Tumeric (Curcumin)
A food of the ginger family, native to Southern Asia and responsible for the golden-yellow colour of curries.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Used for 1000’s of years for its medicinal properties primarily for treatment of heart, liver, lungs and skin.
Considered to treat: anaemia, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cough, diabetes, diarrhoea, digestion, fevers, food poisoning, gallstones, IBS, indigestion, lactation problems, insanity, parasites, mucous and pus, poor circulation, staph infections, urinary infections and wounds; to regulate the female reproductive system and purify the uterus and breast milk, and in men to purify and build semen.
Other properties: Detoxify the liver, balance cholesterol levels, fight allergies, stimulate digestion, boost immunity, enhance the complexion.
Several Studies Indicate the Therapeutic Benefits of Tumeric:
Studies over 25 years have shown the safety and benefits against numerous diseases in humans.
The majority of proven positive benefits are related to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
Inflammation and Oxidative Stress – a Silent Cause of Disease
We don’t suddenly get heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis or cancer. By the time it is diagnosed it may have been developing for many years. We can have a “silent” inflammatory state in our bodies that we are unaware of because initially gives us no symptoms, though left unchecked can lead to a whole host of inflammatory diseases, which are becoming more prevalent.
Acute and chronic inflammation is a major factor in the progression of:
- Obesity, type II diabetes, arthritis, pancreatitis, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases, as well as certain types of cancer.
- Gastric conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, ulcerative proctitis, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, gastric ulcer, IBS.
- Skin conditions such as vitiligo, psoriasis.
- Autoimmune disorders.
Other Therapeutic Benefits of Tumeric:
- Protective in chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, nerves.
- Protection against hepatic conditions, chronic arsenic exposure, and alcohol intoxication.
- Reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in hepatitis caused by paracetamol.
- Reduced the severity of pancreatitis-associated lung injury in mice.
- Used for dyspepsia, stress, and mood disorders.
- Potential therapeutic applications in aging, endocrine and immunological diseases.
- Data is being collected on stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease in animals and humans.
Bioavailability / Absorption
Unfortunately dietary curcumin has poor bioavailability, i.e. low levels reach the plasma and tissues. This is due to poor absorption in the digestive system, rapid metabolism, and rapid elimination.
Bioavailability may be increased by cooking in oil, dissolving in oil or adding black pepper for the piperine, the alkaloid that makes it pungent.
We are happy to advise you on your health matters.
Lin Bridgeford DO KFRP MSCC ICAK (UK) MSc
Registered Osteopath & Kinesiologist & Yoga Teacher
Tel: 01273 309557
Mobile: 07710 227038
