Therapeutic Uses of Turmeric

Much is being researched and talked about the Golden herb from India popularly known as Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) or Haldi (in Hindi). Turmeric is being used as key spice ingredient in Indian Cooking. Besides giving a good color, flavor and aroma Turmeric keeps the Food fresher for longer being a natural preservative. Ayurveda (1900 BC) has always strongly recommended Turmeric for its various therapeutic uses. Haldi has been a house-hold remedy in India for ages for wounds, infections and other health problems.  While researchers identified the prinicpal component Curcumin (a polyphehol compound) only in 20th century and published its medicinal values.



Therapeutic Uses of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)

• Anti-Inflammatory

Scientists find that 99% of the degenerative diseases are due to inflamammation of the cells. Researchers discovered notable inflammation-fighting compounds called curcuminoids in Turmeric. Curcumin is so far most extensively researched. Curcumin is found to be extremely beneficial in Arthritis, Psoriasis, Carpel tunnel or other joints or muscle inflammation . Because of its anti-inflammatory properties Curcumin is believed to connect the neural pathways which tend to get blocked in Alzheimers. Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that Curcumin helps prevent plaque formation. Preliminary studies at Vanderbilt University suggest that curcumin may block the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

• Antioxidant /Anti-aging/ Anti-Cancerous

Turmeric has rich stores of antioxidants (as vitamins C and E, and even beta-carotene.) In the body these important disease-fighting substances remove unstable oxygen molecules (free radicals) that can otherwise damage cells and cause serious diseases such as cancer. It has been proved that diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinsons happen due to oxidative damage to brain. Curcumin has proved to prevent the damage and save from conditions like dementia.

• Anti-Coagulant/ Anti-hyperlipidemic/ Cardio-protective

Turmeric also showed promise in lowering cholesterol levels and fighting atherosclerosis by reducing fatty deposits in the arteries that can lead to heart attack.Turmeric is high in Salicylate (natural blood thinners) that block vitamin K ((Vitamin K plays an important role in the body's in blood clotting processes.)

• Anti-microbial

Turmeric is widely recommended for its anti-microbial (anti bacterial properties). Conditions ranging from skin infections to throat or stomach infections are treated with turmeric. Turmeric is applied to treat scabies for itchy skin and to eleiminate parasitic mites from body.

• Anti-flatulent

Turmeric is known to ease indigestion, excess gas (flatulence), bloating, and other digestive issues. It is also known to be beneficial is Irritable Bowel, Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis and other GI diseases.

• Anti-allergic/ Immunity enhancer

Turmeric is known to increase resistance against allergens.

• Fat Regulatory

Curcumin is also known to reduce body weight gain and total body fat. Curcumin is shown to stall spread of fat tissue by inhibiting new blood vessel growth necessary for building fat tissue.

• Anti-Spasmodic

Curcumin may relieve symptoms of digestive and menstrual cramping.




Medicinal Dose
For medicinal purposes, turmeric is frequently taken in a form standardized to curcumin content, at a dose that provides 200 to 400 mg of curcumin 3 times daily (100 grams of Turmeric is suggested to 1.2 g Curcumin recommended for daily dose for therapeutic use).
Turmeric can be used in powder form as Food additive (spice) or taken with milk. Its application is also recommended with ghee. However, it is better to consult a physician to try it  as a regular medical dose. Especially if one chooses to take Curcumin extracts in the form of capsules etc.


Possible Side Effects
With immense medicinal value, Turmeric or Curcumin is known to be quite safe. In India, it is used in daily meals, However, the therapeutic dosage must be watched especially if it is for prolonged use. There can be issues related to pregnancy and stomach or gastrointestinal disturbances. Do not take therapeutic doses in the following conditions:

• If you are trying to conceive or are pregnant. There can be a possible bleeding due to Turmeric's warm tendency. Lactacting mothers may also avoid prolonged therapeutic uses
• In case of blood-clotting disorder or if one is taking any other blood thinners
• In case of stomach ulcers, problems with gallbladder etc.