According to the National Institutes of Health’s website, Medline Plus, turmeric has a long history in Asian medicine as a treatment for digestion. Though there has not been any conclusive research done on humans, it does appear to be effective for some digestive disorders. Consult with your physician, however, before using turmeric for digestion.
History
Turmeric is a plant that is native to parts of Indonesia and India. The harvesting of turmeric dates back to the 16th century. The World Healthiest Foods organization notes that Arab traders brought it to Europe in the 1200s, though its history in Western cultures is much more recent as the herb’s therapeutic properties have been studied. Medline Plus acknowledges that it has become a supplemental treatment in many cultures to treat stomach disorders.
Conditions
There are many digestive disorders for which turmeric has been used. The supplement has been used as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, stomach ulcers, Crohn’s disease, colitis and colitis. Medline Plus notes that use of tumeric in Indian dishes may be responsible for fewer instances of gallstones in that country. The site also states, however, that studies on patients with IBS showed no benefit from use of turmeric.
Dose
Turmeric is dried and may be ingested as a powder or in a capsule. It is also put in teas and used in liquid form. For external use, turmeric is mixed with water or oil to make a paste. Based on research the organization has reviewed, Medline Plus says for adults over age 18, doses have ranged between 450mg of curcumin capsules to 3g of tumeric root daily divided into several doses and taken orally.
Considerations
There have yet to be any studies concluding that turmeric is safe for children, according to the National Institutes of Health. It should not be given to anyone under 18 years of age without direction of a doctor. The group also notes that early reports on turmeric, specifically a chemical component in the plant called curcumin, can keep gallstones from occurring; however, it is not a treatment for those who already have the condition.
Warning
Despite some positive findings that turmeric may be helpful for digestion, when given in high doses or used for a prolonged length of time, it may actually irritate the stomach, says Medline Plus. The website also warns that the herb may be dangerous to pregnant women as it can cause stimulation of the uterus. It is considered safe as a spice added to foods, but discontinue use of turmeric if you are pregnant. Consult a health care professional before use.
