Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family ~ Zingiberaceae ~ which grows in the tropical regions of Southern Asia, particularly in India.  It is used as a main ingredient in curry, in mustard and to color butter and cheese.  The roots (rhizomes) and bulbs are used as medicine and food. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric and has a distinct earthy, slightly bitter flavor with a mustardy smell.

Turmeric has been used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for 4,000 years to treat a variety of conditions.  Here are the results of some recent research:

Curcumin lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation. It also stops platelets from clumping together to form blood clots.1

Curcumin inhibits the growth and metastasis of many cancers and stimulates the regeneration of bone marrow cells.3

Turmeric assists the neurological system’s healthy response to stress.4

Pretreatment with curcumin increases the effect of chemo and radiotherapy on cancer cells, according to researchers at the University of South Dakota.5

Curcumin seems to delay liver damage that can eventually lead to cirrhosis, according to preliminary experimental research at the Medical University Graz in Austria.5

The German Commission E, which determines which herbs can be safely prescribed in Germany, has approved turmeric for digestive problems.

Epidemiologists have hypothesized that turmeric, which is part of daily curries eaten in India, may help explain the lower rate of Alzheimer’s disease in that country (less than one-quarter that of the United States).5

Because turmeric is fat soluble, it should be taken with a healthy fat, such as olive oil.  Additionally, cooking destroys the enzymes in turmeric so it should be eaten raw or added to foods after cooking. Turmeric and curcumin are also available as supplements; however, whole plants are always preferred to isolates.

Contraindications: Check with your health care provider if you are taking blood-thinning medication, drugs that reduce stomach acid or diabetes medication before using turmeric or curcumin in medicinal forms, as turmeric may increase the effect of these drugs.  Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

References

1”Turmeric.” http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/turmeric-000277.htm.  University of Maryland Medical Center.

2”Turmeric.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turmeric.

3Ballock, Russell L., Natural Strategies for Cancer Patients. NY: Kensington Publishing Corp., 2003.

4Mercola, Joseph, D.O., “The Spice that Ignites Your Body’s Astonishing Immune System.”  http://organicindia.mercola.com/herbal-supplements/turmeric.aspx.

5Weil, Andrew, “Turmeric Health Benefits: Have a Happy New Year With Turmeric.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-weil-md/turmeric-health-have-a-happy-new-year_b_798328.html.

6Tillotson, Alan Keith, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay., The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook. NY: Kensington Publishing Corp., 2001.