Turmeric Medicinal Uses for Health, Pain, Digestion and Acne

Turmeric is traditionally used for liver ailments, digestive disorders and skin conditions. Its modern medicinal uses are varied and diverse.

Contemporary uses include skin conditions, digestive ailments, obesity, cancer, type II diabetes, heart disease, depression, Alzheimer’s and the common cold, to name only a few.

Turmeric and its main bioactive constituent, curcumin, have been observed to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Many of turmeric’s uses are related to these characteristics.

Turmeric is most commonly known as a spice and the main ingredient in curry powder. It is derived from the rhizomes (underground stems) and roots of the plant Curcuma longa. C. longa is a relative of ginger and indigenous to southern Asia.

It is now primarily grown in India. Turmeric has been used for millennia to flavor and preserve food. Less known is turmeric’s role in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine practices.

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 Uses

The history and properties of turmeric have attracted contemporary research attention.

Both turmeric and curcumin have been the subject of scientific study to better understand their therapeutic properties and diverse effects on human health.

Although many laboratory and animal experiments have been conducted, more clinical trials are needed before many of turmeric’s uses can be confirmed based on scientific evidence alone.

Most of turmeric’s medicinal uses relate to its demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric Use for Arthritis

Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe over 100 different conditions that affect joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition characterized by the degradation of cartilage, the substance that acts as a cushion between the bones in a joint. This deterioration may eventually result in the bones of the joint rubbing together, causing pain, inflammation and impaired mobility.

Evidence suggests curcumin may help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis. In one clinical study, curcumin supplementation was observed to be as effective as ibuprofen in reducing knee pain in individuals with osteoarthritis.

In another study a specific mix of herbs that included turmeric reduce joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. However, because a mix of herbs was used it is impossible to known if the pain reduction was due to turmeric or another substance.

Turmeric Use for Digestive Upset

In Europe, a common medicinal use for Turmeric is in the alleviation of digestive discomfort. The German Commission E (the regulatory body charged with overseeing the prescription of herbal medicines in Germany) has approved the use of turmeric for digestive upset.

In a study, turmeric was reported to reduce instances of dyspepsia (indigestion) and bloating. Turmeric has also been observed to promote bile production by the gallbladder, which may help support digestion.

This extract has been traditionally used in India for digestive disorders. In Ayurvedic medicine, 1 tsp of turmeric is combined with water and taken four times a day for dyspepsia.

Turmeric Use for Cardiovascular Health

Turmeric is used to reduce the level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides in the blood. However, scientific evidence supporting this use is contradictory and neither turmeric nor curcumin has been observed to consistently reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

This extract has exhibited anti-platelet properties, meaning they help prevent the clumping of platelets in the blood. This may help reduce the risk of developing blood clots, but research is ongoing.

Turmeric Use for Cancer

Turmeric is sometimes used for cancer prevention. However, turmeric may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications, including chemotherapy drugs.

It is important to speak with your oncologist before taking this supplement in conjunction with cancer treatment.

Curcumin has been observed to exhibit anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in laboratory tests. In addition, curcumin was observed to prevent tumor growth when applied directly to cancerous cells in a laboratory experiment.

The exact mechanism of the anti-cancer effects remains unknown, but it appears curcumin impacts cell signalling and growth. Although these preclinical trials have been promising, there are no clinical studies that illustrate these properties will occur in humans. Research is ongoing.

Turmeric Use for Acne, Psoriasis and Boils

Turmeric can be applied topically for a number of skin conditions. The natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may be helpful for a number of skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis and boils.

Turmeric is sometimes added to ointments and creams for topical application. In traditional practice, a poultice is applied to psoriasis four times a day. A poultice is made by adding a small amount of water to turmeric powder to form a paste.

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects are said to reduce swelling and redness. Antioxidant effects may help reduce damage caused by free radicals. Turmeric also exhibits antibacterial properties and acts as a mild exfoliant to help keep skin clear and supple.

Using turmeric on the skin may also prevent the growth of the bacteria that causes acne and pimples to develop. By inhibiting this bacteria from proliferating, it may be possible to reduce or prevent the occurrence of acne outbreaks.

Using Turmeric Safely

Turmeric and curcumin are generally well tolerated. Side effects of oral supplementation may include bloating, diarrhea and digestive upset. Some may experience skin sensitivity or an allergic reaction when turmeric is applied topically.

Side effects and/or drug interactions are possible when turmeric is supplemented for medicinal purposes. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking turmeric for medical reasons.

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