Turmeric is a spice often used in Asian cooking, though it has many medicinal properties as well. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is found in the plant's roots and is often recommended as a natural treatment option for several ailments and diseases, either on its own or in conjunction with conventional treatment methods.
History
Turmeric has been used in Chinese and Indian medicine since the seventh century to treat a variety of medical conditions, according to the American Cancer Society. Both cultures have used used turmeric's healing properties to treat patients suffering from such illnesses as bronchitis, diarrhea, eye infections, skin wounds, bladder inflammation and parasites. The red forehead mark that many Hindu women wear is made by mixing turmeric with lime juice.
Types
Turmeric is available in several different forms and can be used different ways when taken as a supplement or healing herb. The dried roots of the plant are ground up to make a powder, or you can use the dried roots to make a tea. The powder also can be mixed with warm water to make a paste for use as a compress or skin salve. Some supplement companies use the powder in capsules.
Benefits
The curcumin in turmeric is an antioxidant, which can protect your cells from damage from free radicals, explains the American Cancer Society. Some health care practitioners recommend turmeric as a treatment option for inflammation, stomach ulcers, heartburn and gallstones, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Turmeric pastes and compresses are sometimes used to treat eczema and flesh wounds. Various clinical trials and studies have suggested that turmeric may be useful for other conditions, including cystic fibrosis, high cholesterol and Alzheimer's disease, though the results have been highly inconsistent and inconclusive, states the American Cancer Society.
Considerations
While many studies have shown turmeric to be effective in fighting cancer and other diseases in a laboratory environment, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that there is not sufficient evidence that the herb is actually beneficial in humans for treating diseases. Lower doses of turmeric are typically more effective when used to treat medical conditions, including inflammation. A study conducted by researchers at the Center for Phytomedicine Research at the University of Arizona found that rats with symptoms similar to those experienced by people with rheumatoid arthritis fared better when they received an extract composed of only curcuminoids, which is the major active component of turmeric, than rats who received supplements with curcumin and other turmeric components.
Side Effects/Complications
Turmeric is safe for most people when used as a spice, and most individuals tolerate it well when taken as a low-dose supplement. Possible side effects of turmeric include stomach pain, gas, nausea and skin rash. Some people have allergic reactions to turmeric. If you are allergic to ginger or yellow food colorings, you are more likely to experience an allergic reaction when taking turmeric, warns the American Cancer Society. Turmeric can be dangerous when taken in conjunction with blood thinners, immunosuppressant drugs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It may also make certain anti-cancer drugs less effective. Always check with your doctor before taking turmeric or any other supplement.
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