Turmeric: What is it? What can it do for you?

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a perennial shrub which belongs to the ginger family, has long been regarded as an important spice in Asian cuisine. The Chinese name that is given to turmeric is jianghuang, which means yellow ginger. You can use it in a similar manner to ginger--in stir fries, in soups, in salad dressings, and even try it sprinkled on bread dough with some sugar before you bake it! We use the rhizome root part which looks a lot like ginger and is prepared a lot like ginger (either ground up into powder or finely diced or steeped). 


Traditionally, turmeric has been used for a variety of purposes. It has found use as an anti-inflammatory, an appetite stimulant, a digestive aid, a general tonic, as well as for treating diarrhea, dyspeptic complaints, flatulence, and gallbladder complaints. It has found use externally in ointments and lotions for the treatment of wounds, ringworm, eczema, and inflammations (specifically arthritis). Notably, the yellow-orange color of turmeric is derived from curcumin, a bright yellow, phenolic pigment. Curcumin is an antioxidant which is considerably more powerful than vitamin E. It has anti-mutagenic activity, as well as the ability to inhibit the growth of certain cancers. It may also play a very minor role in protecting against cardiovascular disease. The yellow pigment curcumin has mild anti-thrombotic activity since it inhibits platelets from clumping together.

Here are 20 more reasons to add turmeric to your diet:

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.

Info from: 

Health Diaries