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Turmeric Herb - Health Benefits, Uses And Side Effects

Over the last several years, there has been increasing interest in turmeric and its medicinal properties. This is partially evidenced by the large numbers of scientific studies published on this topic. Turmeric ( Curcuma longa ), is widely used as a food coloring and is one of the principal ingredients in curry powder.

Active turmeric components come from the rhizome (underground stem) of Curcuma longa, a perennial of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Turmeric is harvested commercially in India, China, Indonesia, and other tropical countries.

Turmeric is a perennial herb that is a member of the ginger family. The thick rhizome is the part that is most commonly used. It grows to nearly 3 feet tall, and is grown mostly in tropical regions. It is the major ingredient in curry powder. A relative of ginger, turmeric is a perennial plant that grows 3 to 5 feet high in the tropical regions of Southern Asia, with trumpet-shaped, dull yellow flowers. Turmeric is fragrant and has a bitter, somewhat sharp taste.

Common doses of Turmeric

Turmeric comes as capsules, curry and turmeric spices, dried rhizome, extract, oil, and tincture. You should take it on an empty stomach. Some experts recommend the following doses:

• As the active component (curcumin), 400 to 600 milligrams taken orally three times a day.
• As turmeric, a dose equivalent to 8 to 60 grams taken orally three times daily.

Uses of Turmeric herb

Turmeric has a long and varied history in traditional Chinese medicine and Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine. More recently, the herb has shown promise in treating certain types of cancer. The food industry uses this bright yellow herb to color butter, margarine, cheese, curry powder, mustard, and other products. Its main active in gredient, curcumin, is an antioxidant that retards food spoilage. Specifically, turmeric may help to :-

• Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries)
• Bacterial infections
• Bloody urine
• Bruises
• Chest pain
• Gallstones
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Jaundice
• Liver disorders
• Osteoarthritis
• Parasite infestations
• Prevent cancer
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Toothache
• Ulcers
• Viral infections

Side effects of Turmeric

Call your health care practitioner if you experience allergic skin inflammation when using turmeric. High doses or prolonged use of turmeric can cause stomach ulcers.

Are there any interactions?

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don't use turmeric while taking:

• blood thinners such as Coumadin
• drugs that suppress the immune system, such as Imuran or Sandimmune
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil.

Important points to remember

• Don't use turmeric if you're pregnant or breast-feeding because it may cause miscarriage. (The American Herbal Products Association classifies turmeric as a menstrual stimulant.)
• Avoid this herb if you have a bleeding disorder, bile duct obstruction, or a stomach ulcer.
• Report unusual bleeding or bruising to your health care practitioner.
• Keep turmeric preparations away from children and pets.

What the research shows

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, curcumin (turmeric's active component) helps prevent certain cancers of the stomach, colon, mouth and throat, breast, and skin. The herb also shows anti-inflammatory potential: It seems to be as effective as such nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as Advil while causing fewer side effects. However, medical experts believe more research is needed to define the herb's specific role in treating medical conditions.

Other names for Turmeric

Other names for turmeric include curcuma, Indian saffron, Indian valerian, jiang huang, radix, red valerian, and turmeric.