Turmeric is an herb that belongs in the ginger family. It is a common ingredient used in making curry powder. In its powder form, tumeric, also is used as an herbal supplement to treat ulcers, inflammation associated with arthritis, colitis and Alzheimer's disease. Before taking any herbal supplements, you should consult your doctor so that she can monitor you for adverse reactions. You also need to know if the turmeric supplements may interact with any other medications you are taking.
Gastrointestinal Effects
When used in food preparation, turmeric rarely produces adverse effects, but it could cause stomach discomfort. When taken as an herbal supplement, turmeric can cause nausea and diarrhea. Continued use of turmeric can cause you to develop gallstones and could exacerbate existing gallbladder problems. If you have a bile duct obstruction or gallstones, you shouldn't take turmeric, warns MedlinePlus.
Blood Clotting
One of the properties of turmeric that makes it an effective anti-inflammatory agent is that it inhibits blood clotting. If you're pregnant, it could cause you to have a menstrual period or the herb may stimulate your uterus and cause premature delivery. Taking turmeric with other anticoagulants, such as warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen or heparin could lead to excessive bleeding or bruising. It could also increase bleeding during surgery and as such, you should stop taking it at least two weeks before you undergo a surgical procedure. Others herbs that slow blood clotting and interact with turmeric to increase bleeding include ginger, clove, garlic and angelica.
Allergy Reactions
If you are allergic to ginger, you may experience an allergic reaction to turmeric. If the powder touches your skin, you may develop dermatitis. A red rash with bumps that itch can develop from ingesting the herb as well. A severe allergic reaction can lead to anaphylactic shock, a serious medical condition that typically starts with breathing difficulty. Without emergency medical treatments, you could go into a coma or die.
Interactions
In addition to the interactions turmeric has with blood-clotting drugs, the herb may interfere with the benefits you receive from other important medications. Turmeric may inhibit the usefulness of certain chemotherapy drugs used to destroy cancer cells. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that research indicates that it may slow the anti-tumor effects of cyclophosphamida, a chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer. Turmeric reduces the production of some enzymes and may interfere with antibiotics you're taking to treat an infection. It may also interfere with the metabolism of other prescription drugs as well.
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