Turmeric

Turmeric

Latin Name: Curcuma longa
Family: Zingiberaceae

Part used: Root.
Energetics: Pungent, bitter.
Iris: All types.
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

  • Patients with bile duct obstruction, gallstones, and GI disorders including stomach ulcers and hyperacidity disorders.
  • Dietary turmeric may inhibit the anti-tumor action of chemotherapeutic agents such as cyclophosphamide.

ACTIONS

  • Alterative
  • Analgesic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-allergic
  • Anti-bacterial
  • Anti-fungal
  • Anti-oxidant
  • Anti-neoplastic
  • Anti-platelet
  • Anti-viral
  • Anthelmintic
  • Astringent
  • Hypoglycaemic
  • Carminative
  • Cholagogue
  • Digestive
  • Hepatic
  • Laxative
  • Vulnerary

Main Constituents

  • Volatile oil 5% Curcuminoids
  • Sitosterol
  • Anthraquinones
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • Turmerone oil
  • Curcumin
  • Vitamins: A, B, C, D
  • Minerals: D, Carotene.

Main Uses

Digestive System: IBS, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Liver toxicity, Curcumin inhibits Liver Phase 1 and stimulates Phase 2
External Use: Salmonella

Infections:
Bacteria: E. coli, Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus.
Fungi: Aspergillus niger, Candida, Trichophyton rubrum.
Viruses: Corona/ SARS-CoV-2, Hepatitis, Herpes zoster, HIV, Influenza
Integumentary System: Eczema, Skin ulcers
Circulatory: Reduces cholesterol by cholagogue action on bile, Protects heart and vessels
Nervous system: Headaches
Musculo-Skeletal System: All joint pain gout, RA, OA
Endocrine System: Heavy painful periods/ Lack of periods, Boosts insulin activity

More About Turmeric

Turmeric has been used as a medicine spice and colouring agent for thousands of years. A native of India and South -East Asia, it is now cultivated in many countries, but India still accounts for a large percentage of the current world production.
The use of turmeric has been dated back to at least 600 BC. In India it is regarded as a tonic and blood purifier which is used for poor digestion, seizures, skin conditions, vomiting in pregnancy and liver disorders.
Externally it is used for skin infections, cancer, sprains, arthritis, hemorrhoids and eczema.
Turmeric aids digestion, especially of protein, and stimulates the flow of bile, to detox and protect against ‘everything’. It can regulate excess acid and protect against ulcers.
It can inhibit blood clotting and prevent arterial disease.
It is excellent at cleansing internally to clear acne and stimulates the immune system in times of need.
It is a powerful anti-inflammatory, on a par with NSAIDs but without the harmful side effects. Approximately 5% of the spice turmeric is composed of an active compound called curcumin, about 5% of black pepper by weight comprises a compound called piperine.
Curcumin is responsible for the yellow colour of turmeric and piperine for the pungent flavour of pepper. Piperine is a potent inhibitor of drug metabolism. One of the ways the liver clears foreign substances is making them water soluble so they can be more easily excreted, but the piperine in black pepper inhibits that process.
It only takes a little to do this. The effects of turmeric can be seen in the bloodstream within an hour, but the effect is only slight. However, if black pepper is added, even just ¼ tsp, the curcumin levels skyrocket, and the bioavailability shoots up 2000%.
Even just a little pinch of pepper—1/20th of a teaspoon—can significantly boost levels. Another way to boost the absorption of curcumin is to consume it in the whole food, turmeric root (fresh or dried as a powder) because natural oils found in turmeric root and turmeric powder can enhance the bioavailability of curcumin seven to eight fold.
When eaten with fat, curcumin can be directly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lymphatic system thereby in part bypassing the liver.

Recipes:


Turmeric Golden Milk

Ingredients:

  • 244ml of milk (dairy or dairy-free options like almond, coconut, or soy milk)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric (or use freshly grated turmeric root if available)
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper (for better absorption of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of ground ginger (or freshly grated ginger for added flavor)
  • 1-2 teaspoons of honey or a natural sweetener of your choice (optional, for taste)
  • A small amount of coconut oil or ghee (optional, to increase turmeric absorption)

Instructions:

  • In a small saucepan, heat the milk over low to medium heat. Be careful not to bring it to a boil; you want it hot but not scalding.
  • Add the ground turmeric, black pepper, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and coconut oil or ghee (if using) to the hot milk.
  • Stir the mixture continuously for a few minutes, allowing the ingredients to combine and create a fragrant, golden-hued liquid.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat, and let the mixture cool slightly.
  • If desired, sweeten the golden milk with honey or your preferred natural sweetener.
  • Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any residual spice particles.
  • Pour the golden milk into a mug, and it's ready to enjoy.

Important Notes:

  • Turmeric can stain, so be cautious when handling it, and use a non-porous or stainless steel cookware.
  • Turmeric Golden Milk is a popular traditional remedy that is believed to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Turmeric and Ginger Tea

Ingredients:

  • 236ml of water
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric (or freshly grated turmeric root)
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground ginger (or freshly grated ginger root)
  • A slice of lemon (optional)
  • Honey or a natural sweetener of your choice (optional, for taste)

Instructions:

  • In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
  • Add the ground turmeric and ginger to the boiling water.
  • Reduce the heat to a simmer, and let the mixture steep for about 5-10 minutes. If using fresh ginger and turmeric, you can add them to the boiling water and steep for a few extra minutes.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat, and strain the tea into a mug.
  • Squeeze a slice of lemon into the tea, if desired, and sweeten it with honey or your preferred natural sweetener.
  • Stir well and enjoy the tea while it's still warm.
Turmeric and Honey Face Mask

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon of raw honey

Instructions:

  • In a small bowl, combine the ground turmeric and raw honey. Mix well to form a thick, smooth paste.
  • Apply the mixture to your clean, dry face, avoiding the eye area.
  • Allow the mask to sit on your face for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Rinse your face thoroughly with warm water. You may want to use a washcloth to help remove the yellow staining that turmeric can sometimes leave on the skin.
  • Pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Important Notes:

  • Turmeric is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can be beneficial for the skin. Honey is known for its natural antibacterial properties and ability to moisturize and soothe the skin.
  • Please be cautious when using turmeric, as it can stain clothing and leave a temporary yellow tint on the skin. Avoid getting it on clothing or towels you care about.
  • Before applying any face mask, it's a good idea to do a patch test on a small area of your skin to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions.
  • If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, consult with a dermatologist before using this or any other facial treatment.
  • This turmeric and honey face mask is believed to promote a healthy, radiant complexion. It's important to use it in moderation, as too much turmeric can lead to skin staining. As with any skincare product or home remedy, consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional if you have specific concerns or underlying skin conditions.

References


Skin health

Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
Ten studies noted statistically significant improvement in skin disease severity in the turmeric/curcumin treatment groups compared with control groups. Overall, there is early evidence that turmeric/curcumin products and supplements, both oral and topical, may provide therapeutic benefits for skin health.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27213821/

Joint Arthritis

Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
In conclusion, these RCTs provide scientific evidence that supports the efficacy of turmeric extract (about 1000 mg/day of curcumin) in the treatment of arthritis.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27533649/

Anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer

Curcumin-free turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities: Identification of novel components of turmeric
Studies over the past decade have indicated that curcumin-free turmeric (CFT) components possess numerous biological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic activities. Elemene derived from turmeric is approved in China for the treatment of cancer.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23847105/

Knee Osteoarthritis

Efficacy and Safety of Turmeric Extracts for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.
Turmeric extract is a safe and effective option for the symptomatic management of knee OA, compared to placebo or NSAIDs.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33511486/

Metabolic-preventing, obesity

Turmeric and Curcumin: From Traditional to Modern Medicine.
Among all beneficial activities reported for curcumin, the research toward the obesity and metabolic-preventing/suppressing aspects of curcumin is growing. These findings emphasize that most of the traditional applications of turmeric is due to the presence of its key constituent, curcumin.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34331682/

Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases

Turmeric and its bioactive constituents trigger cell signaling mechanisms that protect against diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
A focus was placed on describing cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the etiology and pathogenesis of diabetes, and CVD disorders, and how the protective properties of turmeric and its constituents can lessen these chronic disease conditions. Favorable results generated from human RCTs on the efficacies of these bioactives that mitigate risk factors for the aforementioned health conditions further support the use of turmeric constituents as ingredients in functional food and nutraceutical preparations.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11010-021-04201-6#Sec9
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34106380/

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