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Turmeric: The Most Powerful Medicinal Plant on the Planet
Photo credit: bigstock.com
Turmeric has such a long standing reputation as a healing spice in the East, and it’s ever gaining popularity in the West, so much that it is now the most commonly consumed supplement in the world.
The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin. This very potent, and much studied substance is known to have many health benefits since it is a natural anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-mutagenic.
In addition to its health benefits and food enhancing abilities, turmeric has also long been used by Indian cultures as a means of lightening the skin and giving it a healthy, natural glow. Turmeric is added to some water until a paste is formed and then spread over the skin and allowed to dry. Many of the powders used in cosmetics contain a bit of turmeric for natural coloring.
Perhaps one of the most important things to know about turmeric is how to use it and get the most out of it. Curry powder usually contains very little, if any turmeric, so don’t think that you can simply add an extra half a teaspoon to your food and get the benefits. Also, some turmeric powders contain very little curcumin, which is the actual active ingredient that you want to consume more of. Read the labels very carefully when choosing a turmeric product or even when consuming turmeric supplements. Some turmeric powders have as little as 3 percent curcumin.
Another important thing to know is that the body has a hard time absorbing curcumin. Studies have shown that simple, every day black pepper, when consumed in addition to curcumin, helps improve the absorption rate by as much as 200 percent. So regardless of how you want to consume it, be sure you take a little black pepper along with your turmeric.
Many consider the true power of this spice to be in its anti-cancer compounds. Widely hailed as a true superfood, it has many compounds that strengthen the body and will protect it from various diseases, as well as certain types of cancer. When consumed as a tea, turmeric is known to help stop joint pain, ease digestion, and offer cancer protection. When used as a mouthwash, it can prevent oral diseases such as periodontist and cavities.
No matter how you want to look at it, no matter how you want to consume it, you can’t beat turmeric for its medicinal powers.
This isn’t just talk to sell you something; this spice has plenty of scientific evidence to back up these claims. Below are just a few of the benefits that scientists have learned about through researching this incredibly powerful plant.
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Ellis Drewery
Aug 3, 2015 at 1:05 pm
I have been taking turmeric for a couple of years now….and I don’t see all the wonderful benefits attributed to this herb. I have had a multitude of inflammatory issues with my ankle, hip and hands. I take celery seed extract, garlic, ginger, tart cherry extract, and turmeric, and still see very little signs that they do very much good. I do not have Rheumatoid Arthritis, just the maladies of aging in my joints. In comparing the day to day maintenance use of herbals against the benefit that can be derived from just one prescription tablet for inflammation, it is easy to see how detractors might disparage the use of natural remedies.
ce373
Aug 10, 2015 at 4:04 pm
Have you tried Glucosamine Condroitin with MGM? I have been on it since I was 52 and now am 71.5 and Praise the Lord not one ache or pain in my body by taking usually only one pill a day.
Ellis Drewery
Sep 9, 2015 at 4:15 am
Thanks for the suggestion, ce373. Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been included in almost every joint formula in existence for a long time now. MSM is relatively new but, I have taken it also in the past. I am now taking a supplement with collagen, boswellia, white willow bark, ginger, and a host of others. I intend to give it a three month trial before passing judgement.
ce373
Sep 10, 2015 at 2:11 pm
Some experienced people say that if it isn’t working after a year, but some change has been experienced, one probably isn’t taking the right dosage.
Glen
Aug 3, 2015 at 2:54 pm
i take a half a teaspoon with my powdered fiber supplement every day. i`ve seen this article 3 or 4 times now and it never tells us how much of the actual spice is needed to gain the benefits. so the article is really no help. but i guess when you get paid by the word…..