Turmeric is an herb that is related to ginger and is commonly used as a coloring for foods and fabrics. As an herbal supplement, turmeric is available in capsule, extract and as a tea that is considered relatively safe to consume, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Avoid turmeric tea, however, if you have a pre-existing liver or gallbladder problem because it can worsen your symptoms. Turmeric tea may provide a variety of medicinal benefits when used as a supplement. Check with your doctor before using any herbal supplement.
Indigestion
Turmeric contains a substance known as curcumin, which acts as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Curcumin appears to stimulate the production of bile by the gallbladder. Bile is necessary for your body to digest fats; a lack of adequate bile production can lead to indigestion. Germany has approved the use of turmeric for the treatment of indigestion and associated symptoms like gas and abdominal bloating. If you have impaired bile production or pre-existing gallbladder problems, avoid using turmeric tea for indigestion.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a condition in which the inner linings of the colon and rectum become inflamed, causing diarrhea, mucous production and bleeding from the rectum. Curcumin, the active substance in turmeric, was found to be associated with a decreased rate of recurring flare of symptoms of ulcerative colitis in a study published in the 2006 issue of "Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology." This finding suggests that drinking turmeric tea may help decrease your risk of increased symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Check with your doctor before using turmeric tea, because it may interact with some medical conditions or medications.
Ulcers
Research is unsupportive in regards to the efficacy of turmeric and curcumin in treating gastric ulcers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A 2009 study published in "Phytomedicine" however, found that curcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, another substance in turmeric, were effective in inhibiting the development of ulcers in laboratory mice. Additionally, a study in the 2006 issue of the "Journal of Natural Medicines" found that curcumin cured and prevented gastric ulcers in rats.
Atherosclerosis
Turmeric may help prevent the development of plaque in your arteries which can lead to cardiovascular disease or a stroke, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A 1999 study published in "Atherosclerosis" found that curcumin was effective in decreasing the oxidation of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, lowering total and LDL cholesterol levels in laboratory rabbits. This effect may help prevent the development of blood clots in the walls of the arteries -- which can lead to a heart attack or stroke -- and decrease your overall risk of developing heart disease. More research is necessary to determine the amount of turmeric or its active ingredients that is effective in humans.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Turmeric
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- "Clinical Gastroenterology and Hematology": Curcumin Maintenance Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis: Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial; H. Hanal, et al.; 2006
- "Phytomedicine": Comparative Antiulcer Effect of Bisdemethoxycurcumin and Curcumin in a Gastric Ulcer Model System; S. Mahattanadul, et al.; 2009
- "Atherosclerosis": Oral Administration of a Turmeric Extract Inhibits LDL Oxidation and Has Hypocholesterolemic Effects in Rabbits With Experimental Atherosclerosis; M. C. Ramirez-Tortosa, et al.; 1999
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