Turmeric Buzz
History
In medieval Europe, turmeric became known as Indian saffron because it was widely used as an alternative to the far more expensive saffron spice. In Asia, turmeric has been used for thousands of years, first as a dye then later for it's medicinal qualities. In India, turmeric has been used as a remedy for stomach and liver ailments, as well as healing sores.
So, turmeric has been used in therapeutic preparations through the centuries around the world and is through to have many medicinal properties including strengthening the overall energy of the body, relieving gas, dispelling worms, improving digestion, regulation menstruation, dissolving gallstones, and relieving arthritis. In various countries it has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent and today is used in the formulation of sunscreens.
What Studies Show
Turmeric has an active ingredient called "curcumin" which is believed to have a wide range of biological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, antibacterial and antiviral activities which indicate that it can be used in clinical medicine.
Many Studies for the uses of turmeric have been undertaken. In particular, one study concerning the effect of turmeric was examined on patients with irritable bowel syndrome. When 1 or 2 tablets of a standardised turmeric extract were given daily for 8 weeks, the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome was significantly decreased, as was the abdominal pain/discomfort score (Bundy et al 2004).
Turmeric was also found useful in healing peptic ulcers. In a clinical trial, 45 patients with peptic ulcer received 2 capsules (300mg each) filled with turmeric orally five times daily. After 4 weeks of treatment, ulcers were found to be absent in 48% of cases. After 12 weeks of treatment, ulcer-free cases increased to 76% (Prucksunand et al. 2001).
Another study showed that the presence of turmeric in curry helps activate good bacteria in the colon. As well, turmeric paste is used to heal wounds and protect against infections.
Benefits
Some of the benefits of using turmeric may be as follows:
- Assisting with some types of cancer
- Skin conditions and rashes
- Digestive disorders
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Digestive disorders
- Anti inflammatory activity
- Fibromyalgia
- Improve blood circulation
How to Use Turmeric
Turmeric can be used in cooking, taken in tablet form or there is turmeric oil.
When to to use Turmeric:
Turmeric might slow blood clotting. Taking turmeric along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.