Turmeric appears to aid digestion by stimulating the flow of bile, which facilitates digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Depending on your individual situation, if you suffer from allergies you may benefit from seasonal supplementation of quercetin from the spice Turmeric.

In Samoa, natives have used the powdered rhizome to treat skin ulcers, heal the navel of the newborn children, get rid of pimples and relieve the pain and itching of dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. In cases of diaper rash, mix with some Coconut Oil.

In India and China, powdered Turmeric is mixed with juice from half a lime and a little water to make a smooth paste, which is then applied to herpes lesions, leprosy sores, measles, mumps, chickenpox and so forth with excellent results. The paste also works for snakebites, insect stings and ringworm. Several crushed Zinc tablets may also be added.

Among some Ayurvedic practitioners in India, it's still a common practice to wipe away discharges of acute conjunctivitis and ophthalmia with a cloth soaked in a Turmeric solution. Also an equal mix of powdered Turmeric and baking soda is applied to the outer ear to help dry up any fluid discharge.

Very helpful in alleviating any bleeding experienced during pregnancy, according to the Philippine Journal of Nursing (50:95). When combined with eggplant it's even more beneficial for this and for healing wounds. In a pint (~half liter) of boiling water, simmer one cup of diced eggplant on low heat for 45 minutes, covered. Strain into another pan and add one-half teaspoon of powdered Turmeric. Cover again and steep until lukewarm. Strain through several layers of gauze or cheesecloth, drink one cup and repeat for as long as necessary to stop bleeding.

Its anti-inflammatory properties are comparable to the same effects achieved by popular anti-inflammatory drugs like hydrocortisone acetate and phenylbutazone. Two half teaspoonfuls taken morning and evening in juice can help. Additional relief may be obtained for arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, contusions, sprains, fractures and even carpal tunnel syndrome by mixing two tablespoons of Turmeric with one tablespoon of lime juice and just enough boiling water to make a smooth, warm paste. Apply locally and cover with plastic food wrap to retain heat and moisture longer.

It reduces the cigarette smoke's cancerous threat and helps improve the treatment of skin cancer when applied directly.

Turmeric extract is helpful in maintaining and/or lowering serum cholesterol levels, sugar metabolism and deters blood clotting. 

It prevents fatty accumulations in and around the liver. This works twice as good when combined with cooked eggplant.

According to the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Therapy and Toxicology (1986;24:651-54), curcumin, its active compound, eases inflamed tissues, helping to ease arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma and any other inflammatory ailment.

As low as 20mg of curcumin, the antioxidant properties considerably hampers the cell-damaging ability of free radical molecules. Cancer Letters (1997;116:265-69) reported that curcumin reversed pre-cancerous mouth lesions by enhancing the antioxidant activity of the healthy cells. According to some lab experiments, it also shows an ability to inhibit the HIV virus, reported Biochemical Pharmacology (1995;49:1165).

But Turmeric itself contains about one percent curcumin; extracts are much more potent with 95 percent curcumin.

As a spice, ground turmeric naturally has a wonderful, golden yellow color and a pungent, distictive aroma.  Its flavor resembles both ginger and pepper.  Indispensible in curry powders and East Indian cooking, turmeric is also used in prepared mustards and pickles, dressings, and egg and rice dishes.

Also increases the shelf life of food when used as a dip, mixed with olive, soybean or sesame oil and salt; each at five percent level for 15-30 minutes.

• Recommended Dosage

Extract (powder/capsule): 400 to 1200mg daily.

Do not take if you have gallstones or bile duct dysfunction. Do not use if you have a blood-clotting disorder as Turmeric appears to have an anti-clotting effect. Consult with a doctor first if you are pregnant.

Read More About It

• Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine: Turmeric [HTML] by Joan Schonbeck.

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