Turmeric Is Good for What Health Problem

Have you ever found yourself wondering, turmeric is good for what health problem? The answer may surprise you. This ancient herb is considered one of the most powerful healers provided by nature.

Turmeric root and powder

For more then two millenniums, the peoples of Southeast Asia and India have known the medicinal properties of turmeric. Scientists found references to the medicinal use of this herb as early a 250 BC in Sanskirt medical papers such as Susruta's Ayurvedic Compendium.

Popular in medicine throughout the centuries for its soothing properties, turmeric was taken internally for relief of stomach upset, food poisoning and as a purifier for the blood. It was also used to treat:

• Jaundice
• Flatulence
• Hemorrhage
• Menstrual difficulties
• Bloody urine
• Bruises
• Chest pain
• Colic

Used externally, turmeric’s healing properties helped prevent and treat many diseases of the skin and the pain of arthritis.

Continuing research on the health and medical benefits of turmeric show its healing properties are more far-reaching than researchers first thought. Scientists discovered that turmeric has natural phenolic compounds which provide a multitude of antioxidant properties. These antioxidant properties are called curcuminoids.

Beginning in the mid 1970s and continuing to this day, the medical use of curcuminoid compounds is being studied in clinical and laboratory research. The results of these studies show the importance of the rhizome, or fleshy rootstock, of the turmeric plant and its current and possible future effect on modern medicine.

Turmeric research shows its medicinal properties include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer agents. It is also known to be antibacterial and antiseptic.

Used as an anti-inflammatory agent, turmeric does not produce toxicity or any of the general side effects of over the counter or prescription medications. Turmeric is comparable to the following medications:

• Hydrocortisone
• Phenylbutazone
• Motrin

Research has shown turmeric is good for several medical conditions.

The curcumin found in turmeric is effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, known as IBD, including ulcerative colitis and Chron’s Disease. Research shows the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric reduce the symptoms of these illnesses while protecting the intestinal wall. In addition, curcumin inhibits NF kappa-B which is a major agent causing inflamation of cells.

Turmeric lowers the rate and slows the development and spreading of many types of cancer including:

• Breast
• Colon
• Prostrate
• Lung

For example, curcumin’s antioxidant properties protect the cells of the colon from the free radicals that destroy its cells. It also helps in the destruction of mutated cancer cells stopping them from traveling throughout the body. There is also research involving turmeric and pancreatic and liver cancer.

Studies also show that turmeric inhibits the growth of tumors.

The antioxidant properties of turmeric neutralize free radicals stopping these harmful chemicals from damaging healthy cell membranes and cells. The antioxidants, combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of this medicinal herb, reduce the inflamation and damage caused by the free radicals to joints from diseases such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and bursitis.

There are many other uses of turmeric. Turmeric:

• Improves the ability of the liver to remove toxic chemicals taken into the body.
• Stops the oxidation of the body’s cholesterol which is the leading cause of diabetic heart disease and atherosclerosis
• Provides a natural source of vitamin B6 which keeps homocysteine levels low protecting the walls of the blood vessels
• Lowers cholesterol
• Provides protection from neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s
• Aids in the treatment of cystic fibrosis
• Treats digestive Disorders
• Reduces inflammation of the middle layer of the eye
• Treats liver disease including cirrhosis, hepatitis, jaundice and enlarged hepatic ducts
• Relieves the pain of osteoarthritis
• Relieves menstrual cramp pain
• Heals bacterial infections
• Improves skin conditions and diseases including psoriasis
• Defends or potentially defends against HIV

• As with any herb or herbal product used for medicinal purposes, it is always best to discuss the use of turmeric with your medical practitioner.
• Anyone with bile obstruction or gallstones should not take turmeric.
• Turmeric is a uterine stimulant and should not be taken when pregnant

Scientific and medical research continues to find additional health benefits and uses of this natural wonder. The next time you find yourself wondering, turmeric is good for what health problem? The simple answer is almost everything.

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