More About Turmeric
by Jon Davy
It would be prudent, having recently published an article extolling the virtues of Turmeric, to issue a word of caution because, whereas as it is rightly regarded as a safe herb, like anything else it becomes less safe once you start overdoing it.
However some words of caution are warranted:
Prolonged use of high doses of Turmeric can cause stomach upsets and other gastrointestinal problems.
The following people should avoid the use of Turmeric.
Those with gallstones, jaundice, serious liver disorders or acute bilious colic,
Those who have congestive heart disease.
The following people should consult a doctor before taking Turmeric as a supplement:
Pregnant women.
Women who are trying to conceive.
Women who have a history of fertility problems.
Women who are nursing.
People with a blood-clotting disorder.
People on any type of medication.
People with health conditions.
Okay, so there are a few things to be careful about - and bear in mind also that everybody is different so whenever taking anything, even though one does not fall into the above categories, one should always keep a weather eye on any possible adverse reactions.
On a positive note however, the benefits of Turmeric are:
Its active ingredient, curcumin, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
It is believed that Turmeric reduces inflammation by lowering levels of histamine and that it stimulates the adrenal gland to increase the production of a hormone that reduces inflammation. In India, it is often used to ease the joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and to reduce the joint pain and other disorders.
Curcumin is rich in antioxidants, which mop up the unstable oxygen molecules known as free radicals that damage cells as they travel through the body, causing premature aging and cancers if left unchecked.
Turmeric benefits liver health according to several studies with animals, protecting the liver from the damaging effects of various toxins, including alcohol. Moreover, Turmeric helps you digest fats by stimulating the flow of bile. Such findings do seem to validate the folk wisdom of its history of use in liver aliments and as a digestive aid.
Laboratory studies indicate that alongside Turmeric’s anti-oxidant properties, curcumin may have another anti-cancer activity in that it destroys certain types of cancer cells. However, more research is needed to determine Turmeric’s potential as a cancer agent.
If only a portion of the money flowed into drug research could go to research into safe, natural agents such as Turmeric!
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