Chinese medicine has been utilizing the root of the turmeric plant for thousands of years, believing it to be good for the blood. Indian cultures have also used turmeric in Ayurvedic medicine, as well as cooking. Turmeric is a spice used in curry, giving it its yellow color. Western medicine is also finding that the plant can be beneficial, as it has potent anti-oxidant properties, according to a study published in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology in May of 2010.
Botanical Information
Yu Jin, or the turmeric root tuber, is known botanically as Tuber curcumae, according to TCMassistant.com. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, to which ginger also belongs. The rhizomes of the turmeric plant are also used in Chinese medicine, and the herb is called Jiang Huang, according to TCMassistant.com. Yu Jin is collected in the fall and winter, after the stem and leaves have withered, states the website. It is then steamed and boiled thoroughly, dried in the sun, and sliced to be used in herbal decoctions.
Properties
Chinese medicine theory believes Yu Jin to be bitter, acrid, and cooling, states yinyanghouse.com. It belongs to the category of herbs that move and invigorate blood. Blood movers are often used to break up areas of pain and bruising, to heal traumatic injuries, ulcers, masses,and to aid in menstrual pain and cramping, states acupuncture.com. These types of herbs are often contraindicated during pregnancy.
Organ Systems
Yu Jin functions with certain organ systems, influencing the heart, the liver, and the lung, and working with the gallbladder, says yinyanghouse.com. Chinese medicine theory states that the heart is the master of blood and controls the blood vessels, thus Yu Jin works well with the organ to ensure the proper movement of blood. The liver regulates the smooth flow of qi, or energy, throughout the body, and it is responsible for storing the blood, according to acupuncture-services.com. These are the main organs involved in the creation, movement, and storage of blood.
Yu Jin Uses
TCMassistant.com states that Yu Jin is used for blood stagnation, which can range from bruising and pain to abdominal masses and ulcers, according to acupuncture.com. Yu Jin calms pain and is useful in the smooth movement of energy, or qi. Yinyanghouse.com lists menstrual pain, cramping, chest and flank pain as benefits of Yu Jin, as well as anxiety, agitation, seizures and jaundice. Yu Jin is contraindicated during pregnancy. Be sure to discuss use of Chinese medicininal herbs with your physician, and always work with a licensed acupuncturist or herbalist who has experience with herbal remedies.
Western Research
Turmeric is being studied for many different health benefits. The International Journal of Biological Macromolecules released a study in June of 2010 that was performed at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Compounds in turmeric, particularly the polysaccharides, were found to help to boost the immune system. Turmeric is also being studied for its effect on cholesterol levels, as evidenced in an article published in Nutrition Research and Practice in June of 2010. The researchers were attempting to discover how turmeric is able to lower cholesterol levels. More data is needed, however, before turmeric can be considered an adjunct treatment for disease or cholesterol treatment.
Dosing Information
Yinyanghouse.com states that 4.5 to 5 grams of Yu Jin is typically used, however, most Chinese herbs are not taken alone. Yu Jin is typically mixed with other herbs to create a formula that performs more than one function. TCMassistant.com lists Yu Jin as being a part of a few formulas, one of which is called Yu Jin Yin Xue Pian. This formula is used to promote blood circulation and clear heat and toxicity. Always speak to your physician and a trained Chinese medicine practitioner or herbalist before using Yu Jin or formulas containing the herb.
References
- Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology; Curcumin Inhibits Reactive Oxygen Species Formation And Vascular Hyperpermeability Following Hemorrhagic Shock: Tharakan, B et al; May 2010
- TCMassistant.com, Yu Jin Information
- Acupuncture.com, Blood Moving Herbs
- Acupuncture-services.com, Liver Information
- International Journal of Biological Macromolecules; Immunostimulatory activities of polysaccharide extract isolated from Curcuma longa; Yue, GG et al; June 2010
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