The Health Benefits of Turmeric
To the Hindu people of India, the importance of turmeric goes far beyond medicine. Turmeric is sacred! It is auspicious in every sense of the word. Although used medicinally for roughly 4,500 years, it continues to draw attention in modern times, primarily for its innate healing properties.
According to a 2015 PBS article entitled What is the History of Turmeric?, scientists discovered ancient pots near New Delhi that were found, upon analysis, to contain residues of turmeric, ginger and garlic, although the pots could be dated all the way back to 2,500 BCE! About 2000 years later (around 500 BCE), turmeric became a very important healing herb in Ayurveda, India’s ancient system of healing.
Turmeric comes from the root of a tropical perennial plant called “Curcuma Longa”. It looks almost identical to its cousin the ginger root, only it’s a lovely golden-orange color. Most of us recognize this color in curry powder and curry dishes. Additionally, farmers cultivate turmeric in several tropical regions including India, where they produce the majority and the finest quality of the root.
For several years, many have considered turmeric to be one of the most important super-foods around. Curcumin, the active ingredient and a naturally occurring phenol (plant antioxidant), provides its beautiful color and its innate healing properties. Research cited by Johns Hopkins on turmeric links it to reduced inflammation in the brain. This means it could be a very important preventive measure for Alzheimer’s and depression. Curcumin may also be effective at reducing the pain and swelling of arthritis and helping to prevent and treat cancer.
Around the world, turmeric is well recognized for its therapeutic properties. It is often taken on its own or with black pepper and/or ginger to aid absorption and healing. In Okinawa, Japan, where people tend to live very long lives, they consume turmeric tea daily.
Because of its high concentration of curcumin, turmeric contains many health benefits. In the ancient practice of Ayurveda, turmeric is often combined synergistically with other roots, spices and herbs to create dietary supplements, wonderful body care products, and a variety of healing, delicious culinary delights. As in Ayurveda, doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine have used turmeric to help move stagnant (stuck) energy, clearing the body’s natural pathways and channels so energy can flow freely. This supports balance and well-being.
This WebMD article notes that researchers continue to study the many possibilities for treating a wide range of chronic health problems with turmeric. The article states that “over 1 billion people use turmeric every day”. The researchers explain that the polyphenols in curcumin work as powerful antioxidants that can help with sun damage and chemical damage, and as group, may help protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, chronic pain, anxiety and depression, while promoting brain health, healthy skin and gut and metabolic health.
This NIH-published article states that curcumin has received worldwide attention for its multiple health benefits, which stem from its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. It can help manage oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety and hyperlipidemia. Curcumin acts best when combined with certain other agents like piperine (from black pepper). This makes it easier to absorb and more bio-available. So, remember to use turmeric in combination with black pepper for best results.
As with all medicinal herbs, we recommend you consult a qualified health care practitioner if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have a medical condition, or if you experience an allergic reaction.
