An Ancient Spice Reinvents Itself in Modern Medicine
There’s nothing new about Turmeric root. It’s been cultivated in Asia for 4,000 years, and is typically dried and ground into a powder that is used in curries and other savory dishes. It is also a champion remedy in Ayurveda used to treat everything from indigestion to acne. It took a while, but modern science is starting to catch on to what South Asians have known for millennia: the golden yellow spice is a potent medicine.
The chief medicinal component of Turmeric is curcumin, a chemical with strong anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties which has emerged as an effective therapy for arthritis. But in order to reap its health benefits, it’s important to regularly ingest a therapeutic dosage. A supplement like Turmeric Curcumin from Bio Schwartz provides 1500 mg of curcumin, and is infused with bioperine, a chemical found in black pepper which amplifies the absorption rate of turmeric’s active ingredients by as much as 2000%.
Bio Schwartz Turmeric Curcumin
$18.89, amazon.com
Sufferers of arthritis, or those with age-related joint pain, or any kind of chronic inflammatory disease who want the benefits of a natural remedy but prefer to avoid pills can take turmeric in liquid form, as a drop which can be added to water or juice or as a chewable gummy.
Ultra6 Organic Turmeric Curcumin Drops
$20.98, amazon.com
Tumerica Organic Turmeric Curcumin Gummies
$24.95, amazon.com
Both formulations are bioperine-enhanced. And it’s not just humans who respond well to turmeric therapy for arthritis or joint pain. Older dogs can improve their mobility and longevity significantly with turmeric in their diet. You can try adding turmeric powder to your pet’s wet food, or incorporate a supplement like Veterinary Naturals that includes fish oil and MSM for added pain support.
Veterinary Naturals Hemp & Hips Soft Chews
$18.97, amazon.com
Perhaps it is turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties that have made it such a coveted ingredient in beauty treatments throughout history. It has proven to be a gentle but effective remedy for acne, and is known to fade dark spots and accelerate the healing of bruises. Passport to Organics’ Clear Face serum, cleanser and cream contain natural botanicals such as jojoba, lavender and aloe which synergistically combine with turmeric extract to form a pleasant-smelling, all-natural skin clarifying treatment.
Turmeric Cream Cleanser
$25.00, amazon.com
Turmeric Cream
$28.00, amazon.com
Turmeric Serum
$24.00, amazon.com
The facial scrub from Minimo Glow uses turmeric powder combined with raw manuka honey and hemp oil to brighten skin, eliminate blackheads and reduce hyper-pigmentation (which is also caused by inflammation).
Skin Brightening Facial Scrub & Mask
$14.95, amazon.com
It seems counter-intuitive to brush your teeth with a bright yellow substance in hope that your smile will become whiter, but actually turmeric toothpaste has been popular in South Asia for decades. In addition to effectively treating inflammation of the gums, turmeric has a natural bleaching agent which removes stains from teeth. Be sure to handle it with care: turmeric can whiten your teeth, but it can also yellow your hands. Go figure.
TruthPaste Natural Turmeric Toothpaste
$17.99, amazon.com
Before it burst on the scene as a natural remedy, turmeric was the substance that made mustards and curries yellow, and despite its newfound fame as a medicine, it remains a versatile and essential spice. Sprinkling turmeric on grilled chicken breasts with a dash of salt and pepper makes a delicious no-recipe entree with serious health benefits. It is also delectable on popcorn, cauliflower, couscous, and potatoes. For dozens of ways to incorporate turmeric into your favorite dishes, check out the Turmeric Cookbook.
The Turmeric Cookbook
$11.33, amazon.com
When purchasing food-grade turmeric, be sure that the powder comes from a reputable purveyor, as imitation powders with ingredients that aren’t healthful or can even be toxic have been found on the market. Simply Organic‘s high-quality turmeric is fragrant and nutty and never disappoints.
Turmeric’s place in the kitchen isn’t just with savory foods. It appears in cakes and cookies in traditional South Asian cuisine. In a decidedly modern recipe, it is delectable when paired with ginger and chocolate in a candy bar from Vosges. Turmeric also makes a fragrant base for lattes, teas and smoothies.
Simply Organic Ground Turmeric
$9.42, amazon.com
Vosges Turmeric Ginger Chocolate
$12.29, amazon.com
Raw and Root LLC
Tur Latte
$21.99, amazon.com
The Republic of Tea
Turmeric Ginger Green Tea
$13.00, amazon.com
Wild Foods
Cocotropic Raw Cacao w/ Turmeric
$14.95, amazon.com
The full potential of turmeric’s power as a healing agent is still being tested, but anecdotal evidence thus far has shown that turmeric can be a effective anti-inflammatory with numerous applications and no serious side effects. In other words, adding turmeric to your diet probably won’t hurt, and may very well help.