Turmeric: Temperament, Benefits and Cautions
Turmeric’s profile, hot and dry temperament, correctives, traditional uses and Dr Kalan’s advice, with safety notes.
Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory activity and, in laboratory studies, antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic and antifungal effects. In natural medicine it is used as a support in many conditions.
Its effect is stronger when used with black pepper, coconut flakes or coconut oil. In Ayurveda turmeric has been called “the king of remedies”.
Profile
- Latin: Curcuma longa (C. domestica)
- German: Kurkuma
- English: turmeric
- Spanish: cúrcuma
- French: curcuma, safran des Indes
- Family: Zingiberaceae (ginger family)
- Genus: Curcuma
- Temperament: hot and dry
- Correctives (muslih): lemon juice, grapefruit
- Constituents: minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc and manganese; curcumin; vitamins A, C and E; beta-carotene; thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), B5, pyridoxine (B6) and folic acid (B9)
- Native range: South Asia
- Grown in: tropical Asia, Pakistan, India and China
- Soil: rich, moist and firm
- Harvest: when the rhizome is mature and the leaves above ground start to yellow and die back (6 to 10 months, depending on the region)
- Part used: the rhizome (root)
- Forms of use: spice, extract, essential oil, hydrosol
Traditional uses
- Breaks down hardened toxins
- Good for brain and nerve complaints
- Strengthens the liver
- Increases bile flow
Dr Kalan’s advice
Applied externally to burns and wounds, turmeric is traditionally used to speed healing.
Its polysaccharides stimulate the immune system and support immunity.
Curcumin is a powerful polyphenol. By reducing inflammation in the body it helps against oxidative damage and joint pain, and it is being studied for its protective effects on the brain. Its effect is stronger when used with black pepper, coconut flakes or coconut oil, so to get the most from turmeric it is better to eat it with these foods.
Turmeric should not be used by people with a pure bilious (safravi) temperament, or in heart and kidney complaints caused by heat.
Curcumin may help regulate insulin and lower blood glucose. This effect is used especially in diabetes linked to liver problems.
Keeping turmeric as powder reduces the strength of its active compounds; it is better stored as whole root. People with gastritis should use it cautiously and with its corrective.
Safety
- Avoid medicinal amounts if you have gallstones or bile duct obstruction.
- Turmeric can add to the effect of blood thinners and diabetes medicines.
- High-dose curcumin supplements have been linked to rare cases of liver injury; culinary amounts are a different matter.
- In pregnancy, stick to normal food amounts.
This article is for information only and is based on traditional medical sources and general health knowledge. It is not a medical diagnosis, treatment or prescription and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you have a health complaint, take regular medication, are pregnant, or are considering this for a child, consult your doctor before applying anything. Herbal products can interact with medicines.
