While a good curry can certainly help open the nasal passages due to its spiciness, there are actually other important health benefits that can be attributed to turmeric and it’s cousin, ginger.
Turmeric goes back at least 5,000 years in Indian history. It was first mentioned by the famous Venetian merchant Marco Polo and was shortly thereafter introduced to the West by Arab traders.3 The spice gained full popularity during the British rule in India, when it was combined with other spices and sold as curry powder. To this day, India is the largest global exporter of turmeric.
Turmeric is considered an antioxidant (which also acts as a food preserver) and is perhaps best known for its ability to treat pain and inflammation. Inflammation is incredibly important. It helps the body fight foreign invaders and also has a role in repairing damage. Without inflammation, pathogens like bacteria could easily take over our bodies and kill us. Although acute (short-term) inflammation is beneficial, it can become a major problem when it is chronic (long-term) and inappropriately deployed against the body’s own tissues. It is now believed that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease. This includes heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s and various degenerative conditions. Therefore, anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is of potential importance in preventing and even treating these diseases. It turns out that Turmeric is strongly anti-inflammatory, it is so powerful that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs.
Turmeric has been documented in mice to help these illnesses and ailments:
Indigestion
Dyspepsia
Ulcerative colitis
Stomach Ulcers
Osteoarthritis
Heart Disease
Cancer
Bacterial and Viral Infections
Uveitis
Neuro degenerative Conditions-such as-alzheimer's, Parkinson disease etc.
Turmeric is available in powdered form as a culinary spice, and in tablets and capsules as medicinal extracts. It should be labeled as standardized turmeric extract or the compound, curcumin.
Adults can take 400 to 600 mg of turmeric extract three times per day or as directed on the product label. The dried spice is not effective for treating specific conditions but is good for general health. Children should not be given Turmeric.
Turmeric is considered safe when used appropriately and according to the label. Those with liver disease should use turmeric with caution, if at all.
There are no known drug interactions, but in rare instances, daily use of turmeric over an extended period of time may cause stomach upset or heartburn in some patients. Those taking medication for diabetes should be aware that turmeric may reduce blood sugar levels.
Women who are pregnant should avoid turmeric due to the possibility of uterine stimulation. There is insufficient information for women who are nursing, so contact your doctor before taking it.
Do not take turmeric if you have gallstones or bile duct dysfunction, as it may cause your gallbladder to contract.
Turmeric also exhibits antiplatelet effects and may promote bleeding if used immediately before surgery. Discontinue use of turmeric two weeks before surgical procedures.
Turmeric goes back at least 5,000 years in Indian history. It was first mentioned by the famous Venetian merchant Marco Polo and was shortly thereafter introduced to the West by Arab traders.3 The spice gained full popularity during the British rule in India, when it was combined with other spices and sold as curry powder. To this day, India is the largest global exporter of turmeric.
Turmeric is considered an antioxidant (which also acts as a food preserver) and is perhaps best known for its ability to treat pain and inflammation. Inflammation is incredibly important. It helps the body fight foreign invaders and also has a role in repairing damage. Without inflammation, pathogens like bacteria could easily take over our bodies and kill us. Although acute (short-term) inflammation is beneficial, it can become a major problem when it is chronic (long-term) and inappropriately deployed against the body’s own tissues. It is now believed that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease. This includes heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s and various degenerative conditions. Therefore, anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is of potential importance in preventing and even treating these diseases. It turns out that Turmeric is strongly anti-inflammatory, it is so powerful that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs.
Turmeric has been documented in mice to help these illnesses and ailments:
Indigestion
Dyspepsia
Ulcerative colitis
Stomach Ulcers
Osteoarthritis
Heart Disease
Cancer
Bacterial and Viral Infections
Uveitis
Neuro degenerative Conditions-such as-alzheimer's, Parkinson disease etc.
Turmeric is available in powdered form as a culinary spice, and in tablets and capsules as medicinal extracts. It should be labeled as standardized turmeric extract or the compound, curcumin.
Adults can take 400 to 600 mg of turmeric extract three times per day or as directed on the product label. The dried spice is not effective for treating specific conditions but is good for general health. Children should not be given Turmeric.
Turmeric is considered safe when used appropriately and according to the label. Those with liver disease should use turmeric with caution, if at all.
There are no known drug interactions, but in rare instances, daily use of turmeric over an extended period of time may cause stomach upset or heartburn in some patients. Those taking medication for diabetes should be aware that turmeric may reduce blood sugar levels.
Women who are pregnant should avoid turmeric due to the possibility of uterine stimulation. There is insufficient information for women who are nursing, so contact your doctor before taking it.
Do not take turmeric if you have gallstones or bile duct dysfunction, as it may cause your gallbladder to contract.
Turmeric also exhibits antiplatelet effects and may promote bleeding if used immediately before surgery. Discontinue use of turmeric two weeks before surgical procedures.
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