Turmeric curcumin- Side-effects and uses

Turmeric is a spice that is derived from the turmeric plant. It is a common ingredient in many cuisines, especially, Indian and South Asian. The taste of turmeric, as a standalone spice, is warm and bitter, but it is usually combined with curry powder or mustard or other spices while cooking. The turmeric plant has many medicinal benefits. Its roots are used to make medicines. The yellow-colored substance in turmeric is called curcumin and is used in food coloring and cosmetics as well.

What list of diseases can the properties of turmeric curcumin cure and/or relieve?

• The chemical “curcumin” that is found in turmeric helps decrease inflammation. In case of conditions where there is swelling, turmeric curcumin might be able to help.
• Turmeric is also used to cure or ease arthritis, heartburn, stomach pain, stomach bloating, joint pain, loss of appetite, liver problems, infection, jaundice, high cholesterol, lichen planus (a skin condition), fatigue, and liver problems.
• It can also be used to treat headaches, colds, lung infections, bronchitis, hay fever, itchy skin, leprosy, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, water retention, tuberculosis, diabetes, kidney problems, and urinary bladder inflammation.
• Turmeric can help relieve inflammatory bowel disease (IBS).
• It can be formed into a paste and applied on the skin to treat and cure ringworm, sprains and swellings, leech bites, eye infections, gum diseases, and an infected mouth.

What are the medical uses of turmeric curcumin?

• Turmeric curcumin, especially, the chemical curcumin, helps to reduce the symptoms of hay fever such as itching, runny nose, and congestion.
• Turmeric curcumin can help people struggling with depression. It, along with anti-depressants, can go a long way in helping you deal with depression.
• As per some research, turmeric extracts taken with a few medicines can help reduce the pain from knee osteoarthritis.
• People who are suffering from itching or pruritis, due to a long-term kidney disease, can take the help of turmeric to help alleviate it. According to some research, taking turmeric by mouth 3 times daily continuously for eight weeks helps a lot in this regard.
• Turmeric can also help with the problem of high cholesterol. It has been observed that with the use of turmeric, the level of blood fats called triglycerides reduce.
• It is believed that curcumin helps ease skin problems caused by radiation treatments for cancer.
• Turmeric curcumin, especially, curcumin, can help decrease blood sugar levels in people suffering from diabetes. However, it needs to be taken with caution lest sugar levels fall too low.

What are the side effects of turmeric curcumin?

• Turmeric is more or less applied to the skin externally. You can apply it appropriately for up to 8 months in regular use.
• It can safely be used as an enema or mouthwash, but only for a short span of time.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, then you can incorporate turmeric into your diet as it is safe. However, consuming turmeric in medicinal amounts might not be safe for you. It might result in early menstruation or stimulation of the uterus and lead to risks and complications in pregnancy.
• If you suffer from gallbladder problems, do not use turmeric in your treatment. It will exacerbate the condition.
• While turmeric might reduce clotting of blood, it will worsen conditions for those suffering from bleeding disorders and/or increase the risk of bruising.
• You should avoid consuming turmeric if you are suffering from hormone sensitive ailments, such as uterine cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine fibroids. The chemical curcumin in turmeric is like a hormone estrogen, which means that your condition could worsen.

How can turmeric be consumed?

• You can add turmeric to scrambled eggs, tofu scramble, or a frittata. The color is familiar and the flavor of turmeric is subtle.
• Toss it with roasted vegetables. The slightly warm and peppery flavor of turmeric work especially well with potatoes, root vegetables, and cauliflower.
• You can add turmeric to rice. A dash of turmeric powder can bring mild flavor and color to a pot of plain rice or a pilaf.
• Sprinkling turmeric to sautéed and braised greens such as collards, kale, and cabbage can add flavor to your greens.
• You can a tinge of turmeric to a bowl of chicken or vegetable soup to make it even more warming.
• Fresh turmeric root is perfect to add in juices and smoothies, but you can also add a pinch of it. Turmeric’s slightly pungent flavor is usually well masked in the smoothies.
• To make the wildly popular and pervasive “Golden Milk”, you can simmer turmeric with coconut milk and honey to make a comforting and an earthy beverage.