Turmeric

The spice known as turmeric adds flavor and a yellow color to mustard and curry powder. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) belongs to the ginger family of herbs, and its fingerlike stalks have been used in healing for some time past. Herbal medicine is prepared by scalding and then drying the stalks, which are also used for flavoring, coloring, and preserving food.

In China and India, many disorders, including indigestion, have been treated with turmeric for centuries. Until the 1970's it was chiefly used as a spice in the rest of the world. Then researchers found that turmeric contained compounds called curcuminoids, which are used to counter inflammation, and also that it has high antioxidant content to counteract free radical damage. It seemed effective in reducing cholesterol, and treating atherosclerosis responsible for fatty deposits, that can lead to heart attacks.

Specific Turmeric Health Benefits

Ø It eases indigestion, flatulence, bloating and other mild upset stomach conditions. The curcumin in turmeric combats bacteria that causes diarrhea.

Ø It treats carpal tunnel syndrome, and relieves arthritis and joint inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory qualities.

Ø As an antioxidant, turmeric prevents damage to cells.

Turmeric is available in various forms including tincture, tablet, capsule, powder, ointment, lotion and liquid. Preparations for internal use are capsules, fresh juice, boiled tea made from powder and tinctures. External formulations are creams, ointments, lotions and pastes. Search for turmeric with a 95% curcumin content, as this is beneficial in treating specific disorders. To obtain the medicinal dose of 1.2 g per day of curcumin, you would need to consume 100 grams of turmeric as cooking spice.

Turmeric Dosage

For the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, indigestion, flatulence and other inflammatory and GI-related ailments, take a 400 to 600 mg capsule three times a day. Alternatively, you could take ½ to 1 teaspoon of liquid extract mixed with ½ cup of water three times a day. Continue the treatment for several days until symptoms are relieved, but if there is no improvement after about a week's use, discontinue turmeric.

As inflammation and other symptoms decrease, reduce the daily dose of turmeric by half and if they clear up completely, stop using the herb. When taking turmeric orally it is best to combine it with something to assist absorption. Bromelain, which is found in pineapples, is recommended, and such a combination will help to ensure that active compounds of turmeric are readily absorbed.

Because turmeric is not suitable for everyone and may interfere with the action of some prescription medicines, you should consult your doctor before taking it.