herbs - Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

What is it?

Turmeric is a member of the Ginger family and is native to India and China. It is cultivated for the medicinal value of its root, which is commonly used as a flavouring and yellow colourant in Chinese and other Far Eastern cooking, particularly curries.  

Action

Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has much medicinal activity. It is a powerful Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and has a significant protective effect on the liver. This herb also reduces stickiness of blood platelets and improves circulation.   

Uses

Our experts recommend Turmeric for the following disorders:

• Gout
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosis

Other information

Herbalists and Ayurvedic practitioners in India have used Turmeric in the treatment of bad eyesight, rheumatism and liver problems. Scientists have now shown that it appears to work in a similar way to the latest non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, the Cox-2 inhibitors, but it has one huge advantage, it has none of the side effects. It is available in tablets, capsules and as a powder for culinary use.

Cautions

• Turmeric is generally free of side effects at normal levels, however people with blocked bile ducts or gallstones should consult a doctor before using this herb.



• Using Turmeric as a culinary spice in cooking is fine during pregnancy and breast feeding, however, there is no data available on larger doses of curcumin in respect of pregnancy, so it is probably best avoided in supplement form until more is known.  



• When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with Turmeric.

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