Organic Turmeric Powder Usage Guidelines and Where to Buy

Organic turmeric powder is produced from the rhizomes (underground stems) of Curcuma longa.

This powder is used as a spice and as a natural remedy for conditions including arthritis, chronic inflammation, diabetes and for improving skin health.

Turmeric powder contains between 2 to 7% curcumin, the primary active ingredient that exhibits anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Curcuma longa is indigenous to tropical climates and likely originated in South Asia. The majority of turmeric is now grown in India, but Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and several other countries also grow turmeric for domestic consumption and export.

The majority of turmeric is usually used where it is grown. For instance, turmeric powder is an important part of Indian culture and is used in cooking, to prepare medicines and for religious rituals. This natural health product can also be purchased in stores or online from a number of vendors.

Turmeric

Herbal Supplement

Joints

Heart Health

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Contains anti-inflammatory curcuminoids
• Promotes brain & cardiovascular health
• Supports the immune system & anti-oxidant enzymes

Dosage:

Between 400 - 1800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Turmeric Powder

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a perennial plant that has been used in traditional medicine practices for millennia.

Turmeric powder and supplements are used for liver disorders, digestive upset and nausea in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.

Contemporary uses of turmeric extract include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, indigestion (dyspepsia) abdominal bloating, liver conditions (such as jaundice and hepatitis), gallbladder disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and respiratory infections.

This is only a small sample of the many therapeutic uses of turmeric. The available scientific evidence for each use varies.

Turmeric powder and its active constituent, curcumin, have been observed to exhibit a number of therapeutic effects in laboratory and animal experiments, but it remains unclear if these effects will occur in the human body or if they will improve health outcomes.

Most of turmeric’s contemporary uses are related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Because oxidation and inflammation are tied to the onset and progression of many diseases, including diabetes, some forms of cancer, obesity and neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, many use turmeric in the hopes of supporting good health and warding off disease.

Turmeric’s Bioactive Molecules

Turmeric powder is comprised of more than 200 phytonutrients. Some have yet to be identified, but three of turmeric’s known constituents—diferruloylmethane (curcumin), bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin—are thought to be responsible for most of the plant’s therapeutic effects.

These three compounds are collectively referred to as curcuminoids. Curcumin has been extensively investigated for its therapeutic effects. The remaining two curcuminoids are produced from curcumin.

Turmeric also contains sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, diarylheptanoids, phenylpropenes, diterpenes, sterols, triterpenes, alkaloids and volatile oils. Vitamins, minerals and fiber also add to the medicinal value of organic turmeric powder supplements.

Organic Turmeric Powder for Skin Health

Turmeric can be consumed orally or applied topically to support the skin. When turmeric powder is consumed orally, it exhibits low oral bioavailability and is often combined with other supplements such as piperine (black pepper extract) to improve absorption.

Turmeric powder can be mixed with a small amount of water and applied topically. For the treatment of psoriasis, a paste with this ingredient has been applied to the affected area three times a day.

The anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric may help reduce swelling and redness. Antioxidant effects reduce free radical damage. Antibacterial effects can help clear away pimples and blemishes. This natural compound is also used to balance skin tone and maintain elasticity.

Turmeric for Indigestion

Germany’s Commission E (the regulatory agency charged with overseeing the prescription of herbals) has approved the use of turmeric for dyspepsia (indigestion).

Turmeric powder has been traditionally used to support digestion. Research indicates it increases bile production by the gallbladder. One teaspoon of organic powder has been taken with water three times a day for gastritis or indigestion.

Organic Turmeric Powder for Arthritis

Turmeric is sometimes used for arthritis. There is some evidence that this supplement may help reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis. These effects may be caused by the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory condition where the immune system attacks the body’s joints. Although RA and osteoarthritis are very different conditions (osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis where the cartilage in the joint wears away), both involve inflammation.

The effects of this herb on RA are being investigated, but many individuals with arthritis recommend the use of turmeric or curcumin to help manage their symptoms and alleviate pain.

Turmeric for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Depression

Turmeric and curcumin have exhibited neuroprotective effects in laboratory experiments. In addition, elderly individuals who consistently consume this natural extract have been observed to exhibit improved cognitive function (based on population studies).

However, neither turmeric powder nor curcumin have been observed to impact symptoms or Alzheimer’s or other degenerative neurological conditions. The effects of turmeric on neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and depression are still being investigated.

Both Alzheimer’s and depression are being increasingly tied to chronic inflammation, so the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin and turmeric are of particular interest to researchers.

Buying Organic Turmeric Powder

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees the National Organic Program (NOP), which establishes guidelines for achieving USDA Certified Organic status. Organic turmeric powder should be made from organically grown Curcuma longa or turmeric that has been produced in accordance with USDA and NOP standards.

North America buys approximately 15 % of exported turmeric, which is usually shipped as whole rhizomes. Turmeric spice is made by boiling, drying and grinding turmeric rhizomes to produce powder. The best quality organic turmeric powder is made from USDA Certified Organic turmeric.

The USDA has a series of agreements with international trading partners, including India, that allow certain foreign governments to certify food producers as in-line with USDA Organic standards.

Looking for turmeric that has been certified as USDA Organic can give you the assurance that the plant has been grown without the application of pesticides, use of genetic engineering or ionizing radiation. A full list of the excluded and included practices for USDA Certified Organic products is available on their website.

Turmeric Powder Side Effects

Turmeric is generally well tolerated. The Natural Medicine’s Comprehensive Database rates this product as “Likely Safe” when used orally and appropriately. The side effects of turmeric powder are generally related to gastrointestinal upset. Side effects may include bloating, diarrhea and gas.

Turmeric may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Consult with your doctor before taking organic turmeric powder for medicinal purposes.

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