Turmeric is a shrub grown in Asia, mainly India, and parts of Africa. Turmeric has long been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The dried underground stems, known as rhizomes, are crushed into a powder to be taken orally or made into a paste for topical applications. Turmeric is also used as a fabric dye, and for coloring and flavoring mustard, curry powders and cheese.
Oral Remedy
Turmeric has been used as a flavoring in East Indian cooking for thousands of years. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to promote a healthy liver, and to remedy menstrual and digestive problems, ulcers, gallstones, inflammation and cancer. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine advises that few clinical trials have been done on turmeric to verify any of these claims. Animal studies and studies on human cells do indicate that curcumin, the phytochemical responsible for turmeric's yellow color, may be an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and may have anticancer properties.
Curcumin and Weight Loss
The "Tufts University Journal" reports on a study published in 2009, in which researchers fattened two groups of mice with large amounts of fatty foods. One group was also fed small amounts of curcumin, the phytochemical in turmeric. The curcumin group gained 10 percent less weight, on average, than the mice not getting curcumin. On examination, researchers found less fat in the droppings of the curcumin group, indicating curcumin increased metabolism rather than causing fat to be excreted.
Topical Uses
Turmeric in paste form is used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for a variety of skin problems, including wound healing, eczema and the odor and itching associated with skin cancer. There is insufficient scientific evidence to determine the effectiveness of turmeric for most skin disorders, although it does seem to help with the odor and itching of skin cancer, advises the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Considerations
Indigestion, nausea and diarrhea may occur if turmeric is taken for a long period of time or in high doses. Liver problems have occurred in animals given high doses. Turmeric as a supplement can worsen gallbladder disease. Because turmeric may inhibit blood clotting, stop taking it at least two weeks before scheduled surgery. Do not take it if you're taking blood thinners, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Because dietary supplements can interact with prescribed medications and possibly affect medical conditions, always inform your doctor of any supplements you take.
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