Turmeric

🌿  (Curcuma longa) or Harida

Also known as Haldi, or Indian Saffron

📖 Overview

Turmeric is a golden-yellow rhizome celebrated for its deep roots in Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and culinary healing. It is one of the most studied herbs for its role in supporting inflammatory response, joint comfort, digestion, and skin clarity. Its vibrant pigment, curcumin, gives it both therapeutic and culinary value.

In Ayurveda, it is classified as Vishaghna (detoxifier), Kaphahara (Kapha-reducing), and Raktashodhaka (blood purifier).

📜 Traditional Use in Herbal Systems

• Ayurveda: Used to cleanse the blood, support joint and liver health, promote clear skin, and enhance digestion

• Traditional Chinese Medicine: Known as Jiang Huang, used to move Qi and invigorate the blood, especially for menstrual pain and inflammation

• Folk & Culinary Use: Used topically in beauty rituals, in teas, golden milk, and spice blends like curry powder

🍵 Suggested Use

• Powder: ½–1 tsp daily with warm water, ghee, or milk

• Capsules/Tablets: Often combined with black pepper extract (piperine) to enhance bioavailability

• Tincture: Useful for fast absorption and systemic anti-inflammatory support

• Paste: Common in face masks, poultices, or Golden Milk lattes

🔬 Scientific Research & References

Turmeric’s primary active compound, curcumin, is widely researched for its multifaceted benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory: Modulates inflammatory markers like COX-2 and NF-kB [1]

• Joint Support: Shown to be as effective as some NSAIDs in supporting joint function [2]

• Liver & Detox: Promotes bile flow and protects liver cells [3]

• Skin Health: Curcumin’s antioxidant action helps clear skin and reduce oxidative stress [4]

References:

1. Aggarwal, B. B., et al. (2007). Curcumin: The Indian solid gold. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 595, 1–75.

2. Kuptniratsaikul, V., et al. (2009). Efficacy of turmeric extract in knee osteoarthritis. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 15(8), 891–897.

3. Houshyar, H., et al. (2013). Protective effects of curcumin against liver damage. Pathophysiology, 20(2), 89–95.

4. Vaughn, A. R., et al. (2016). The effect of turmeric on skin health: A systematic review. Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), 1243–1264.

⚠️ Cautions & Contraindications

• Avoid high doses during pregnancy due to its uterine-stimulating effects

• May interfere with blood-thinning medications

• May cause yellowing of stool or mild digestive upset in large quantities

• Best taken with fat and black pepper to improve absorption

🛍️ Shop by Interest

• Joints

• Skin

• Digestion & Gut

• Liver & Pancreas

• Products for Kapha

"Products Featuring Turmeric"

"These products feature Turmeric, traditionally used to support joint comfort, skin health, and digestive wellness. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease."