Many culinary spices have a history of medicinal use. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical practice that frequently uses spices in its many therapies. Turmeric is a bright yellow spice commonly found in curries. Turmeric contains curcumin, the main ingredient responsible for its yellow color and medicinal effects. While turmeric may successfully alleviate some medical symptoms, it is not a substitute for prescribed medication. Check with your health care provider before using turmeric.
Arthritis
Recent medical studies have confirmed that there is some validity to the ancient Ayurvedic use of turmeric to treat arthritis, though the National Institutes of Health notes that additional human trials are needed. The central ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, contains anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce pain associated with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the practice of Ayurveda often combines turmeric with other herbs to create a treatment for arthritis. Patients who suffer from arthritis may find some benefit to eating turmeric-rich foods or taking turmeric supplements, but these should not replace prescribed medication and other therapies.
Colitis
Colitis is a condition that affects the colon and rectum, causing pain and bloating. Turmeric has a history of use in treating these symptoms. According to UMMC, Ayurveda includes digestive disorders in its roster of medical problems that turmeric can alleviate. This could also be due to the spice's anti-inflammatory properties.
Skin Cancer
Ayurvedic medical therapies use turmeric to treat skin conditions. Skin cancer is one of the problems that could benefit from turmeric. The UMMC identifies turmeric as offering potentially effective treatment for cancers of many kinds, including skin cancer. According to a 2005 article in the journal Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, curcumin's antioxidant properties may be the cause of these anti-cancer effects. Human trials are needed to back up the findings from laboratory studies.
Skin Abrasions
The antioxidant properties of curcumin offer some benefits to external abrasions, cuts and other injuries. Ayurveda practitioners apply turmeric directly to a wound to help stimulate and accelerate healing. According to UMMC, antioxidants help the body fight infection and curcumin contains strong antioxidant benefits.
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