This is my science-updated take on an old
Ayurvedic treatment beloved of Indian
grandmothers. Treatment for what, you
may wonder. Just about everything.
Although clinical evidence supporting its
cure-all reputation is scanty (not many big studies have been funded),
what is around
looks very promising. Very promising
indeed. And with 14 centuries of culinary
and medicinal use, perhaps grandmother
really does know best. Why is turmeric so good for us? Looking at
the wide-ranging literature (both clinical
and not), turmeric seems to be anti just
about anything bad: viruses, disease-
causing bacteria, carcinogens – perhaps
even vampires: who knows. Turmeric is also widely used to support digestive
health and treat gastrointestinal complaints, such as IBS and colitis.
This highly-pigmented root – that we typically
use ground – tastes like a very peppery
ginger (to which it is related). It is also what makes curries yellow.
Many integrative cancer centers in the US
and in Europe recommend turmeric use
for those with certain types of cancers,
most notably colorectal. A small 2008
study of pancreatic cancer patients
showed turmeric slowed tumour growth. Other studies also point towards
effectiveness for a wide range of
conditions. A recent small study of kidney
transplant patients showed fewer
rejections with the use of curcumin in
combination with another antioxidant, quercetin, compared to placebo. It is also
widely used in many countries to treat
rheumatoid arthritis, with recent science finally 'validating' its
impressive anti-
inflammatory action. Here is a fantastic overviewof the recent
research, as is this one from Drugs.com. For a more detailed, clinical
read click on this academic overview . Turmeric is not a miracle spice
by any
stretch of the imagination, especially
because absorption is limited, but there
are few potential side effects. If you have
health issues, discuss turmeric with your
doctor before embarking on using it beyond the culinary. How to use:
The good stuff is quite strong tasting so if you have some old
stuff knocking about in the back of your
cupboards perhaps treat yourself to a
new, more potent, jar of it. It's usually
pretty cheap. "Therapeutic grade'
turmeric is sometimes preferred as it will contain a standardised amount of the
main active compound, curcumin. Here in
the UK your best bet is definitely from the respected herbalists,
Napiers. Some people drink milks such as this one
daily when colds and sore throats are
zinging around, or if they are prone to/
have a respiratory infection. It has many,
many other purported uses (eg
rheumatoid arthritis) and a few important cautions (eg those with gall
bladder disease). Read this dispassionate summary from the always-reliable
mskcc.org for more information. It can also be used
with immune-stimulant echinacea – also
available at Napiers -to reduce the symptoms of a cold.
Ayurvedic treatment beloved of Indian
grandmothers. Treatment for what, you
may wonder. Just about everything.
Although clinical evidence supporting its
cure-all reputation is scanty (not many big studies have been funded),
what is around
looks very promising. Very promising
indeed. And with 14 centuries of culinary
and medicinal use, perhaps grandmother
really does know best. Why is turmeric so good for us? Looking at
the wide-ranging literature (both clinical
and not), turmeric seems to be anti just
about anything bad: viruses, disease-
causing bacteria, carcinogens – perhaps
even vampires: who knows. Turmeric is also widely used to support digestive
health and treat gastrointestinal complaints, such as IBS and colitis.
This highly-pigmented root – that we typically
use ground – tastes like a very peppery
ginger (to which it is related). It is also what makes curries yellow.
Many integrative cancer centers in the US
and in Europe recommend turmeric use
for those with certain types of cancers,
most notably colorectal. A small 2008
study of pancreatic cancer patients
showed turmeric slowed tumour growth. Other studies also point towards
effectiveness for a wide range of
conditions. A recent small study of kidney
transplant patients showed fewer
rejections with the use of curcumin in
combination with another antioxidant, quercetin, compared to placebo. It is also
widely used in many countries to treat
rheumatoid arthritis, with recent science finally 'validating' its
impressive anti-
inflammatory action. Here is a fantastic overviewof the recent
research, as is this one from Drugs.com. For a more detailed, clinical
read click on this academic overview . Turmeric is not a miracle spice
by any
stretch of the imagination, especially
because absorption is limited, but there
are few potential side effects. If you have
health issues, discuss turmeric with your
doctor before embarking on using it beyond the culinary. How to use:
The good stuff is quite strong tasting so if you have some old
stuff knocking about in the back of your
cupboards perhaps treat yourself to a
new, more potent, jar of it. It's usually
pretty cheap. "Therapeutic grade'
turmeric is sometimes preferred as it will contain a standardised amount of the
main active compound, curcumin. Here in
the UK your best bet is definitely from the respected herbalists,
Napiers. Some people drink milks such as this one
daily when colds and sore throats are
zinging around, or if they are prone to/
have a respiratory infection. It has many,
many other purported uses (eg
rheumatoid arthritis) and a few important cautions (eg those with gall
bladder disease). Read this dispassionate summary from the always-reliable
mskcc.org for more information. It can also be used
with immune-stimulant echinacea – also
available at Napiers -to reduce the symptoms of a cold.
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