Medicinal Use of Turmeric-a Common Kitchen Spice!

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), has been long used in Ayurvedic medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent, a remedy for digestive disorders and liver problems, and as an effective treatment for skin diseases and wound healing.

In one study, turmeric was also found to improve symptoms in the autoimmune eye disorder uveitis. In this study turmeric was shown to be as effective as corticosteroids but free of the side effects commonly associated with steroids.

Turmeric is native to Asia, where it grows as a perennial flowering plant. The active ingredient in turmeric is a substance known as curcumin, which belongs to the family of curcuminoid compounds.

In Ayurvedic medicine turmeric has been studied and used as a medicinal agent for thousands of years. A teaspoon of turmeric poweder in a cup of warm milk used three times daily has long been considered an effective Ayurvedic treatment for colds and influenza.Turmeric bolied with milk and taken on empty stomach early in the morning has known to retard progression of Diabetes.It is useful in relieving flatulence. Turmeric is very useful intestinal antiseptic. The rhizome, its juice or dry powder, mixed in butter milk or plain water is highly beneficial in intestinal problems, especially chronic diarrhoea. The juice of raw turmeric mixed with a pinch of salt is considered an effective remedy for expelling worms. Turmeric being rich in iron is valuable in anaemia. A teaspoon of raw turmeric juice mixed with honey is taken everyday in the treatment of this condition. This herb is beneficial in the treatment of measles. Turmeric roots are dried in the sun and ground to a fine powder. Turmeric is an effective household remedy for bronchial asthma. A teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of milk twice or thrice daily is very effective.

Because of its ability to induce bile flow, curcumin helps break down fats and increases the production of stomach acids. For this reason, turmeric should not be used in people diagnosed with gallstones or obstruction of the bile passages unless prescribed by a qualified practitioner.

Turmeric and Arthritis

A research study has explored the use of turmeric for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition affecting two million Americans. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is the most common of the autoimmune rheumatologic disorders, is characterized by joint swelling, pain, stiffness and a progressive loss of joint function

Results suggest that the most improvement, measured in terms of joint swelling, occurred in the rats given an extract containing only curcuminoids, the major components of turmeric, as opposed to more complex extracts containing curcuminoids plus other turmeric compounds (similar to commercially available supplements.

Contraindications:

Turmeric should not be used in pregnancy and in patients with gallstones or bile duct obstructions unless it is under the advise of their physicians. The Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland cautions that while herbs are effective in strengthening the body and treating disease, they contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For this reason, they recommend that herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine. And while turmeric and curcumin are considered safe at recommended doses, they may produce stomach upset, and, used in very high doses, ulcers.