Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to reduce inflammation, treat liver, digestive and skin disorders as well as prevent and even treat cancer. The curcumin contained in turmeric is regarded as a potent antioxidant. The medicinal properties of turmeric are found in the root and underground stem, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Consult with your health care provider before using herbs to treat health conditions, as they are not regulated by the FDA.
Atherosclerosis
Turmeric may help prevent atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque resulting from cholesterol and fat collecting in the walls of arteries. Atherosclerosis can cause a heart attack or stroke. Animal research suggests that turmeric may block LDL or "bad" cholesterol from accumulating in the blood vessels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. It's unclear whether turmeric would have the same effect in humans. Ask your heath care provider about using herbs to help guard against heart attack and stroke.
Cancer
Curcumin may help prevent, manage and possibly destroy certain types of cancers such as malignancies of the breast, prostate and skin. It's theorized that the antioxidant properties of curcumin may protect cells from harm and block the blood vessels that feed and sustain cancerous tumors, notes the UMMC. Further research is needed into turmeric's potential as a cancer-fighting herb. Cancer patients should not rely exclusively on herbs and other alternative therapies to treat their disease.
Heartburn
Turmeric may help treat indigestion and other stomach problems, according to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. Curcumin encourages the gallbladder to produce a digestive juice called bile which may enhance digestion. A regulatory body in Germany called the German Commission E has determined that turmeric can be safely prescribed to treat several digestive disorders. Check with your health care practitioner before using herbs to treat heartburn and similar conditions.
Gallbladder Health
Curcumin may prevent hardened deposits of digestive fluid known as gallstones from developing in the gallbladder, reports the NIH. More research is needed, however. Consult with your doctor about using turmeric for gallbladder health.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Turmeric may help treat irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. A study published in December 2004 in the journal Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that two-thirds of 207 volunteers with IBS who took standardized turmeric extract taken daily for 8 weeks reported significant improvement in symptoms. Discuss the use of herbal supplements for IBS with your health care provider.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Curcumin may modestly reduce pain, stiffness and inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, according to the University of Michigan Health Systems. RA is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the joints and other body parts. Ask your health practitioner about the possible benefits of curcumin for RA relief.
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