Benefits of Turmeric-----By Lapis

[Guest guest]

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is much more than the familiar spice that

gives curry blends their yellow colour and imparts to them a slightly

bitter or astringent taste. It is an amazing healing plant that has

not only been valued for its therapeutic properties in Ayurvedic and

Chinese medicine for thousands of years but also has a significant

role to play here in the West in the prevention and treatment of a

wide range of modern day problems. It is an excellent natural

antibiotic, and one of the best detoxifying herbs by virtue of its

beneficial effect on the liver, a powerful antioxidant with health-

promoting effects on the cardiovascular, skeletal and digestive

systems. Through its beneficial effect on the ligaments, it is highly

valued by those who practise Hatha Yoga.

The medicinal part of turmeric comes from the fleshy underground

rhizomes of a perennial plant from the same family as ginger with

large lily-like leaves that can grow to about 3 feet high. The

rhizomes are harvested in winter, boiled or steamed, and then dried.

Most turmeric is available as a powder.

Beneficial Properties

Turmeric not only enhances the flavour of food but also aids

digestion, particularly of protein, promotes absorption and regulates

metabolism. It is an excellent spice to add to cooking if concerned

about weight. Turmeric helps to regulate intestinal flora and is well

worth taking during and after a course of antibiotics and by those

suffering from Candida or thrush. It has a long history of use for

eradicating worms. I have frequently prescribed turmeric for

digestive problems such as indigestion, heartburn, wind, bloating,

colic and diarrhoea. It has a soothing and bolstering effect on the

mucosa of the gut and boosts stomach defences against excess acid,

drugs and other irritating substances ingested and from the effects

of stress, thereby reducing the risk of gastritis and ulcers. It is

said to lower blood sugar in diabetics.

Turmeric has beneficial effects in the liver, which include

stimulating the flow of bile, protecting against damage from toxins

and improving the metabolism of fats. By enhancing liver function,

turmeric helps to cleanse the blood of toxins and impurities. It has

been shown to lower harmful cholesterol levels, to inhibit blood

clotting by blocking prostaglandin production2 and to help prevent as

well as remedy atherosclerosis, thus playing a significant role in

the prevention of heart and arterial disease.

Turmeric contains constituents including curcumin, tumerone and

zingiberone as well as high amounts of a carotene, equivalent to 50

IU of vitamin A per 100 grams.3 Probably the most important component

is curcumin which gives turmeric its intense yellow colour. Curcumin

is a powerful, yet safe anti-inflammatory agent, excellent for

treating inflammatory problem such as arthritis, liver and gall

bladder problems. It has been found to block the production of

certain prostaglandins and to have effects on a par with cortisone

and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side

effects.4,5 I have observed that taking turmeric daily has an

excellent anti-inflammatory effect, improving morning stiffness,

joint swelling and pain with movement experienced by rheumatoid

arthritis sufferers.

Turmeric has powerful antioxidant properties, and is reported to

protect against the development of cancer, and has a long history of

use in the treatment of various cancers; enhancing the production of

cancer-fighting cells,6,7 protecting against environmental toxins,

with an immune-enhancing effect and powerful antibacterial

properties. In China it is used to treat the early stages of cervical

cancer. An alcohol extract of turmeric applied externally in skin

cancer has been shown to reduce itching, relieve pain and promote

healing. In fact turmeric has been found to be highly effective at

inhibiting recurring melanoma in people at high risk.8 Research has

also demonstrated its protective effects against colon and Breast

Cancer .

Turmeric has long been popular as a remedy for treating respiratory

infections such as colds, sore throats, coughs and fevers, skin

problems such as acne and psoriasis, and kidney and bladder problems.

It can successfully inhibit infection whether bacterial, viral or

fungal. Dietary Inclusion and Applications

Turmeric can be eaten regularly and liberally as a culinary spice. To

treat infections and digestive problems the powder can be added to

herbal teas, stirred into honey or hot water. The usual daily dose of

turmeric is ¼-½ (one quarter to one half) a teaspoon of the powder

two to three times daily between meals. Alternatively you can take

two or three cupfuls of the tea between meals. To make the tea, place

½ (one half) a teaspoon of powder in a small pot, pour over a cup of

boiling water, leave to infuse for five minutes, then strain. You can

add ginger or cardamom to add more flavour. Curcumin can be taken in

capsules as a supplement, at a dose of 250-500 mg three times daily.

Combining curcumin with bromelain may enhance its absorption and

activity.

Powdered turmeric mixed with water or Aloe vera gel can be made into

a paste and applied to insect bites, spots and pimples, inflamed and

infected skin problems including scabies and fungal infestation, and

infected wounds. I have found it very successful when treating acne,

eczema and psoriasis although care has to be taken with the amount of

turmeric used because it can colour the skin yellow. Mixed with honey

or Aloe vera gel, it has been used traditionally to treat sprains,

strains and bruises. A little powder stirred into warm water makes an

excellent mouthwash to treat inflamed gums and relieve toothache.