Turmeric Health Benefits Are Many

[Dover]

Out of the spice box, into the lab
Turmeric, an Indian staple, has long had medicinal uses. Now the West is taking notice.

The goddess of turmeric brings color in life
It is the ornament of married woman
And any woman who puts turmeric in her purse,
Her purse will never be empty

An old Indian folk song praises turmeric, the golden spice from the East, for its power to bring beauty, good health and good luck to those who use and carry it.

But in Indian medical lore, the pungent, woody-tasting powder is more precious still.

Modern medicine is starting to sit up and pay attention. Scientists are taking a closer look at this Asian wonder spice, teasing out active ingredients and testing its age-old cultural and medicinal uses in 21st century laboratories. The National Institutes of Health has funded at least eight studies investigating turmeric. The spice and a chemical it contains — curcumin — are being probed for their potential to prevent and treat a broad range of diseases: cancer, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's and arthritis.

The uses of turmeric, some described in ancient Indian medical texts, are indeed numerous. Indians put the spice on their Band-Aids as a disinfectant (Johnson & Johnson even makes turmeric Band-Aids for the Indian market) and sprinkle the powder on wounds to help them heal faster. People gargle with turmeric when they have laryngitis and rub it on the skin to cure cuts and psoriasis. They swallow it to treat bronchitis and chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Indian brides and grooms apply turmeric and milk to their skin before marriage, to look more beautiful.

And as anyone who has ever prepared a curry knows, turmeric is an essential cooking ingredient, used to flavor, color and preserve.

"You will find no house in India without turmeric. It is our daily spice, our daily life," said Vasant Lad, an Indian-trained practitioner who is chairman of the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque.

Most of the studies so far have been on animals. But a growing number of mainstream researchers see turmeric and curcumin as possible aids in preventing and fighting disease in humans.

A powerful antioxidant...>

http://www.bri.ucla.edu/bri_weekly/news_060206.asp


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http://www.organicindiausa.com/product_info.php?products_id=30



Ayurvedic practitioners believe that it is a cleanser for all parts of the body. Thus, apart from using in cooking, turmeric is also used as a form of digestive aids, in treating infection, arthritis, jaundice and fever. A symbol of prosperity, the turmeric's healing property lies in its stalk. It is this same part that is usually used to color, preserve and flavor foods in everyday cooking. In Asian cooking, it is popularly used fresh while the dried, powdered form of the root is commonly used in other parts of the world.


Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric reduces fats; aids blood circulation and purifies it.

Turmeric also helps digestion and is believed to help the body against parasites in the intestines.
It is now investigated for potential use as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory aid.
It is antiseptic, warming and astringent. The Use

Bowel Cancer Patients
Where turmeric is frequently used, the chances of colon cancer are very much lower. At the moment, UK cancer specialists are testing oral turmeric capsules to be taken by colon cancer patients.

Arthritis Pain
Turmeric can also be used in reducing pain associated with arthritis. This is how you can do it at home. Warm a cup of milk. Before it boils, remove it from the heat and add in a teaspoon of turmeric powder in it. Stir and drink it for up to 3 times daily.

Digestive Problems
Studies among animals prescribed with it suggest that turmeric acts as digestive stimulant and encourages the release of digestive enzymes that breaks down carbohydrates and fats. Thus, if you always have stomach upset, turmeric tea may be a good idea.

Prostate Cancer
When combined with certain vegetables, this substance holds good potential in treating and preventing prostate cancer. Scientists in New Jersey have shown that turmeric alongside a particular substance found in vegetables like broccoli, kale, turnips and cabbage would ensure protection against this dreaded disease.

Heart Problems
A study done in 1992 has showed that turmeric may be able to reduce cholesterol level and fight atherosclerosis. Preliminary studies in mice have also shown its potential in blocking the development of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Smokers
A small clinical trial conducted in 1992 showed that 1.5 g of turmeric taken daily for a period of a month could decrease the amount of mutagens (substance that helps cancerous mutation in cells). In the study, even the urines of smokers were found to be lower in mutagens (when they were given daily ration of turmeric) compared to non-smoker subjects.



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Benefits of Turmeric for Women’s Health Issues

There are many health benefits of turmeric. These benefits also come from curcumin, which is an ingredient in turmeric. Turmeric is the spice from India that is used in curry dishes. Curcumin is the part of turmeric that gives curry food its golden color. This also provides turmeric with curcuminoids, which are believed to have health properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. (Note: Turmeric is often mis-spelled as “tumeric.”)

Turmeric benefits have been known for centuries and have always been an important part of Chinese herbal medicine and also the Ayurvedic medicine of India. This natural food is believed to support liver health, help prevent bad cholesterol, and it is being studied for its ability to block tumors.

In laboratory studies at the University of Texas, preliminary research found turmeric to be useful in preventing and blocking the growth of cancer such as melanoma tumor cells, breast cancer, colon cancer and other cancers.

Some researchers believe there also appears to be some kind of association between reduced rates of leukemia and colon cancer, and populations of countries that consume a diet with higher amounts of curcumin from turmeric.

These findings are promising but are not proof of cures. Further studies are needed of course. But the preliminary research is exciting and promising for the relationship between turmeric and the possible help in prevention of various cancers.

Many other reputed health benefits of turmeric extract include a reputation for supporting healthy skin care, healthy cholesterol levels, liver and gallbladder health and possible joint pain relief through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The antioxidant power of turmeric is so effective that it actually helps preserve the shelf life of foods that it is added to....>

http://www.womens-health-questions.com/benefitsofturmeric.html


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http://www.bhopal.org/issues/archives/2006/10/chemical_found.html

[Dover]

1. I posted this in the Health forum too and a man there said that

he's been taking a combination of Turmeric with Boswellia and glucosamine for knees/joint pain
and is very impressed with the results. Just thought I'd pass that along.

http://www.google.com/products?q=Turmeric+with+Boswellia&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title

Health Forum discussion:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=222x41476

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Also, this is a good site:
http://www.turmeric.co.in/turmeric_medicinal_use.htm

[Holly_Hobby]

2. My dog was taking turmeric for 6 years

He had mast cell cancer and the vet told me he had about 9 months to live. He was 7 years old at the time.

I did some research and he was put on turmeric within a month of diagnosis. It significantly slowed the growth of the tumor and slowed the metastising. He lived another 6 YEARS and died at age 13 of complications of mast cell cancer, but his life was lengthened tremendously by this wonderful spice.

RIP Sonny

[Dover]

4. What a sweetie! And what a story!

13 years seems like a full life. I would love to hear more detail about your research findings,
how much you gave the dog (and in what form), etc. And I'll bet the Pet Forum would find this
story very interesting too.

[Holly_Hobby]

6. Here's the dosage for an 80 lb. Collie:

1-500 mg. capsule twice/day with meals. This is the brand I used for several years:

http://www.turmeric-curcumin.com/

In the beginning, my vet's partner supplied it, until I was able to find it on line and a little less expensive.

He would have lived longer had he not been involved in a car accident with me. He slammed the tumor against the back seat, and it sent cancerous mast cells into the adjoining tissues. After the accident, he only lived another 7 weeks. Mast cells cause nausea, vomiting and itching, because they emit histamine. He was having projectile vomiting, so we had to put him down.

The turmeric enabled him to live as long as he did.

My vet initially recommended surgery, chemo and radiation, but I've always felt that you can't poison yourself well. His partner used Chinese herbs on his patients, and told me to look into turmeric. My vet also said if he removed the original "mother" tumor, the "baby" tumors would grow quickly. I think he was right, the original tumor never got bigger and we never found any other tumors that we could feel. The baby tumors stayed babies.

I think this is why people think that cancer spreads once you have cancer surgery. It really doesn't spread, it's just the little tumors then have to develop their own blood source after the original tumor is gone, and they grow fast.

I have shared Sonny's story on the pet forum, probably more than once. :)

Thanks for the opportunity to tell it here. It works.

[Dover]

7. Thanks so MUCH for sharing that. I hadn't thought of giving it to pets.

Now I'm going to have to do some googling. I wonder if adding some of the dry powder to my pet's
everyday meals might be a good preventative?

I agree with you about surgery causing further spreading. My cat had a skin cancer (forgot the clinical name) that was known to be very agressive. And yet hers didn't seem to be getting larger very rapidly. It was in a tough place to treat (just above the eye). The vet convinced me that
he should try removing it and sending it off to a lab.
Right after that the cancerous lesion spread like crazy. Wish I'd known about the turmeric (if it's okay to use on cats as well).

It was bad. I had to put her down as it was literally eating away her face. Nasty stuff.

Sounds like you have a GREAT vet!

On edit: Here's just one google result -
http://www.petspourri.com/herbs09.htm

[Holly_Hobby]

8. Go to the link I gave you

Lots and lots of research and links to articles.

I don't know about cats, I would try to find a vet that uses Chinese herbs and ask. Or there may be new research on animals on that site. I haven't read it for a long time.

I wouldn't think powder on dry food is a good idea due to possible inhalation to the lungs. :shrug: Maybe capsules could be hidden in something? Or mix the powder in with wet food?

Sorry to hear about your kitty. (((hug)))

I'm taking it for arthritis in my knee. The swelling is gone and it only bothers me when it's been raining for a few days straight. That's quite an improvement, the pain used to keep me awake at night, and my orthopedist wanted to schedule me for a replacement.

[northernlights]

16. what a beautiful, beautiful doggie Sonny was

and how fortunate he was to have you for his person!

I started adding turmeric powder to Jakey's "bland diet" several days ago after doing some research for anti-inflammatories in my medicinal herb books.

Thank you for the source to get capsules, along with the dosage. That's very helpful to know.

[LWolf]

3. I took tumeric regularly to help manage

some of my health issues. Until I set up house with my son and grandson; it went with many other budget cuts, and my health has suffered.

After 3 years, they are getting ready to move out, and I'm looking at having my life back again. I was just pricing tumeric at a local store last week, and hoping I could pick it up again when my paychecks start rolling in this fall.

[Dover]

5. Hurray! So glad to hear you're at that turning point in your family transitions.

I recall how difficult that whole change was for you, and hope things will only get better for
you, your son and grandson. You were their lifeline, and I know you must have had to sacrifice
a lot, though I feel certain there were many rewards as well.

Do/did you buy the turmeric root itself or were you purchasing the pill form? I've been looking
into growing some turmeric plants. I'm going to get some roots from the local Asian market next spring and plant them.

That herb helps such a full spectrum of ailments that it seems like it
should take the place of an everyday vitamin or at least be taken with one, not to
mention used in toothpaste, body creams, rubs, and our meals.

The active ingredient curcumin (also found in greens like broccoli, kale, collards, etc) is
kind of a wonder drug that should be part of our daily diet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curcumin

http://www.turmeric-curcumin.com/

[LWolf]

11. I was taking it in pill form.

I got it from Ayurveda Organics, if I recall. I also used it quite a bit in cooking.

[NJCher]

9. lwolf

Like you, I'm looking forward to those paychecks starting again in the fall. Dover, thank you for posting this and all the research. It was wonderful to read about your dog, Holly.

lwolf, I comparison shop and so far no one has beat the deal I can get from drugstore.com on turmeric. Nature's Way. I buy $100 worth at a time from them. Get on their mailing list and they have lots of specials.

I've been taking turmeric 3x a day for quite some time now.



Cher

[LWolf]

10. Thanks for the headsup;

I'll look that site up when the paychecks start rolling again.

:hi:

[LiberalEsto]

14. Do you have an Indian grocery near you?

A couple of Indian groceries located near us sell spices at incredibly cheap prices. For example less than $2 for a big bag of bay leaves, compared to several dollars for a small bottle at the supermarket. I bought a 32-ounce bag of turmeric more than a year ago and it is taking forever for me to use it up, since I only use it for cooking.

Turmeric is very spicy, so be careful about mixing it with a pet's food.

You might also be able to order turmeric and spices online from an Indian export web site.

I believe some health food stores sell gelatin capsules. You can fill them with turmeric.


Here's a website I picked out at random
http://www.indianblend.com/site/664954/product/SP-41

although our local Indian grocery is much cheaper.

[Dover]

12. A really good blog site about turmeric and some good products

Blog - http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/turmeric.html
Talks about things you should know before you purchase turmeric, how best to take it (with fats),
good and inexpensive sources for purchases, and has many testimonials for various ailments.

Turmeric products - http://www.viccolabs.com/
This website belongs to the manufacturer/producer and does not, to my knowledge, allow you
to buy their products through this site. It only provides a name/description of each item.
You'll have to do an individual google search for each product. I found some good deals on them that way.

[Dover]

13. Just a short testimonial

I've taken turmeric supplements off and on for some time and it just leaves me feeling
more balanced. It's hard to describe it.

But I've never tried any of the Vicco products until I did this post and found them in
my googling search. I purchased the toothpaste, tooth powder and skin cream and I just
want to say that I'm so impressed! The toothpaste and powder leave my mouth not only
sparkling white and so fresh, but also gives me that same feeling of wellness that I can't quite
describe. And the cream is so delicious I want to slather it all over! All of these
products have made me a complete convert. My body really responds favorably to them.

Has anyone else tried them? I'm curious if my experience is shared or unique.

[arikara]

15. I love that website

I actually found out the benefits of turmeric there when I was looking for cures for the MRSA bug, and it turns out that Turmeric is also very effective against that. The Mr has been in and out of the hospital for the past few years with heart probs and picked up MRSA about 3 yrs ago from there. I now give him turmeric daily and double the dose before he goes into the hosp for anything and he's had no more problems with hospital induced infection. Turmeric has lots of benefits as its also good for heart and circulation, and I take it myself just to say healthy.

What I do is buy the organic spice in bulk at the health food store then capsule it myself. Its a fraction of the cost of buying it already made up. I've also heard of people just mixing a spoonful with water and taking it straight up.

[loudsue]

17. Great thread!

Thanks so much for posting about this....I'm going to try it!