Turmeric
Common Names
Turmeric, Turmeric Root, Indian Saffron
Latin Names
Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma domestica, Curcuma longa
Curcumin is a natural compound found in turmeric.
The two words are often used interchangeably.
Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Asian and Indian food (like curry) that comes from the turmeric plant- a perennial and a member of the ginger family. The plant grows wild in the forests of southeast Asia and can grow 5-6 feet tall. It has a slightly bitter taste and is often used to flavor or color mustard, cheeses, butter and is used as a clothing dye.
When not used fresh, the rhizomes can be boiled for about 30–45 minutes and then dried in hot ovens, before being ground into a deep-orange-yellow powder. The turmeric root can also be used for medicinal purposes.
Curcumin is a natural compound found in turmeric. The two words are often used interchangeably.
Turmeric has been used for addressing arthritis, heartburn (dyspepsia), joint pain, stomach pain, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gallbladder disorders, high cholesterol, a skin condition called lichen planus, skin inflammation from radiation treatment, bypass surgery, hemorrhage and fatigue. Source
It has also been used for treating headaches, bronchitis, colds, lung infections, fibromyalgia, leprosy, fever, menstrual problems, itchy skin, recovery after surgery, and cancers. Additional uses have included depression, Alzheimer's disease, swelling in the middle layer of the eye (anterior uveitis), diabetes, water retention, worms, an autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), tuberculosis, urinary bladder inflammation, and kidney problems. Source- WebMD
Some people apply turmeric to the skin for pain, ringworm, sprains and swellings, bruising, leech bites, eye infections, acne, inflammatory skin conditions and skin sores, soreness inside of the mouth, infected wounds, and gum disease. Turmeric has also been used as an enema for people with inflammatory bowel disease. Source- WebMD
Other Names for Curcumin
Curcuma, Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma domestica, Curcumae longa, Curcumae Longae Rhizoma, Curcumin, Curcumine, Curcuminoid, Curcuminoïde, Curcuminoïdes, Curcuminoids, Halada, Haldi, Haridra, Indian Saffron, Nisha, Pian Jiang Huang, Racine de Curcuma, Radix Curcumae, Rajani, Rhizoma Cucurmae Longae, Safran Bourbon, Safran de Batallita, Safran des Indes, Turmeric Root, Yu Jin.
Turmeric is available in the following forms...
Powder or capsules containing powder
Fluid extract
Teas
Tincture
Bromelain and/or black pepper increases the absorption and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin, so it is often combined with turmeric.
The following doses are recommended for adults...
(Source- University of Maryland)
Cut root: 1.5 to 3 g per day
Dried, powdered root: 1 to 3 g per day
Standardized powder (curcumin): 400 to 600 mg, 3 times per day
Fluid extract (1:1) 30 to 90 drops a day
Tincture (1:2): 15 to 30 drops, 4 times per day
Turmeric & Curcumin Articles
Science Confirms Turmeric As Effective As 14 Drugs
Why Turmeric is the Queen of Spices
600 Reasons Turmeric May Be The World's Most Important Herb
Turmeric's 'Smart Kill' Properties Put Chemo & Radiation To Shame
Turmeric: A Wellness Promoting Tonic At Low Doses, Research Reveals
The Spice That Prevents Fluoride From Destroying Your Brain
2,275 Abstracts with Curcumin Research
Additional Uses for Turmeric
..."an entirely edible source of white light could be generated with minimal environmental and human health impacts..."
Now, a groundbreaking new study published in Scientific Reports seems to have found exactly such a green solution. Amazingly, Indian researchers discovered that a mixture of two commonly consumed edible plants, red pomegranate and turmeric, when exposed to light wavelengths just below the visible threshold (380 nm), produced almost pure white light emission (WLE). Source
Skin Care Products
"... beauty purposes of Turmeric include: treating dark circles, curing acne, lightening lips, whitening teeth, removal of blackheads, to fade pigmentation, to remove dandruff and more!" Source
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Last Updated- April 2019
Lucy Barnes