As we walk through the grocery store and go into the spice section isle, you might recognize the orange powder that is known as turmeric (curcuma longa). Many times we may also recognize turmeric in many recipes that we might be using that calls for the spice. I especially notice turmeric being used a lot as a spice in vegan meals that I cook during Great Lent.
This spice has its reputation started in India and traditionally is used for healing skin issues, GI inflammation, aches and pains as well as liver disorders.
Research now confirms the use of this spice as an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and with antioxidant properties. (1)
Actions to Know About
Anti-inflammatory
Curcumin is the active component in turmeric that gives it it’s orange color as well as its anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally it is used to treat inflammation in the throat and tonsils and many other aches and pains. One study showed that taking turmeric 3 times a day was comparable to taking ibuprofen. (2)
Antimicrobial
Antimicrobial herbs prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses. A study done on turmeric on a water extracted samples showed positive results against pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans. (3)
Cholerectic
Turmeric has very important choloretic actions. Choloretic means that it “promotes bile secretions by the liver.” (4) By having these actions turmeric promotes digestion. It stimulates digestion like other bitter herbs and therefore can alleviate symptoms in the GI track.
Topical and External Uses
Since turmeric has antimicrobial properties, when combined with salt and made into a paste it can be used for skin issues like cuts and swelling. Because of its anti inflammatory actions it can also be applied as a paste on bruises to help bring the swelling down. Using turmeric in a gargle with salt often times helps relive sore throats and calms the redness down.
Recipe:
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp salt
Add to warm 8oz glass of water and mix. Gargle as you would with regular salt water.
Internal uses
Because turmeric is metabolized by the liver very rapidly, the medicinal purposes for which it is used for make it harder to be absorbed if taken on its own unless it is consumed with black pepper. Some herbs when mixed with other types of herbs help to enhance the activity of one another as is the case with black pepper and turmeric.
Either used in a drink or with your cooking there are many recipes you can choose from that take advantage of this wonderful spice and its properties.
Recipes
Evening anti-anxiety nerve tonic
To help calm your nerves down during the evening during certain periods of anxiety or stress in your life, use this recipe to calm your nerves down and settle the stomach.
- 2 cups of almond milk or regular milk
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp organic cinnamon
- 1 tsp organic nutmeg
- Maple Syrup
Mix in ingredients into a small pot on high heat. Stir until fully combined. Take off heat and let cool down a bit before consuming. Do not consume right before bedtime as you will have to get up to use the bathroom so early on in the evening to help ease you into an evening time routine.
Joint pain tonic recipe
There are many reasons for aches and pains, especially in motherhood. This is a great tonic to have in the evening to offer to your husband that might be achy or sore from working too hard. Ginger and turmeric here act together wonderfully to soothe joins by promoting circulation around the hurt joints and reducing inflammation.
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 inch fresh peeled and chopped ginger
Add ginger and turmeric to water and allow to steep for 5-10 min. Stir to combine the ingredients and break up anything that hasn’t been dissolved. Let it cool down to drinking temperature. Strain liquid.
Safety
Turmeric is considered to be generally safe when seated with food. For some the side effects of an upset stomach such as diarrhea, nausea, ulcers have resulted generally when turmeric is taken in large doses. (5)
If you are taking any sort of medications that interact with slowing down of blood clotting or medications for diabetes, turmeric should be used with caution along with other medications that it might effect. (6)
During pregnancy, turmeric used in small amounts as a spice is considered generally safe however, taking medicinal amounts of turmeric is not recommended as it might stimulate the uterus putting the pregnancy at risk. (7)
Turmeric has been used as a spice with children for a long time but to date there has been no studies that show any effects of it’s medicinal properties on kids and safe doses should be looked into when thinking about using this with kids medically. (8)
Final note
So it seems like that spice rack in the supermarket is full of spices that might be good for us after all. Turmeric has many properties that are potentially useful in certain health issues that might come up in your own life.
Incorporating turmeric is fairly easy into your recipes both internally and externally taking advantage of its great properties.
Take safety into consideration when dealing with certain medications, children and pregnancy to avoid bad reactions.
If you are looking to incorporate more anti-inflammatory herbs into your life either you are in chronic pain or dealing with digestion issues, reach out for a free consultation to have someone work closely with you in order to reach your health needs.
Hope this helps you on your journey!
