Traditional cultures around the world have relied for centuries on local plants, herbs, roots and spices not only as part of their culinary traditions, but also for medical purposes. Turmeric is an herbal product that has been used in medicine and the culinary traditions of Asia for centuries. Curcumin is the active ingredient found in turmeric. Modern scientific research is looking at traditional treatments such as tumeric and curcumin to verify their healing potential. Always talk to your physician or a licensed health care practitioner before using these substances for treating any disease or disorder.
Medicine from the kitchen
Turmeric rhizome, or Curcumae longae rhizoma, is widely used as a spice in the culinary traditions of the Indian subcontinent and China. It is a common ingredient in Indian cooking, and is often used as a spice in curries and stews. Turmeric is bright yellow, and has a characteristically earthy, yet pungent flavor. It is from the same plant family as ginger, or zingiberaceae. In addition to being widely used in the kitchen, turmeric has many powerful medical properties, and has been used as a medicinal herb and spice in China and India for many centuries. Curcumin is the primary active chemical constituent in turmeric. For medical uses it is extracted and concentrated from turmeric, because its natural concentration is relatively low, around 3 percent to 5 percent. Modern medical research on curcumin has shown promise for its effectiveness in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases.
Ancient medicinal and spice: Turmeric
Long before it became the subject of modern medical research, turmeric was used in traditional medicine and cooking throughout China and India. As a spice, it is used not only for flavor, but also to help regulate digestion. As a medicinal substance, turmeric is thought to have a powerful ability to move the blood in the body and reduce pain. According to traditional oriental medicine, one way that pain may arise in the body is through sluggish movement of blood. Herbal products such as turmeric are thought to move blood more effectively and are often used to treat disorders where pain is sharp, fixed, and distending. It is often included in herbal prescriptions for abdominal pain, menstrual disorders, amenorrhea, uterine fibroid tumors, postpartum pain, chest pain and arthritic pain, including aching shoulders and joints. According to Chinese Herbal Materia Medica, turmeric should be used with caution by pregnant women because it strongly activates the movement of blood in the body.
In addition to its ability to move blood and treat pain, relatively recent studies have found that turmeric is very effective as an anti-inflammatory. Turmeric is also beneficial as a topical medicine to treat a wide variety of skin conditions. Special caution should be used when applying turmeric topically, however, because it can stain clothing and skin with its vibrant yellow color.
Where to find turmeric
You can find turmeric in the spice aisle of most major grocery chains, as well as at specialty Asian food stores. Practitioners of Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine may include turmeric in a higher dose in their herbal prescriptions. If you are considering using turmeric for medicinal benefits, and you have any serious health concerns, it would be advisable to first consult a health care practitioner to ensure proper dosage and to avoid any drug interactions.
Modern research: Curcumin
Curcumin is a chemical constituent that naturally occurs in turmeric, and is extracted and concentrated as a potent biochemical substance. It has been the subject of considerable medical research, and seems to have positive therapeutic effects on a variety of disorders, according to sciencewatch.com. Curcumin has been proven to be a natural anti-inflammatory and reduces histamine levels in the body. There is modern research showing its effectiveness in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis due to its ability to reduce inflammation and swelling, as noted by Paul Pitchford in "Healing with Whole Foods."
Curcumin is a powerful anti-oxidant, which means that it protects the body from free radical damage. In addition, it has been shown to have positive effects on liver function and in lowering cholesterol levels. Curcumin may also be beneficial in treating Alzheimer's disease and improving brain function. Finally, there is evidence that suggests that curcumin may produce positive results in the treatment of some types of cancer, and this has sparked a great deal of interest within the medical research community.
Where to find curcumin
Curcumin can be found in extract form as a supplement at your local health food store. As with turmeric or any herbal treatment, it is imperative to consult a health care practitioner if you have any health concerns before incorporating these supplements into your diet.
References
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (3rd ed.). Bensky, D., Clavey, S., and Stoger, E. 2004. Seattle WA: Eastland Press.
- Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition (3rd ed.). Pitchford, P. 1993. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
- The Therapeutic Effects of Curcumin: Research Front Map. (2008). Retrieved July 21, 2010, from www.sciencewatch.com.
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