Turmeric

Recently Answered

• QCan turmeric benefit people with diabetes?

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  A dLife - It's YOUR Diabetes Life! answered

  Turmeric is a spice that contains a powerful, natural anti-inflammatory compound. That makes it intriguing, since chronic inflammation raises the risk of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death for people with diabetes. It has long been part of curry spice blends used in southern Asian cuisines. Turmeric is also available as a dietary supplement.
  
  It's considered safe for most adults, but in very high doses, it may cause indigestion, nausea, or diarrhea. It is advised that people with gallbladder disease not take turmeric as a supplement.
• QCan turmeric supplements cause an allergic reaction?

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  A RealAge answered

  While it may be possible to develop a sensitivity to turmeric, it would be considered highly unusual. More often what might be considered a symptom of sensitivity to turmeric supplement, like upset stomach or diarrhea, is not caused by an allergic reaction. However, if you experience any symptoms of allergic reaction (trouble breathing, itching, dizziness, palpitations, etc.), seek medical help. Allergic reactions associated with turmeric usually take the form of contact dermatitis, as when tumeric is used in therapeutic massage oil. 
• QWhat are the health benefits of turmeric?

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  A Discovery Health answered

  Turmeric is truly an amazing substance, derived from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant native to India. Not only is it used to flavor foods, it has incredible health benefits. It has been used for centuries in eastern cultures to heal and has drawn the attention of scientists who are studying its potential preventative and curative powers.
  Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibiotic properties. It has been used to treat a number of maladies and may help prevent others. Its health benefits are numerous and here is a list of how it has been used:

  • Heal sprains
  • Heal open wounds
  • Relieve symptoms of arthritis
  • Prevent and repair damage from heart failure
  • Treat acne
  • Treat eczema
  • Improve liver function
  • Treat digestive illness
  • Treat bladder infections
  • Treat diarrhea
  • Prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease
  • Aid in weight loss
  • Treat psoriasis
  • To remove facial hair
  • To improve skin

  Because of its extensive applications and its special powers, scientists are further evaluating turmeric as an agent to fight against cancer, HIV and cystic fibrosis, and studies are ongoing.
  The health benefits of turmeric are truly amazing. However, since it has the ability to reduce the coagulation of blood, if you take any form of blood-thinning medications you should not use Turmeric.

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• QWhat spices are good for me?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  

  There is a brain-busting spice that can keep your brain in tip-top shape. Find out from Dr. Oz what spice is called the "spice of life" in this video.
  
  
  
  

  

  Find out more about this DVD:

  What Spices Are Good for Me?
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• QWhat are the benefits of turmeric?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Turmeric is a key ingredient in many Indian dishes. It is believed by some to have many beneficial properties and applications, including treatment of gallbladder problems, indigestion, and infections. It's claimed to be useful for Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, boils, colic, dermatitis, diarrhea, gas, high cholesterol, inflammation, intestinal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, psoriasis, and yeast infections. However, most of the health claims to date are based on cell or animal studies, and benefit to humans is far from confirmed. Many studies are under way to get a clearer idea of turmeric's medicinal use.
  
  This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com
• QWhat are turmeric supplements?

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  A Discovery Health answered

  Maybe you don't recognize its name, but if you've ever eaten mustard or curry you've certainly sampled a taste. Unique in its flavor and distinguished by its yellow color, turmeric is a spice used across the globe in foods and as a dye in the textile industry.

  Turmeric is made from a plant native to India known as the Curcuma longa plant. The rhizomes or roots of the plant are first harvested, then boiled, dried, and finally ground up into a fine powder. Not only is turmeric used to heighten taste of food or to color fabrics, it has also been used for centuries in traditional eastern cultures and Ayuredic medicine. It's even been used to make a paste and when applied to the face and subsequently scrubbed off, turmeric can remove facial hair. Scientists throughout the world are now studying turmeric's potential to treat an assortment of medical ailments.

  Turmeric is recognized for its medical anti-inflammatory properties as well as a powerful antioxidant. Researchers are evaluating its use to treat high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, scabies and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Additionally, it is possible it may help in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and various forms of cancer. Some people use turmeric to treat diarrhea and bladder infections.

  There's still much to learn about turmeric and its potential use as a medicine as research continues.

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• QWhat is Turmeric used for in Herbal Medicine?

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  A Lisa Marie Rosati , Herbal Medicine, answered

  Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a commonly used culinary spice in India and the Middle East. It is historically known as Indian Saffron. Turmeric is often used to prepare Indian curries, and it’s the source of our popular American condiment mustard’s bright yellow color. Turmeric, a rhizome and a close relative of the adaptogenic herb ginger has been used as both medicine and food for centuries.

  In its natural state, turmeric is a horizontally shaped rhizome (root) which is dug up out of the ground, baked and then ground into a fine powder. Recent studies suggest that turmeric is a promising preventive agent for a wide range of diseases, most likely due largely to its anti-inflammatory properties. The chief active compound in turmeric is curcumin.

  The health benefits of Turmeric have been recognized by Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. That’s a long time! As far as health benefits go, here are some common ailments and diseases that turmeric can help fight against:

  • Indigestion
  • Flatulence
  • Arthritis
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • HIV
  • High Cholesterol
  • Heartburn
  • Jaundice
  • Liver Disorders
  • Menstrual disorders
  • Turmeric can also be applied topically in poultices to reduce inflammation and to relieve wounds, cuts, and bruises.

  TIP: Sick with a cold or flu? Turmeric’s anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal agents can help your body fight against colds, cough and flu. When symptoms of these infections are present, simply mix one teaspoon of Turmeric powder into a glass of warm milk once per day. Also drink plenty of water throughout the day.

  Now, that’s an impressive list! If you’re looking for a simple New Year’s resolution for health, I suggest you add turmeric to your diet.

  To make that easier for you, here is a tasty recipe to try from www.naturalnews.com:

  Anti-Inflammatory Lemonade:

  Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice (approximately 4 -6 lemons)
  • 4-6 cups of clean water (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon organic ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon organic ground cinnamon
  • pinch Himalayan salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon liquid stevia (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp. ground or fresh ginger, optional

  Directions:

  • Combine ingredients and enjoy!
• QHow can turmeric aid in digestion and benefit gut health?

  1 Answer

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  A Dr. Robynne K. Chutkan, MD , Gastroenterology, answered

  

  The benefits of turmeric include encouraging digestive and gut health, healing inflammation, and boosting immunity. Watch as integrative gastroenterologist Robynne Chutkan, MD, shares all the healthy benefits of adding turmeric to your diet. 

  

  Find out more about this DVD:

  How Can Turmeric Aid in Digestion and Benefit Gut Health?
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• QHow does turmeric fight inflammation?

  2 Answers

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  A ginger-like plant that has curcumin as its active ingredient, turmeric seems to activate PPARs (substances that have an anti-inflammatory effect). Just add the right dose—a pinch (1/8 of a teaspoon). Add any more and your food will taste like mustard.

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• QWhat are the side effects of turmeric?

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  A Discovery Health answered

  Turmeric is an amazing substance. It is used medicinally to prevent and treat a variety of health issues. Unless you use it in massive quantities there aren't any real side effects.

  Of course, if you are allergic to turmeric you shouldn't use it topically or ingest it. If you've never used it before, it's a good idea to rub a small amount on your skin and look for a rash before you consume turmeric orally. Due to its ability reduce the clotting of blood, if you're being treated with medications for high blood pressure or with other blood-thinning drugs, you should avoid using turmeric. And like any other medicine or herb, there can be interactions between drugs so check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other substances.

  The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet issued any recommendation regarding turmeric. However, a similar governing body in Germany has declared turmeric hazardous only to those suffering from biliary obstruction. It has also cautioned those with ulcers or gallstones or other gastrointestinal ailments to avoid turmeric.

  Studies have concluded that ingesting vast amounts of turmeric is harmful to red and white blood cells. However, the amount of turmeric involved is enormous to cause this type of damage. It also should be noted that the effects of turmeric on pregnant and nursing women are unknown.