing the private parts with turmeric water is very effective. Along with it one batasha with 8-10 drops of milk of banyan tree before sunrise for 7 days helps in early cure.
Debility in Males
Taking about 7-8 gms of raw ground turmeric and equal amount of honey with goat's milk renders a promising result.
Dental Problems
Rinsing the mouth with mixture of turmeric, clove and 2 dried leaves of guava in 200 gms of water is a healthy practice.Applying and rubbing the teeth with paste of turmeric powder, salt and mustard oil strengthens the gums.
Massaging the aching teeth with roasted ground turmeric eliminates pain and swelling.
Keeping piece of roasted turmeric near the aching tooth and letting saliva ooze out is also good.
Filling the cavity in teeth with roasted ground turmeric powder gives temporary relief to the pain.
Applying the powder of burnt turmeric piece and ajwain on teeth makes the gum and teeth strong.
Ear Trouble
Putting 1 -2 drops of turmeric (by roasting 2 pieces of haldi in mustard oil) in ear, cleaning it with ear bud relieves problems.
Eye Trouble
Applying lightly heated paste of turmeric rubbed on stone on eyelids also eliminates pain, swelling and eye troubles.
A decoction of turmeric powder with water as a cooling lotion on the eyes is useful in conjunctivitis.
Turmeric is available in the following forms:
Capsules containing powder
Fluid extract
Tincture
Because bromelain increases the absorption and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin, it is often combined with turmeric products.
Pediatric
Turmeric supplements haven't been studied in children, so there is no recommended dose.
Adult
The following are doses recommended for adults:
Cut root: 1.5 - 3 g per day
Dried, powdered root: 1 - 3 g per day
Standardized powder (curcumin): 400 - 600 mg, 3 times per day
Fluid extract (1:1) 30 - 90 drops a day
Tincture (1:2): 15 - 30 drops, 4 times per day
Turmeric is LIKELY SAFE when used in amounts found in food. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when used in medicinal amounts. But it can sometimes cause nausea or diarrhea.
Turmeric and curcumin supplements are considered safe when taken at the recommended doses. With large doses or long term use turmeric may increase stomach acid levels and possibly lead to heartburn, ulcers, stomach irritation, skin rashes, dizzines, and gallstones.
If you have been diagnosed with gallstones, obstructions of the bile ducts, stomach or intestinal ulcers, high levels of stomach acid, immune system diseases or liver conditions you should first talk to your physician before using this herb.
If you are allergic to spices including turmeric or to yellow food colorings you should avoid turmeric. This applies to any allergies you may have to any plants of the ginger family.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Although it is safe to eat foods with turmeric, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take turmeric supplements. Taking turmeric by mouth in medicinal amounts is LIKELY UNSAFE in pregnancy. It might promote a menstrual period or stimulate the uterus, putting the pregnancy at risk.
There isn't enough information to rate the safety of turmeric during breast-feeding. It's best not to use it.
Diabetes: If you have diabetes,
talk to your doctor before taking turmeric supplements. Turmeric may
lower blood sugar levels, and when combined with medications for
diabetes could cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Gallbladder
problems. Turmeric can make gallbladder problems worse. Don't use
turmeric if you have gallstones or a bile duct obstruction.
Surgery:
Turmeric might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding
during and after surgery. Stop using turmeric at least 2 weeks before
a scheduled surgery. Tell your doctor and surgeon that you have been
taking turmeric.
If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use turmeric or curcumin in medicinal forms without first talking to your health care provider.
Blood-thinning Medications -- Turmeric may make the effects of these drugs stronger, raising the risk of bleeding. Blood-thinners include warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin, among others.
Drugs that reduce stomach acid -- Turmeric may interfere with the action of these drugs, increasing the production of stomach acid:
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Famotidine (Pepcid)
Ranitidine (Zantac)
Esomeprazole (Nexium)
Omeprazole
Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
Diabetes Medications -- Turmeric may make the effects of these drugs stronger, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting
Turmeric might slow blood clotting. Taking turmeric along with herbs that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. These herbs include angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, red clover, willow, and others.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The following doses have been studied
in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
For upset stomach (dyspepsia): 500 mg of turmeric four times daily.
The following user reviews highlights just some of the incredible health benefits of Turmeric:
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76 of 76 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars My experience using Turmeric, March 20, 2009
By
Karen Wisniewski "Happy Quilter" (Wisconsin)
I have taken Turmeric for nearly 3 years. It is a miracle herb. My doctor said I could use it. I no longer take any pain meds. for arthritis and headaches. I was hurt badly in an accident and my knee always filled with fluid and was tight and painful. After just 2 days of taking Turmeric capsules... the swelling was gone and also any pain. I am 66 years old and have had many aches and pains, but now it is all gone.
I do need to say though, that if I miss a day of taking it, I will feel my arthritis acting up, but then I take one cap, and within a half hour, all the pain is gone. It also is wonderful to take before bed, because it has a relaxing affect, and it cures any and all indigestion. I am a true believer in using Turmeric.
Karen
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43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars WOW, April 23, 2009
By
leebo "World Affairs Junkie" (dallas, tx)
I was very skeptical of taking pills like this, but my roommate is from India and he eats this almost daily, so I gave it a shot. I am a relatively heavy guy, but I run 3-5 times a week. Before I took this I would have pains in my knees and joints, now, there is no pain. I hope its not all in my mind, but [a]ll I can tell you is I have been feeling great! Highly recommended...
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41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Seems to help with pain, January 13, 2008
By
Jean A. Wertz "qp" (Connecticut)
I've been taking this for while to help with arthritis pain (from a couple of accidents). It seems to help. I had to stop taking everything prescribed, such as Vioxx, Naprosyn. If I skip this for a few days, my pain goes way up.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Works Good, June 26, 2010
By
Mike B "Mike" (Maryland)
Me and my wife heard about Turmeric from my daughter... who recommended it for muscle pain. We frequently exercise to the point of needing Advil (by distance walking and hiking). We recently added [Turmeric pills] after hard exercises. The Turmeric indeed helps. We still augment with Advil but the Turmeric helps with leg and lower back pain. We have had no negative side effects, definitely helps with recovery from exercise, and will continue to use it in the future. We are both over 50 and walk a minimum of 2.5 to 4 miles per day and on weekends we hit 5 and 8 miles per day.
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29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Turmeric for skincare, June 21, 2010
By
E. Ann (New York, NY)
I started taking turmeric for my skin after a friend taking it had noticeable improvements in the appearance of two old scars.
I struggle with the symptoms of subtype 2 rosacea. I prefer to not take prescription treatments but have used them for most of my adult life. To my amazement, turmeric pills have kept my rosacea under control for the last 9 months better than the BenzaClin I have been able to stop taking. The supplement also gives my skin a glow that friends and family have noticed. Truly a surprise.
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