Is Turmeric the Solution to All Your Problems?

Is turmeric the solution to all your problems? In my experience it sure can be. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used as a spice and medicinal herb for ages in India and China. It has diverse healing powers and in the past few decades, a lot of research has been done to confirm its traditional uses. No spice is as popular to research as turmeric.

Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin which has a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effect. I’ve used turmeric for a long time to treat arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout because it alleviates inflammation and joint pain. It‘s also effective against various digestive disorders such as gastritis, stomach ulcers and cramps. Additionally, turmeric can help with nausea, hepatitis, obesity, type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of gallstones.

Turmeric is known for strengthening the heart as it can lower both blood pressure and cholesterol. Furthermore, it increases blood flow and reduces hemorrhoids.

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, stimulates the BDNF factor (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which supports the growth of new nerve cells and reduces the degeneration of the brain. Through this, turmeric works against depression, stimulates brain functioning and reduces the risk of Alzheimers.

Turmeric is traditionally used to support the immune system and reducing the risk of catching a cold or the flu. Also, I‘ve often seen it help with a sore throat, coughing, asthma and bronchitis.

Turmeric is well known for being useful for many women‘s health issues. It works well against menstrual cramps and premenstrual tension, while also helping regulate irregular periods. Turmeric is also used against benign tumors, endometriosis and vaginal discharge.

Research has shown that curcumin has a powerful antioxidative effect and can counteract the growth of cancer cells. It can reduce the risk of cancer forming and spreading, especially colon cancer.

Turmeric is rich in antioxidative and anti-inflammatory substances which have a good effect on the skin by maintaining its glow and natural radiance. Also, it‘s traditional to use turmeric to heal cuts and help with eczema and psoriasis. In addition to that, turmeric is known for decreasing acne and healing acne scars.

Research on turmeric has shown that absorption of curcumin in the digestive tract multiplies if black pepper is taken at the same time. Fat also helps with the absorption of turmeric. In India it‘s traditional to use turmeric and pepper together in cuisine. Another tradition is blending turmeric with milk and drinking cold or warm. Turmeric gives a beautiful yellow color to food and drink.

Over 2.700 studies have been done on turmeric in the past few decades and most of them have revolved around curcumin. If you take a look at the clinical studies that have been done on turmeric you‘ll see there are many interesting findings.

• A clinical study on 50 people with chronic leukemia (CML) revealed that those who were given turmeric concurrently with cancer drugs showed more improvement than the ones that only received the cancer drug.
• A study on 33 men with benign prostate enlargement showed that those who received turmeric concurrently with other medical treatments had considerably better results than those who didn‘t receive turmeric.
• A clinical study on 107 people with osteoarthritis in knees showed that turmeric was as effective as conventional painkillers. Another study on 120 people with the same disease showed that turmeric was effective, despite the fact that the active ingredient curcumin had been removed.
• Research on people with type 2 diabetes showed the positive effect of turmeric on microangiopathy and kidney diseases related to diabetes.
• Clinical studies on turmeric have also shown its positive effect on gastritis and indigestion.
• A study on three patients with Alzheimer’s showed big improvement with the intake of turmeric for three months.

All of these studies have been clinical, i.e. been done on humans, but in addition to that many studies have been done in labs and on animals. These studies have demonstrated that turmeric or curcumin can lower blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure while having a positive effect on depression, asthma, Parkinson‘s disease, cardiovascular diseases, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, cystic fibrosis, eye diseases and obesity. Last but not least, over 1000 studies have shown that turmeric can slow down the growth of cancer cells.

Big doses of curcumin over a long period of time can irritate the mucosa of the stomach and cause inflammation and ulcers. Big doses of turmeric powder or turmeric capsules are not recommended for women who struggle with infertility. Very big doses of turmeric can cause nausea and diarrhea. It is not recommended to take big doses of turmeric while also taking blood thinners. Turmeric has been known to irritate the skin if it comes into a lot of contact with it.