Turmeric Herbal Remedies

Turmeric is useful for improving digestive function as well as for diarrhea. It is sometimes considered by herbalists to be helpful for removing environmental toxins or heavy metals from the body, for hepatitis, and to remove pains in the liver and stomach. In Chinese medicine turmeric is used both internally and externally for pain resulting from a traumatic injury. Its strong anti-inflammatory activity is due to its yellow pigment, curcumin. Some studies suggest that turmeric has cancer protective activity. Turmeric has a taste of ACRID, SPICY and a temperature of WARM.

Turmeric Proper Dose

TypeDossage
Turmeric Decoction1 cup 2-3 x daily
Turmeric Extractfollow label instructions
Turmeric Tincture1-3 droppersful 2-3 x daily

Turmeric Reference Information

Latin NameCurcuma longa
Other NamesIndian saffron
Part UsedRhizome
Herb FormsStandardized extract in capsules, tincture, fresh or dry rhizome for tea.
AffectsDigestive system, Liver
CautionsAvoid use of this herb during pregnancy; if you have hyperacidity or stomach ulcers; or if you have bile duct obstruction or gallstones.
Botanical InfoA large-leafed, aromatic plant with fragrant yellow flowers and brightly-colored orange or yellow rhizomes in the Ginger family.

Supporting Research

Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.

Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.

McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

Bensky, D. and A. Gamble. 1986. Chinese Herbal Medicine. Seattle: Eastland Press.

Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.

Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.

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