Turmeric is an herb related to ginger and used commonly in many Asian and Indian dishes that include curry powder. The ground turmeric root is bright yellow and contains pigments such as curcumin that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric has long been used to treat stomach problems and has shown some promise in treating chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
About
Turmeric has been used for over 4,000 years in traditional medicine. The spice has a warm, bitter taste and is used as seasoning or coloring in many foods. Turmeric has been shown to be safe in the amount used in foods, and no evidence has shown that medicinal use of more-potent extracts is dangerous.
Curmumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may interact with drugs that slow blood clotting, reduce stomach acid or blood sugar. Do not take turmeric in medicinal amounts if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, undergoing surgery or if you have existing gallbladder problems. Consult your doctor before taking turmeric in medicinal amounts if you are currently being treated for any medical problem.
Treating Indigestion
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research suggest that turmeric stimulates the gallbladder to increase bile production. Clinical trials have shown that turmeric can reduce gas and bloating in those suffering from indigestion. Turmeric should not be used by those with ulcers or high stomach acid as it may increase the stomach's production of acid.
Anti-inflammation
Curcumin and other active ingredients in turmeric have been shown to inhibit the activity of two inflammatory enzymes, COX-2 and LOX. Through this mechanism turmeric may reduce the clumping of platelets to form plaque in the blood vessels and improve symptoms of inflammatory disorders such as arthritis. Clinical trials have not consistently shown results in these treatments.
Supplementation
Turmeric can be taken as ground root powder, a tincture or most commonly a capsule of a standardized curcumin extract. The recommended dosage is 400 to 600 mg per dose taken three to four times daily. Curcumin is fat-soluble and is best absorbed when taken with other dietary fat. Curcumin is degraded rapidly in the intestines. Many supplements add piperine to curcumin to slow this degradation and increase the amount of curcumin absorbed into the bloodstream.
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