Turmeric, shown on the right, is frequently used medicinally
Turmeric, a green leafy plant that is a relative of the ginger plant, is not only a popular spice in many ethnic cuisines, it is also a primary source of treatment in Chinese and Indian, or Ayurvedic, medicine. In recent years, turmeric's health benefits have come to the attention of Western physicians. Generally used in powdered form from the boiled and dried roots and rhizomes of the turmeric plant, turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, shows great potential as a remedy for a number of conditions.
Digestive Problems
In Germany, turmeric is approved for treating certain digestive problems, such as indigestion, bloating and stomach upset. Turmeric seems to stimulate the production of bile, and this increased production may explain why it helps relieve these problems. Turmeric also may help extend the period of remission for those with ulcerative colitis. Unfortunately, turmeric's tendency to increase the production of stomach acid may actually exacerbate ulcer-related problems.
Osteoarthritis
According to the University Of Maryland Medical Center, turmeric may have anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially promising as a treatment for osteoarthritis and other diseases resulting from inflammation, and it is frequently used by Ayurvedic physicians to treat such disorders. Osteoarthritis patients given an Ayurvedic blend containing turmeric showed decreased discomfort and increased mobility.
Diabetes
In animal tests, subjects experienced reduced blood sugar and blood cholesterol when given turmeric. Further research is needed to determine if human subjects will display the same positive results.
Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease
According to a report from the National Institutes of Health, several studies involving animals indicate that because of its combined anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as its effect on certain proteins in the body, curcumin has the potential to fight the neurodegenerative effects of Alzheimer's Disease and other types of dementia, as well as Parkinson's Disease, and may possibly prevent these conditions altogether.
Cancer
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant, binding up free radicals which can cause oxidation and carrying them out of the body. Recent research at the University of Cork also indicates that curcumin began to kill cancer cells within 24 hours in laboratory testing. This research is preliminary and further testing is needed, but it is nonetheless promising. Curcumin has also been shown in preliminary testing to slow the progress of or even prevent breast cancer, skin cancer and colon cancer, possibly because it disrupts the blood supply to tumors. Although this research is promising, it is only preliminary, and turmeric should not be considered a treatment for cancer. If you want to explore its possibilities in conjunction with your prescribed treatment, check with your doctor first.
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