This is the first in a series of words on the Wonders of Turmeric. Turmeric is safe and considered a panacea, one that’s helpful for most any condition and for all constitutions. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine (an ancient Indian healing system) have long recommended turmeric for a variety of ailments, including infections illnesses, cancer, arthritis, musculoskeletal pain, liver disease and indigestion.
Like ginger, turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a member of the Zingiberaceae family. This perennial grows in India, Southeast Asia and other tropical regions. Its rhizomes, or fleshy underground stems, are used as a spice and medicine. Turmeric’s biologically active chemicals include curcuminoids, which produce the yellow pigment, as well as volatile oils, which create the characteristic aroma.
Traditionally, whole turmeric rhizome – dried or fresh, is taken internally or applied topically as powders, salves, pastes and oils for skin ailments, wounds inflammation and infection.
“Curcumin has many beneficial pharmacological effects which include, but are not limited to, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-cancer, and protection against nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease,” says Debasish Bandyopadhyay and assistant professor of research at the University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg, Texas.
In this issue we will explore the effects of Turmeric on Osteoarthritis, Cardio vascular Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Osteoarthritis (OA) results from wear and tear on joints, and commonly accompanies advancing age. At least three studies show curcumin products taken for two to three months, reduce pain, improve function and minimize reliance on pain medications.
In two studies of knee OA, curcumin worked on par with ibuprofen, the overuse of which can cause stomach issues and damage intestines. Combining turmeric with other anti-inflammatory herbs, such as boswellia and ginger, also helps improve symptoms. Curcumin also appears to help with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder. One study compared curcumin with the drug diclofenac (Voltaren) and found curcumin to be more effective.
Cardiovascular Disease-In lab studies, curcumin lowers blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats); discourages oxidation of LDL cholesterol, and inhibits platelets, reducing the risk of clots forming within blood vessels. There are all very common occurrences in Americans these days. One study found that taking 4 grams of curcuminoids a day for several days before and after coronary bypass surgery reduced the risk of in hospital heart attack.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)- Curcuminoids aren’t well absorbed from the intestinal tract, making them potentially useful against bowel inflammation and colon cancer. IBD includes ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. When people with these diseases add curcumin to conventional medication, they extend their time to relapse. Turmeric reduced indigestion after meals (which explains why the curry doesn’t make you writhe in pain) and improves symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) which is a condition characterized by abdominal pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.
There are many ways to ingest turmeric but one of my favorites is in the following recipe located on the Recipes Page of this website. It is called Golden Milk and will quickly become your favorite “anytime” beverage. I especially love it in the morning or evening as a calming drink at the end of the day.
In a future post in this series we will cover how turmeric affects oral health, diabetes, infections, skin issues, brain diseases and cancer.
Stay tuned and go get some turmeric!!!