Posted on 02/03/2025 6:14:00 AM PST by Red Badger
Turmeric has been a healing remedy in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It comes from the rhizome (root) of the Curcuma longa plant and has a warm, earthy flavor.
Turmeric's active compound, curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant with many health benefits, from soothing joint pain to enhancing digestion and immunity.
1. Arthritis (Joint Pain)
Arthritis is a broad term that describes over 100 conditions that cause joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, typically develops due to age-related "wear and tear."
Other types, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), are autoimmune conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue.1 Symptoms vary depending on the type but generally include swelling, joint pain and stiffness, and decreased physical function.
Turmeric, particularly its active compound curcumin, has strong anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce joint inflammation, easing pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Studies on knee osteoarthritis suggest turmeric can relieve symptoms as effectively as some NSAIDs and with fewer side effects.
A review of 29 clinical trials showed that turmeric significantly reduced inflammation and pain in five types of arthritis: RA, OA, ankylosing spondylitis (AS), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and gout. Study participants experienced significant improvements in pain severity and reduced inflammation levels when taking turmeric supplements with no side effects.
2. Cardiovascular (Heart) Disease
Cardiovascular (heart) disease describes conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), and heart failure. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of heart disease, but they often include chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue.
Many heart diseases develop due to atherosclerosis, or high cholesterol, which is when plaque builds up in the arteries, increasing the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.8
Research suggests turmeric may support heart health by reducing inflammation and improving blood vessel function. In one study, middle-aged and older adults who took curcumin supplements for 12 weeks saw that turmeric helped the blood vessels relax and expand, helping improve blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.
In another study, curcumin reduced the risk of heart attacks by 65% in bypass surgery patients when taken a few days before and after surgery.
Turmeric may also help improve cholesterol and complement medications for high cholesterol. Studies suggest that curcumin may help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol, protecting against heart disease in people with high cholesterol.
3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes chronic conditions associated with inflammation in the digestive tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.12 Although Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis affect different parts of the digestive tract, they both cause uncomfortable symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramping, frequent diarrhea, bloody stools, and weight loss.1314
Curcumin may enhance the effectiveness of standard treatments and help control IBD symptoms. A meta-analysis of six studies found that supplementing with curcumin significantly reduced and prevented ulcerative colitis symptoms and flare-ups.
In a 12-week study of people with mild to moderate Crohn's disease, those who took curcumin supplements (360 milligrams a day) saw improvements in their symptoms. By week 12, 40% of participants no longer saw symptoms. While these results are promising, more research is needed to determine curcumin's ideal dosage, frequency, and duration for managing IBD.
4. Neurodegenerative Diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, develop when nerve cells in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) gradually deteriorate and die.17
Symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, such as memory loss, motor (movement) difficulties, mood changes, and sleep problems, develop slowly and worsen over time.18 The causes of these diseases vary but may include chronic inflammation and the accumulation of harmful proteins in the brain.1920
Supplementing with turmeric may reduce brain inflammation and prevent these diseases from progressing. It can also boost the effectiveness of standard treatments.19 Research suggests curcumin can protect brain cells from damage, potentially slowing cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's disease.21 Curcumin may also improve mood and memory function in older adults.
5. Depression
Depression is a mental health condition that causes symptoms like persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, irritability, fatigue, sleep problems, and loss of interest in activities.23 Although the exact cause of depression is unclear, several factors can put you at risk, like genetics, social influences, traumatic life events, and chronic inflammation.
Curcumin shows potential as a natural supplement for managing depression symptoms. Curcumin may increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, a protein that supports brain cell growth and survival. Low BDNF levels are common in people with depression.
Curcumin may also help improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression in people with major depressive disorder (MDD). Studies in adults with clinical depression found that curcumin significantly improved symptoms. Curcumin was effective when used alone and when used with antidepressant medications.28
More studies are needed to explore how factors like treatment length and type of curcumin extract influence the effect on depression.
6. Allergies
Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to foreign substances, such as pollen, pet dander, or dust. When a person comes into contact with one of their allergens, their body releases histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation. These chemicals lead to allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, congestion, skin rashes, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing.2930
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric may help control the immune system's response to allergens. Curcumin suppresses the release of histamines and lowers inflammation in the respiratory tract, which may help reduce symptoms like nasal congestion and sneezing.
While it's not a replacement for medical treatments, adding turmeric to your diet or taking curcumin supplements may help you manage your allergies, particularly for mild to moderate symptoms.
7. Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Inflammatory skin conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis) and psoriasis develop due to an overactive immune system. Although symptoms vary depending on the condition, common symptoms include dry, itchy patches, thickened skin, and cracked skin that oozes fluid or bleeds. Some factors, like stress, environmental irritants, allergies, and infections, can trigger or worsen these conditions.3233
Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce skin inflammation, soothe uncomfortable symptoms, and promote healing.34
Topical curcumin creams applied directly to the affected skin or oral supplements may provide much-needed relief for those with chronic skin conditions. This can be a natural alternative to steroid-based treatments, such as corticosteroid creams.
8. Cancer
Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors. There are over 100 types of cancer, which can affect any organ or body area, including the breasts, lungs, colon, blood, and brain.35 Some studies suggest curcumin may slow the growth of cancer cells and stop cancer from developing or spreading.
Other studies suggest curcumin may be a beneficial additional treatment that boosts the effectiveness of specific cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. It may also help reduce common cancer treatment side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and weight loss.3738
While curcumin shows promise in small, early-phase trials, more research is needed to understand its potential in preventing and treating cancer.39
9. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough to regulate glucose (blood sugar) levels. This leads to symptoms like frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, intense fatigue, blurred vision, and slow wound healing.40
Curcumin may improve cells' response to insulin by helping them absorb sugar more efficiently. It also supports enzymes that process sugar, making it less likely for your blood sugar to spike. Curcumin may also help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by reducing inflammation and protecting the pancreas.
When paired with healthy habits, turmeric might be a helpful, natural way to support diabetes management and prevention.
10. Respiratory Conditions
Chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affect your lungs and airways, causing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. These conditions involve inflammation in the airways that develops due to environmental triggers, damage from infections, or lifestyle habits like smoking.
Turmeric may help calm inflammation in the airways, making breathing easier and reducing symptoms like coughing and wheezing. Curcumin's antioxidant properties may also protect the lungs from damage caused by long-term exposure to toxins. Some studies show that turmeric may help reduce inflammatory substances in the body that cause swelling and irritation in the lungs and airways.
While turmeric isn't a replacement for standard treatments, adding it to your diet or taking curcumin supplements could be a simple way to support your respiratory health and reduce symptom flare-ups of common respiratory diseases.
How To Take Turmeric
Turmeric is available in many forms. You can use it as a spice when cooking, drink turmeric tea, or enjoy golden milk (turmeric mixed with milk or plant-based alternatives). You can find it as a fresh root, ground spice, or more concentrated supplements like capsules, tablets, or liquid extracts. If you want to maximize health benefits, supplements contain higher doses of curcumin.4748 U. S. Department of Veteran's Affairs. Soothing spice-infused golden milk.
Curcumin, turmeric's active compound, is not easily absorbed by the body, so you may want to consider combining it with black pepper, which contains piperine and enhances its absorption. If you're using turmeric in cooking, adding black pepper can help you get the most out of its health benefits. Because turmeric is fat-soluble (it dissolves in fat or oil), pairing it with healthy fats like avocado, cheese, or olive oil enhances absorption.505152
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies curcuminoids—compounds extracted from turmeric—as "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). Turmeric supplements containing 4,000-8,000 milligrams are safe for most people.
It's always best to follow the dosage recommendations on the supplement's label and consult a healthcare provider before taking turmeric supplements.50
Risks and Side Effects of Turmeric Turmeric is generally safe for most people when used in cooking, applied topically to the skin, or taken in moderate doses as a supplement. In higher doses, turmeric supplements can cause side effects, such as:
Upset stomach
Nausea
Diarrhea
Headache
Skin rash
Turmeric may increase bleeding risks when taken with blood-thinning drugs like warfarin or aspirin. It may also lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes who take blood sugar-lowering medications should exercise caution when taking turmeric supplements.5352
Turmeric can also increase the risk of side effects when taken alongside antidepressants, antibiotics, or allergy treatments.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid turmeric supplements, as their safety during pregnancy or lactation is not well-established.
A Quick Review
Thanks to its active ingredient, curcumin, turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help manage various conditions, including arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, respiratory conditions, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.
While turmeric may support your overall health and well-being, it's important to use it safely. Though generally safe when consumed in foods or taken as a supplement, turmeric can cause side effects or interact with medications. Talk to a healthcare provider before adding turmeric supplements to your wellness routine.
Good article, thanks for posting!
I take tumeric supplements, and make tea from the tumeric root. It definitely helps with many things, including appetite, mood, and inflammation. However, you need to take it with some black pepper. Apparently, the body rejects most of Tumeric’s active ingredient; it just passes right through. Taking Turmeric with black pepper increases its absorption rate ten times, or so I have read. When making Turmeric tea, I shred about one inch of Turmeric root into hot water, add one teaspoon of coconut oil and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. It actually tastes better than you would think. It’s hard to find turmeric root in the supermarket, but it is always available in Hispanic stores, like Megamart. For some reason, these stores are also well stocked with lots of other fresh herbs.
I’ll have to talk to my doctors- my colitis could be helped by it, but increasing the chance of bleeding in my colon is never a good thing.
Stop the colitis, stop the bleeding.................
My favorite tea is Orange Ginger Turmeric (brand is ‘Private Reserve’). Wasn’t aware of the ‘Turmeric is good for you’ angle, I just drink it for the taste (yummy stuff).
Yeah, but it may increase bleeding if taken with aspirin. I DO take one baby aspirin daily.
Thanks; I’ll have a look into it.
Are you in any way suggesting that the turmeric may have contributed to these problems?
Regards,
Not at all. The 800 mg ibuprofen at bedtime was likely the primary culprit. The ibuprofen was used to keep my rheumatoid arthritis in check. I just made of point of removing all the blood thinners from my daily intake to let the ulcer heal. I need to check my blood work before resuming the turmeric. The loss of my duodenum to the Whipple has made my digestive processes much less efficient. It is hard to get enough iron, so I'm perpetually anemic.
I think my daily turmeric offered a net benefit and perhaps delayed the severity of other problems.
Thanks.
Following...
You are wise to be cautious- I have stomach ulcers, and i was ignorantly taking aspirin, and ginko biloba, which is a thinner which can cause internsl,bleeding, and yep, it happened to me, in a convenience store bathroom-
when I came to, I was wedged between the toilet and the wall, blood and puke everywhere- I stumbled out of the bathroom where a cop was sitting in his car, I waved for them to come over and help, they jusy say there bewildered I guess, but fi naly walked over, said “holy cow, is that blood?” I said “yep, not sure what happened to me” (at the time I didn’t know what had happened or caused it) told the cop to check the bathroom, he came out looking sheepish and called the ambulance.
Anyway, long story short, doc said I was very lucky to have survived as I had lost a lot of blood- needed transfusion which I was reluctant to get, as I wasn’t thinking Right at the time.
Turns out that ginko and aspirin together, in folks susceptible to bleeding issues, which I didn’t know at the time that I was, is not a good combo- now u have to watch all meds, herbs, vitamins etc which can cause bleeding problems
This one might be a better deal, same company, only 240 capsules, which is 8 months worth if only 500 mg is consumed per day. While expensive at $109, it works out to $13 dollars per month this way if my calculations are right?
Link goes to Amazon site:
Ugggh, it is for 4 months if 500 mg is taken, not 8. So,it would work out to $26 a month- so not much savings, but a little
Wow, what a scary experience! I’m glad you’re ok now!
Thanks- life has been a rough ride for sure- but still worth it-
👍You betcha!👍🙂
uh huh... It’s like...magic.
I’ve also been able to go to “Retail Me Not” and there are coupons for One Planet, usually for free shipping but sometimes for discounts as well, it changes month to month. They’ve worked well for me. I did a cost comparison and One Planet was better than Amazon, especially as One Planet offers free bottles with larger orders.
Prices HAVE increased in the past few years. I was also buying mushroom extracts like Chaga and Lion’s Mane (both very anti-cancer) - the package from Ohm went from $17 to $30 recently.
Didn’t matter to us - we were desperate for any treatment for cancer, husband refused chemo after one round and we were told by multiple doctors that chemo didn’t work on this kind of cancer - they were trying to shrink the tumors for surgery - which was unsuccessful, unfortunately.
My husband did get four years, mostly good years, after being told he “wouldn’t see the New Year” - in November. I believe the curcumin and mushrooms worked in our case b/c husband was taking nothing else.
Chemo is rough for sure! i had to go 2 rounds of chemo- but had to quit the second round almost at the end- got real sick with it- and the radiation aint no picnic either- got several radiation burns from it- the one on arm a year ago is still ‘tan’ from the burn- and wow was it sore- i was good, no burns all through the treatment, but right at the end the burn developed quickly- got pretty nasty looking-
I’m glad you were able to get a number of years with your husband- and glad it was in pretty good health- that helps- hopefully some day cancer will be eradicated for good-
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