We grow a row of turmeric plants outside our houses with little or no knowledge of its medicinal uses, giving Ginger more attention. Turmeric is in the family of Ginger with more interesting properties. However, it is the root part of the plant, the rhizomes, that we value more. Increasingly, western scientists have recognized the medicinal properties of turmeric and are investigating new uses for the herb, based on their findings, a natural polyphenol found in the herb called Curcumin offered an exciting array of medicinal uses. Piperine [a compound found in black pepper] when taken with Curcumin help improve its absorption tremendously.
The medicinal applications include harnessing turmeric’s potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ability to protect the eyes from cataracts, fight cancer by inhibiting growth of new blood vessels in tumors. Ability to boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduce its side effects. Prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
Its neuron-protective ability has shown promising in slowing the progression of neuro degenerative diseases including multiple sclerosis. Treat angina pectoris, a heart problem with recurring chest pain or discomfort that happens when some part of the heart does not receive enough blood, Prevents hardening of arteries by lowering cholesterol and inhibiting fat oxidation.
These discoveries have encouraged herbalists and naturopaths to use turmeric to treat the above diseases as well as traditional ones.
Ancient ayurvedic texts espouse the healthful benefits of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) for our liver, lungs, skin and heart. It is a warming herb with pungent and bitter flavors. According to practitioners, it acts on the meridians of the spleen and liver.
Research conducted by Indian scientists confirmed the effectiveness of traditional use of turmeric to fight inflammation, indigestion and cleanse blood. Some tribes used this herb as a tonic as well as to treat gonorrhea, dysentery, catarrh, leech bite and colic.
Turmeric protects our liver from the damaging effects of alcohol, toxins and even some pharmaceutical drugs. It can regenerate damaged liver cells. Curcuma longa together with another related herb, Curcuma aromatica stimulates the production of bile, a digestive juice needed in digestion of fat. The herbs are also involved in shrinking engorged hepatic ducts and improve gallbladder function. It is used it to treat biliousness and conditions caused by excessive bile such as nausea, gas and heartburn as well as for flushing out gallstones. They also used the herb for liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis and jaundice.
As a digestive bitter, turmeric is a remedy for gastrointestinal disorders including irritable bowel syndrome, stomach ulcers and constipation.
Do you often feel bloated, sleepy, and lethargic after meals? If you do, you may have chronic digestive weakness or congestion. You will benefit from regular small doses of turmeric with black pepper. The herbs benefit both the digestive system and the liver.
Turmeric guards your stomach by destroying fungus, viruses and bacteria that can cause food poisoning, diarrhea and other diseases. The compound, Curcumin, showed immense therapeutic potential against, herpes simplex, hepatitis B, salmonella, and Candida infections.
A study using parasite-infected mice showed Curcumin treatment restored hepatic enzymes activities to the normal levels and enhanced catalyst activity in the liver tissue of the mice.
Turmeric also treats scabies, dysentery and smallpox. Coupled with its diuretic property, the herb is effective against urinary tract disorders. Externally, it can stop bleeding, acts as an antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises. This herb also speeds up healing and cell repair. It is prescribed for treatment of psoriasis, eczema, acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Inflammation is considered the underlying cause of numerous disorders. The practice of taking anti-inflammatories as diet supplements has become increasingly prevalent.
Due to its anti inflammatory and painkilling properties, turmeric is taken for arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatic pain of the shoulders and arms. It works as well as other prescription anti-inflammatory drugs but without side effects.
Curcuma longa together with Curcuma aromatica can improve gallbladder function. According to our findings, proper gallbladder function will resolve mucous or phlegm accumulation and clear away heat, by expelling mucous from the lungs, it alleviates coughs, bronchitis and asthma.
Turmeric invigorates the blood and stimulates uterine contraction. It is used in remedies for anemia, menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) and in absence of normal menstrual flow (amenorrhea) due to cold deficiency. Poor circulation in the uterus can lead to uterine masses, tumors, cysts and endometriosis. Turmeric’s ability to improve blood flow helps to prevent these diseases, this made the wonderful Indonesian herbal products called SUBUR KANTUNGAN and LANCAR HAID, the best i have seen in the treatments of all female disorders which leads to INFERTILITY that is ravaging our wife’s, daughters, and sisters today. I CAN’T STOP USING THESE PRODUCTS.
Turmeric also treats, Headache, Kidney, pain, Diabetes, Improve milk flow, food poisoning, Reduces the itching and inflammation that accompanies hemorrhoids Colitis.
Indian researchers found that turmeric relieved joint pain and swelling of people with arthritis. It contains the anti-inflammatory phytochemical, Curcumin and Curcuminoids that inhibit the production of prostaglandins by our body. Prostaglandins are enzymes that cause inflammation, pain and swelling. Moreover, turmeric is safer as it does not have the side effects of conventional prescription drugs, which causes abdominal bleeding or stomach upset.
A recent Research reported that Curcumin can modulate heart rate and restored normal blood pressure. This finding is promising for prevention and treatment of vascular dysfunction.
Studies in USA concluded that Curcumin might alleviate autoimmune type 1 response disorders such as Lupus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, Type 1 diabetes mellitus, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. They suggested the therapeutic use of Curcumin as an immune suppressant.
Although Curcumin is effective as an immune suppressant for people with over sensitive auto immune responses, excessive use may compromise microbial defense. Therefore, avoid overdose of Curcumin supplements, as it will weaken your immunity to external threats.
Due to mucin-reducing effects, do not use the concentrated extract (Curcumin) or oil in high doses. Seek medical advice if you have the following conditions:
Gall bladder disease, Gallstones, bile duct obstruction, stomach ulcers, obstructive jaundice, extremely toxic liver disorders, congestive heart disease whose cause remains unidentified is remedied with these wonderful rhizomes.
Speak with your doctor before starting any supplementation if you are Pregnant, trying to conceive or have a history of fertility problems or nursing mother.
Dr. Tonifelix C. Manu
(PHYTOTHERAPIST)
