Turmeric originated in Eastern countries like India, Africa and Asia, and has been used throughout these regions for more than 4,000 years. Turmeric has a wide range of uses that include cooking, coloring and medicinal purposes. While research studies investigating the health benefits of turmeric are promising, they are not yet conclusive. You should talk to your doctor before trying turmeric for the first time.
Cooking and Coloring
Turmeric is commonly used as a cooking ingredient in many Eastern cultures. In India, turmeric is the main ingredient in a popular dish called curry. It is turmeric that gives curry the strong, slightly bitter taste for which the dish is known. Turmeric is also widely used as a component in food and fabric dyes. Turmeric's warm, yellow hue works well for tinting foods like cheese, mustard, curry powder and butter. The essential oils extracted from turmeric are added to some perfumes.
Health Benefits
Turmeric is commonly used as a treatment for a variety of health problems. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, some studies suggest that curcumin may potentially possess antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Some researchers speculate that turmeric may be effective in treating or preventing certain cancers, stomach ulcers, osteoarthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections and atherosclerosis. Some people use turmeric as a topical treatment for wounds and other skin conditions. According to the NCCAM, since there have been limited studies investigating the potential health benefits of turmeric, you should not take turmeric to treat or prevent any specific health problem without first consulting your doctor.
Production and Availability
Turmeric is derived from a perennial shrub with bulbous roots that produce rhizomes. Manufacturers collect, boil and dry these rhizomes to produce a yellow powder that is processed for use in supplements and dyes. Turmeric is available in capsule, tincture, tea or liquid extract form.
Dosing and Duration
The medical community has not yet established exact standards regarding the safe and effective dosing and duration of use for turmeric. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the recommended dose for adults is 400 mg to 600 mg of turmeric taken three times a day. There is currently no recommended dose for children. The NCCAM cautions that taking too much turmeric for an extended period of time can cause unwanted side effects like nausea, diarrhea and indigestion. If you are considering taking turmeric to treat a specific health problem, ask your doctor to recommend a dose and duration of use that fits your unique needs.
Warning
Like all herbs and supplements, turmeric may interact with prescription medications. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, turmeric can potentially decrease your blood sugar levels, interfere with blood clot formation and increase your stomach acid production. Therefore, you should not take turmeric if you take diabetic medications, blood thinners or medications that decrease stomach acid. Since turmeric can potentially worsen gallbladder problems, you should not take turmeric if you have a bile duct obstruction or suffer from gallstones. According to MedlinePlus.com, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should also avoid taking turmeric.
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