Throughout history, our ancestors have relied on numerous herbs and spices, not only for cooking but for their powerful healing properties. Few have survived the test of time quite like turmeric, arguably the most well-studied dietary supplement in modern natural medicine…
Turmeric and curcumin have become mainstays in the world of holistic healing, but what is turmeric, and what makes it so special?
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a common spice originating from the Curcuma longa plant, a species of ginger native to Southeast Asia. The curcuminoids within it have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity with a wide variety of uses and benefits and very few side effects.
Turmeric root powder contains roughly 3.14% curcumin, which is known to be a significant driver of its health benefits. However, the best turmeric supplement will have a combination of turmeric and black pepper (piperine) along with AstraGin to enhance absorption and maximize efficacy.
So, what are the health benefits of turmeric and curcumin supplements?
1) Helps Arthritis & Joint Pain
One of the most common uses for turmeric extract is combating the discomfort from joint pain and arthritis. Severe arthritic symptoms include limited range of motion, joint stiffness, excessive swelling, and lack of mobility. These symptoms can get worse over time, causing permanent damage if left untreated.
Research shows that curcumin inhibits many of the mediators of inflammation linked to rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis development. Turmeric consistently reduces arthritis symptomology and may serve as an excellent complementary treatment for joint pain.
- Read the studies on turmeric for arthritis.
2) Reduces Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s immune system responding to irritants or threats. Inflamed areas often swell up, turn red, or become painful. While this is a healthy and normal bodily reaction, sometimes the immune system goes awry. If inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to significant health problems.
Many trials have demonstrated curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties through its inhibition of key inflammatory markers in the body. Turmeric’s antioxidant activity also helps reduce oxidative stress, a process linked to low-grade inflammation.
- Read the studies on turmeric for inflammation.
Back Pain
Often, chronic back pain derives from underlying issues, including sciatica, herniated discs, or spinal problems. While turmeric is not a direct cure for these conditions, it has shown potential in managing upper and lower back pain by targeting inflammation and reducing free radical damage.
- Read the studies on turmeric for back pain.
3) Aids Weight Loss
Obesity can lead to several different health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and others. If you’re an otherwise healthy individual, weight loss can be pretty straight forward. However, if you have a pre-existing metabolic disorder, things can be a bit more complicated.
- Read the studies on turmeric for weight loss.
4) Improves Skin Health
Our skin is the all-important, outermost protective layer of our body. Skin keeps us safe from harmful microbes and regulates our internal body temperature. At times, unwanted skin conditions may arise that require treatment such as chronic acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Many DIYers use turmeric powder to create face masks, pastes, and other topical solutions to heal the skin. Researchers have confirmed that curcumin reduces oxidative stress associated with inflammatory skin conditions. Turmeric also enhances collagen synthesis and significantly speeds up tissue repair.
- Read the studies on turmeric benefits for skin.
5) Natural Blood Thinner
Blood clots occur when blood cells called platelets, move to a damaged site to plug the wounded area. This occurrence is a normal bodily function. Without clotting, small papercuts would become catastrophic. At times, certain health conditions arise that require blood thinning to prevent blockages.
Curcumin supplements have shown potential as an anticoagulant (blood thinner) under certain conditions. Turmeric extract impacts several stages of the coagulation process, including thrombosis (local blood clotting), and hemostasis (stopping blood flow). However, more human trials should be done to confirm efficacy.
- Read the studies on turmeric for blood thinning.
6) Helps Fight Disease & Chronic Conditions
The potent antioxidant properties may be one of the most significant turmeric benefits. Curcumin has shown an innate ability to boost immune system function and protect against disease by directly inhibiting free radical cell damage and reducing oxidative stress. Turmeric can help with the following:
Cancer
Researchers have performed numerous trials on turmeric’s potential to serve as a complementary treatment in cancer patients. They’ve found that curcumin can selectively target cancer cells and inhibit tumor initiation and growth. Turmeric also helps reduce inflammation and pain from chemotherapy.
- Read the studies on turmeric and cancer.
Diabetes
If you’re attempting to lower your blood sugar or prevent diabetes, turmeric may be able to help. Several trials have demonstrated curcumin’s potential in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Curcumin appears to have both an insulin-sensitizing and glucose-lowering benefit while improving glycemic regulation.
- Read the studies on turmeric and diabetes.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Read the studies on turmeric and blood pressure.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Research shows that an oral turmeric supplement may be one of the best ways to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Curcuminoids can help reduce beta-amyloid plaque buildup on the brain and reduce neuroinflammation, two of the key biomarkers linked to Alzheimer’s development.
- Read the studies on turmeric and dementia.
Regulates Cholesterol
Under certain conditions, clinical trials have concluded that turmeric can help lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Current evidence suggests curcumin may be beneficial if you are obese, have metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or another chronic condition affecting your blood lipid profile.
- Read the studies on turmeric and cholesterol.
Candida Overgrowth
We know the primary turmeric health benefits include its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. Current evidence suggests curcumin also contains antifungal properties. Multiple tests concluded that turmeric could reduce candida overgrowth and target fungal infections with moderate success.
- Read the studies on turmeric for fungal infection.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
With new research emerging indicating that IBS patients frequently see an increase in the body’s inflammatory response, we now have a new treatment target. Curcumin powder has shown potential in reducing IBS severity and limiting symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation.
- Read the studies on turmeric for IBS.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease may develop due to continuing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Curcumin has shown significant potential in treating IBD by inhibiting the upregulation of pro-inflammatory markers linked to chronic and relapsing GI tract problems.
- Read the studies on turmeric for ulcerative colitis & Crohn’s disease.
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
At this time, there is no identified cure for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, but there are ample ways to control symptoms and flare-ups. Researchers have evidence to suggest that turmeric supplements may help reduce widespread musculoskeletal pain by inhibiting inflammatory pathways and reducing oxidative stress.
- Read the studies on turmeric for fibromyalgia.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative condition in elderly populations characterized by motor symptoms, including tremors, muscle rigidity, and postural instability. Curcumin shows significant neuroprotective benefits, helping reduce neurotoxicity and oxidative stress linked to disease progression.
- Read the studies on turmeric and Parkinson’s.
Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disease is highly pervasive in many populations around the world. Curcumin’s unique ability to combat inflammation, reduce bacterial overgrowth, and fight free radicals helps support a healthy thyroid environment. Turmeric capsules can also help relieve uncomfortable symptoms that accompany thyroid disorders.
- Read the studies on turmeric for thyroid.
7) Enhances Brain Function
Improving overall mental health and cognitive function is one of the most popular turmeric uses. Research shows curcumin enhances DHA synthesis which is critical for brain health. Antioxidants can also improve cognition and increase neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to create new synaptic connections.
- Read the studies on turmeric for brain health.
Reduces Anxiety & Depression
Several clinical trials have shown that turmeric extract can influence neurotransmitter balance in the brain. Curcumin appears to have an antidepressant and anxiolytic effect through its ability to modulate levels of serotonin and dopamine. Thus, it may be a good complementary treatment for depression.
- Read the studies on turmeric for depression.
8) Improves Allergies & Asthma
An allergy transpires when the immune system mistakenly identifies a foreign substance as harmful to the body and overreacts to it. During an allergic reaction, we produce antibodies that respond to these allergens, ultimately leading to an unwanted collection of symptoms (coughing, sneezing, itching, etc.).
The anti-inflammatory activity of turmeric powder can help fight off many allergy-related symptoms and decrease the likelihood of asthma attacks. Current research suggests a curcumin supplement can reduce signs of sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose linked to restricted nasal airflow and hay fever.
- Read the studies on turmeric for allergies.
9) Aids in Liver Detoxification
A liver detox, also known as a cleanse, involves the removal of toxins from the blood and the metabolizing of nutrients to ensure our body gets what it needs. Think of the liver as the body’s central filtration system. A healthy liver is paramount to optimal physical and mental health.
Several trials have demonstrated curcumin’s ability to limit the damage done to the liver from harmful substances by interrupting inflammatory pathways. Turmeric also stimulates bile production and release from the gallbladder, helping eliminate unwanted waste from the body.
- Read the studies on turmeric for liver repair.
10) Helps Headaches & Migraines
Headaches and migraines are tremendously difficult to handle. The immense pain and discomfort can arise from many factors including stress, fatigue, insufficient sleep, inflammation, poor posture, neck tension, and several other causes.
The benefits of curcumin that have shown the most potential in treating headaches and migraines are its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The exact mechanisms are unknown, but it appears that turmeric can reduce pain linked to inflammation, and directly inhibit oxidative stress in the body.
- Read the studies on turmeric for headaches.
Side Effects and Dosage
How much turmeric should you take daily? The recommended turmeric dosage is between 150-250 mg of curcumin per day. This seems to be a safe and effective dosing range for most individuals.
Is turmeric good to take everyday? As long as you’re staying within the correct dosing range, it should be fine for daily consumption. Typically it takes 4-8 weeks of continuous use for turmeric to effectively target systemic inflammation. If you’re using it at random times, it may be less effective. Consistency is key.
When should I take turmeric curcumin? The time of day that you take curcumin is a personal preference. You can take it during bouts of inflammation, in the morning to improve focus and mental clarity, or even at night before bed to lower inflammation while you recover. It’s up to the user and their goals.
What are the negative side effects of turmeric? Curcumin supplements are generally considered safe and well-tolerated among most individuals. Turmeric side effects are quite rare and usually mild. However, there are a few potential adverse reactions you should be aware of.
- Turmeric may be able to lower blood sugar. Diabetics should use extra caution.
- Turmeric contains anticoagulant properties and may be able to thin the blood.
- Excessive dosages may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.
Who should not take turmeric? Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid turmeric. While it’s likely safe in the quantities found in food, it may not be safe in medicinal amounts. You should also avoid turmeric if it is before or after a scheduled surgery. Turmeric may thin the blood causing complications with blood clotting.
Final Thoughts on Health Benefits of Turmeric Curcumin
If you’re wondering “what is turmeric good for,” the answer is almost everything. It’s important to note; turmeric supplements are not a cure for diseases or chronic conditions. But, the unique medicinal properties of curcumin have shown significant health benefits and uses in modern natural medicine.
- Difference between curcumin vs. turmeric.
In nearly every study, turmeric root extract has demonstrated that it’s both effective, well-tolerated at higher dosages, and generally side effect free. If you’re considering adding turmeric pills to your regimen, always consult with a doctor or primary care physician, first. It’s vital to make sure that any dietary supplement you’re taking does not conflict with any pre-existing medications.
