Turmeric is a herb and spice used in curries. It has a characteristic deep yellow color and a mildly spicy flavor. It comes from the rhizome of the turmeric plant which is a member of the same species as ginger. You may have heard of it because it has been mentioned by Dr. Oz and in many popular news channels.
Turmeric, like most other culinary herbs, has valuable medicinal properties. Turmeric is used liberally in countries such as India where is valued for strengthening the immune system, relieving inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, improving digestions, killing parasites, dissolving gallstones and alleviating PMS.
Turmeric is a strong antioxidant that is actually more powerful than vitamins C and E. Studies have shown that turmeric is effective in halting cancer in all 3 stages, reducing the number of tumors and protecting the throat, stomach and colon against cancer. In animal studies, turmeric was toxic to cancer cells within thirty minutes.
Another powerful action of turmeric is on the liver. Turmeric stimulates the flow of bile, helping to metabolize fats. It is used to prevent and dissolve gallstones while cleaning out the bacteria associated with inflammation of the gallbladder. Turmeric also inhibits viruses such as hepatitis and HIV.
Turmeric is used throughout the herbal world because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It is sold singly for arthritis pain, for cardiovascular health and for lowering blood sugar. It is also sold in combination with other herbs, particularly for relieving inflammation common in conditions such as arthritis.
Turmeric is now being touted as the anti-inflammatory herb to take to prevent degenerative conditions in the brain and nervous system. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties are enhanced when it is combined with other anti-inflammatory herbs such as rosemary, ginger, green teas and boswellia.
One particular turmeric based combination called Zyflamend, which is a proprietary formula from New Chapter, is being used in clinical cancer trials on both prostate cancer and brain cancer because the anti-inflammatory properties that make this combination useful against arthritis pain, also make it useful in preventing the inflammation that can lead to cancer. Note that cancer doesn’t develop overnight; it is a progressive problem that starts with inflammation.
As with any herb, quality is a major issue. If you want to get the benefit of the herbs you take, make sure they come from a quality supplier who does not use herbs that have been fumigated or irradiated upon entry into the United States.
Note to Readers: You may have seen and/or heard information regarding inflammation as “the cause” of all disease. Many have gotten this information and are looking for natural anti-inflammatories. While these natural anti-inflammatories and anti-oxidants are very good and are helpful with conditions of aging, consider that there is actually a cause (or multiple causes) of this inflammation. So while you are taking some of these great anti-aging supplements, look for underlying causes and take some action to reduce what is causing inflammation in your body. There are many articles on this blog referencing inflammation and underlying causes.
Wow! Didn’t realize turmeric was SO helpful. Thanks for the info!
Does it matter whether the turmeric is cooked (like in a curry) or not? It seems like cooking the spices in curries releases their flavors as opposed to adding them raw to what you are eating.
I agree with you that spices taste better when cooked. However, for use in supplements, I think the lower temperature used in the processing, the better. The New Chapter products that are supercritically extracted are some of the best because they are done below 100 degrees fahrenheit which helps preserve some of the active components of the herb.
Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Many thanks
Thank you – you are welcome to share links to my blog.
When sharing the info, what we ask is that you just share the link – not the content – they get to view the content when they click on the link to my blog.
Thanks again.
I often find in many cases that Turmeric and natural medicines containing it in combinations is more useful for my clients than over the counter anti-inflammatory medications as they are very harsh on the patients digestion etc where as turmeric is not and as you say aids in bile production etc. Here in Australia we are fortunate to be able to purchase it organically fairly easily. I also find a it of great use with my arthritis patients who interestingly enough also display digestive problems in many cases.
Craig.