Turmeric, Curcumin

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), or Curcumin, 4 ounces powder 

also available as a Pure Extract in our Extract Category. 

The Chinese name that goes with this herb is  Œ¤ÏŽÈã jianghuang, meaning ginger (jiang) that is yellow (huang)

Turmeric iis the principal ingredients in curry powder. It has long been used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory, to treat digestive disorders and liver and gallbladder problems.

Turmeric is reported to be especially useful for treating pain syndrome, including pain in the chest and hypochondriac region, amenorrhea with abdominal pain, injury pain, and bi syndrome, especially in the shoulders.  This last indication is the reason for its inclusion in Juan Bi Tang, which is indicated for pain, especially in the neck, shoulder, and upper back. Reduces inflammation. 

Turmeric is used for women's hormonal health, male prostate, arthritis, heartburn (dyspepsia), stomach pain, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems and gallbladder disorders. It is also used for headaches, bronchitis, colds, lung infections, fibromyalgia, leprosy, fever, menstrual problems, and cancer. Other uses include depression, Alzheimer’s disease, water retention, worms, and kidney problems. a carminative, antiseptic, anti-flatulent, blood purifier and expectorant. Respiratory disorders: Oh, and it's a fantastic food enhancer anding incredible flavor.  Wow medicine that tastes great !

typical dosage 1-3 grams per day 

Applying the poultice made of flour,  turmeric, mustard or sesame oil on the sprained portion enhances blood circulation 

DR Mercola DIY Strategy that we like, is to mix one tablespoon (TSP = 3-5 grams) of Turmeric into a quart (liter) of boiling water. Continue to boil for 10 minutes. This creates a 12% solution. Drink when cooled or mix into your favorite food dish, or dipping sauce. 

For Kombucha and other Probiotic drinks and ferments, add the 12% solution to the start or the Secondary Ferment.

Add the 12% solution (or the powder for stronger taste) directly to Kefir, or Caspian Sea Yogurt, before serving. 

Other Names:

Curcuma, Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma domestica, Curcumae longa, Curcumae Longae Rhizoma, Curcumin, Curcumine, Curcuminoid, Curcuminoïde, Curcuminoïdes, Curcuminoids, Halada, Haldi, Haridra, Indian Saffron, Nisha, Pian Jiang Huang, Racine de Curcuma, Radix Curcumae, Rajani, Rhizoma Cucurmae Longae, Safran Bourbon, Safran de Batallita, Safran des Indes, Turmeric Root, Yu Jin.

There  are claims that Black Pepper (Bi Bo, in TCM, Warms the middle, alleviates pain)  enhances the bioavailability of Turmeric. One study found that when even 2g of curcumin was ingested, its serum levels were very low. However, when 20mg piperine was added to curcumin the bioavailability increased by 2000%. For breast cancer concerns as both herbs inhibit mammosphere formations. The combination is often used for high cholesterol levels, diabetes, peptic ulcers, improving memory and in the treatment of Alzheimers.

note: not a lot of pepper. The study quoted above uses 2 grams mixed with 20 milligrams. Remember one gram = one thousand milligrams.

Turmeric is fat-soluble which means it is better absorbed by the body when combined with fats or oils. By itself Turmeric has poor pharmacokinetics. (poor absorption and fast elimination) 

add a dash to whole milk, kefir, and yogurts, smoothies, eggs and salads. 

sprinkle on a avocado, olive oil, sesame oil.

caution: might slow blood clotting times, may decrease blood sugar, may make some stomach issues like GERD, or Gallstones worse. Do not take right before or right after surgery.   May make Iron Deficiency worse, may decrease testosterone levels, May act like the hormone estrogen and in some cases may be worsen.