Medicinal properties of turmeric

Internal use

• Stimulant: turmeric fights against gastric acidity by stimulating mucus secretions; it protects the stomach (especially peptic ulcers) and the liver, reduces nausea.
• Anti-inflammatory: thanks to curcumin, the rhizome treats intestinal inflammation and limits painful crises in the case of ulcerative colitis. Curcumin is also effective against gastritis, pancreatitis and rheumatoid arthritis, and useful in the case of postoperative edema.
• Blood thinner: Turmeric helps treat circulatory problems and, therefore, reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.
• Antioxidant: turmeric is used in the prevention of cell aging.

External use

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, turmeric can be applied as a poultice to treat pathologies such as eczema, psoriasis or fungal infections.

Usual therapeutic indications

• Digestive disorders: dyspepsia, stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, heaviness and bloating. Protection of the stomach and liver. Pain related to inflammation of the bowel, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis or pancreatitis.
• Dermatological problems: eczema, mycosis, psoriasis.

Use and dosage of turmeric

Dosage

• In powder, the daily consumption of turmeric can vary between 1.5 and 3 g, or approximately the equivalent of a teaspoon.
• An infusion is prepared in ten to fifteen minutes with 1.5 or 2 g of turmeric infused in 150 ml of boiling water. The dosage is two cups each day.

Precautions for use of turmeric

If turmeric has never presented harmful effects, as a precaution, consumption in high doses is not recommended for pregnant women. In addition, always in high dose, turmeric can cause irritation of the mucous membranes; therefore, people with gastric ulcers should use it with caution.

Contraindications

Turmeric is contraindicated in case of obstruction of the bile ducts, by stones for example.

Side effects

Turmeric has no side effects on humans.

Interactions with medicinal plants or supplements

Like all anti-inflammatory drugs, turmeric can have its effects multiplied by taking other plants with the same properties at the same time. For better absorption of curcumin, you can combine black pepper and ginger with turmeric.

Drug interactions

Turmeric can multiply the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.