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Turmeric - Curcuma Longa overview
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Tumeric - natures antioxidant
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Turmeric
Curcuma longa
Family: Zingiberaceae
aka: Indian-saffron, Curcuma, Haldi, Haridra, Safran des Indes, Gelbwurzel , Kurkuma, Ukon, Ulgeum, açafroeira, Gengibre-dourada, Azafrán de la India, Gurkmeja
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
[1] , a member of the Ginger family, has long been a staple of Indian cuisine. Without it, Indian curries would lack their distinctive flavour and characteristic yellow colour.
Turmeric has featured prominently in Ayurvedic (Traditional Indian) and Chinese systems of medicine[2].
The major active constituent in Turmeric is curcumin which has been shown to have a wide range of potent antioxidant and other therapeutic actions (alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-allergic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, stomachic, astringent, cardiotonic, carmitive, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, stimulant and vulnerary to name a few).
What does this powerful antioxidant do?
Oxidation can be compared to rust on an automobile, where an antioxidant can be likened to the paint that protects the vehicle from rust damage. In the body, oxidation causes free radicals to form and free radicals damage cells and form toxic cells which can lead to disease. Many researchers attribute much of the ageing process to the incessant damage caused by free radicals and the subsequent decline in the body's ability to effectively regenerate damaged cells. Antioxidant nutrients protect cells from free radical damage.
The most publicised antioxidants are vitamins C and E, beta carotene and zinc. However, new research is uncovering herbal antioxidants that have the same, if not more, power. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is one of those powerful, antioxidant herbs and has been found to be over five times more potent than Vitamin E at quenching a wide range of free radicals.
Anti inflammatory for pain and arthritis
Tumeric tubers - a favourite ingredient in Thai cuisine
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It also reduces inflammation by lowering histamine levels and possibly by increasing production of natural cortisone by the adrenal glands. In human studies Turmeric has been found to equal and in many cases exceed, the benefits associated with both cortisone and phenylbutazone treatment. Additionally, clinical trials of persons suffering from rheumatoid arthritis showed a signific improvement after six weeks at a dosage of 1200mg per day. It may also benefit people with osteoarthritis.
Turmeric has been shown to reduce pain in post herpetic neuralgia and arthritis, as it blocks the formation of Substance P, a neurotransmitter of pain.
Tumeric is over five times more potent than Vitamin E
Reduces fluoride's neurotoxicity
Other studies have focused on Turmeric's benefits to the cardiovascular system, it has been shown to reduce blood platelets clumping together, which in turn improves circulation and helps prevent atherosclerosis. Turmeric appears to lower cholesterol. It may also help defend against blood clots that trigger heart attacks and some strokes.
Cardiovascular help
A live trial[3] (using mice) has demonstrated that curcumin significantly reduced the degerneration of brain cells caused by exposure to fluoride.
Digestion and fat absorption
Researchers showed Turmeric protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds and enhances gall bladder function. They concluded that one of Turmeric's medicinal effects is to induce contraction of the gall bladder, helping it to expel beneficial bile into the duodenum (small intestine), activating certain enzymes, aiding metabolism of fats and the absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D and K. Studies have also found Turmeric to be helpful for people with indigestion.
Protection against Type II Diabetes
In various clinical trials, patients with dietary problems and risks of getting type II diabetes were treated with high concentrations of curcumin. Amazingly, these patients showed less propensity for developing type II diabetes than patients in control groups. Even better than that, patients in curcumin-treated groups were proven to have a better overall function of β-cells, which can help prevent the development of conditions such as type II diabetes.[4]
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Tumeric flowers powerful immune system booster
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Boost for the immune system
Preliminary studies indicate Turmeric could be useful to AIDS patients. Specifically, it may reduce the HIV viral load. In fact, curcumin appears to be active against acutely and chronically HIV infected cells.
According to researchers at Leicester University Turmeric may stop cancer tumours forming. Curcumin the active ingredient is thought to interfere with certain enzymes that help trigger uncontrolled cell division.
Turmeric Extract Superior to Prozac for Depression
A study[5] published in the journal Phytotherapy Research[6] has confirmed for the first time in a randomized, controlled clinical trial that the primary polyphenol in turmeric known as curcumin is both safe and effective in treating serious states of depression.
Perhaps more significant is that the study is the first which shows that curcumin may be used as an effective and safe modality for treatment in patients with Major Depressive Disorder without concurrent suicidal ideation or other psychotic disorders such as are linked to prozac and other pharmaceutical antidepressants.
Turmeric - Curcuma Longa uses
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A tasty and colourful antioxidant and immune system booster
Medicinal uses of Turmeric
With such a long history of usage in Asia it is no wonder that Turmeric is a popular subject for study in pharmaceutical research. You only have to check the array of clinical trials
[7] (76 in April, 2013) to see how enthusiastically this plant is being examined for exploitation.
The good news is that you can use it yourself without waiting for lengthy, expensive research, approval and manufacturing delays!
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grated rhizomes and powder
[25]
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The treatment of
- acne
- Alzheimer's disease
- amenorrhea
- anemia
- atherosclerosis
- arthritis
- bacterial infections
- bleeding
- breast cancer
- bronchitis
- burns
- bursitis
- cancer
- colon cancer
- common cold
- conjunctivitis
- cystic fibrosis
- dementia
- depilation
- depression
- diabetes
- diarrhea
- dyspepsia
- edema
- fever
- flu
- food poisoning
- gallstones
- gastric ulcer
- genital herpes
- haemorrhoids
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- headaches
- heart disease
- hemorrhoids
- hepatitis-c
- hiv/aids
- indigestion
- irritable bowel syndrome
- kidney infections
- inflammation
- laryngitis
- leprosy
- liver diseases
- lower back and abdominal pain
- menstrual problems
- multiple sclerosis
- osteoarthritis
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- pain
- pancreatic cancer
- parasites
- poor circulation
- prostate cancer
- psoriasis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- sexually transmitted diseases
- skin damage
- stomach ulcers
- stroke damage
- ulcerative colitis
- urinary tract infections
- uveitis
- viral infections
- wounds
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Contra-indications: Turmeric is considered safe for most adults. High doses or long-term use of turmeric may cause indigestion, nausea, or diarrhea. People with gallbladder disease should avoid using turmeric as a dietary supplement, as it may worsen the condition
[26] .
Turmeric - Curcuma Longa actions
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Medicinal actions of Turmeric - Curcuma Longa [27]
Tincture
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- analgesic
- anesthetic
- anthelmintic
- antiaging
- antibacterial
- anticancer
- antidepressant
- antidiabetic
- antihypertensive
- antiinflammatory
- antileukemic
- antioxidant
- antipyretic
- antirheumatic
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- antiseptic
- antispasmodic
- antitumor
- antitussive
- antiulcerogenic
- antiviral
- ascorbic-acid
- astringent
- beta-carotene
- cardiotonic
- cholagogue
- choleretic
- detoxicant
- diuretic
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- dye
- emetic
- expectorant
- fungicidal
- hypotensive
- laxative
- niacin
- riboflavin
- rubefacient
- sedative
- stomachic
- thiamin
- vermifuge
- vulnerary
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Curcuma longa (Turmeric) - botanical drawing
[28]
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That is a lot of health-maintaining activity in just one plant.
However there is more - here are other actions attributed to the constituents found in Turmeric - Curcuma Longa. Of course not all of these are considered major actions of Turmeric - Curcuma Longa, however the list does demonstrate just how comprehensive Turmeric - Curcuma Longa’s health maintaining abilities are.
Other actions of Turmeric - Curcuma Longa [27]
allergenic
antiacne
antiadenoviral
antiaggregant
antialcoholic
antiallergic
antialzheimeran
antianemic
antianginal
antiangiogenic
antianorexic
antianxiety
antiarrhythmic
antiarthritic
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Turmeric - Curcuma Longa constituents
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Active constituents found in Turmeric - Curcuma Longa [27]
- 1,8-cineole ( Rhizome 30 - 720 ppm )
- 2-hydroxy-methyl-anthraquinone
- alpha-pinene ( Essential Oil 5,300 ppm )
- alpha-terpineol
- ar-turmerone ( Rhizome 5,800 ppm )
- ascorbic-acid ( Rhizome 293 ppm )
- azulene
- beta-carotene
- beta-pinene ( Essential Oil 2,700 ppm )
- beta-sesquiphellandrene
- bis-desmethoxycurcumin ( Rhizome 67 - 27,000 ppm )
- borneol
- boron ( Root 1 - 6 ppm )
- caffeic-acid ( Rhizome 5 ppm )
- calcium ( Rhizome 270 - 2,898 ppm )
- caprylic-acid
- caryophyllene
- chromium ( Rhizome 6 ppm )
- cinnamic-acid
- cobalt ( Rhizome 1 ppm )
- copper ( Rhizome 6 - 17 ppm )
- curcumenol ( Essential Oil 21,300 ppm )
- curcumin ( Rhizome 9 - 38,888 ppm )
- curdione ( Essential Oil 11,900 ppm )
- di-p-coumaroyl-methane
- dicinnamoylmethane
- diferuloyl-methane
- eugenol ( Essential Oil 2,100 ppm )
- feruloyl-p-coumaroyl-methane
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- fiber ( Rhizome 9,000 - 84,000 ppm )
- fructose ( Rhizome 120,000 ppm )
- glucose ( Rhizome 280,000 ppm )
- guaiacol
- iron ( Rhizome 121 - 467 ppm )
- isoborneol ( Rhizome Essent. Oil 200 ppm )
- limonene ( Essential Oil 2,300 ppm )
- manganese ( Rhizome 33 - 78 ppm )
- niacin ( Rhizome 5 - 62 ppm )
- nickel ( Rhizome 3.8 ppm )
- o-coumaric-acid
- p-coumaric-acid ( Rhizome 345 ppm )
- p-cymene
- p-methoxy-cinnamic-acid ( Rhizome 360 ppm )
- p-tolymethylcarbinol ( Rhizome 500 - 1,750 ppm )
- phosphorus ( Rhizome 640 - 6,307 ppm )
- potassium ( Rhizome 4,870 - 41,271 ppm )
- protocatechuic-acid
- riboflavin ( Rhizome 12 ppm )
- sodium ( Rhizome 30 - 4,290 ppm )
- syringic-acid
- terpineol ( Essential Oil 500 ppm )
- thiamin ( Rhizome 8 ppm )
- turmerone ( Rhizome 1,800 - 43,200 ppm )
- ukonan-a ( Rhizome 33 - 6,600 ppm )
- ukonan-b ( Rhizome 47 ppm )
- vanillic-acid
- zinc ( Rhizome 22 ppm )
- zingiberene ( Rhizome 750 - 18,000 ppm )
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Is it Safe for me to take Turmeric - Curcuma Longa Tincture? If you have any concerns or apprehensions please use our free Herbal Tincture enquiry service so that we can make sure that what you want is completely safe for your situation or condition.
We especially encourage you to get in touch if you have any of the following health problems or conditions:
- An enlarged prostate gland
- Are preganant or breast-feeding
- Blood clotting problems
- Cancer
- Diabetes
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- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Immune system problems
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- Liver problems
- Psychiatric problems
- Parkinson's disease
- Stroke
- Thyroid problems
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You have two options when you purchase Turmeric tincture:
- For external use which you can apply externally to the soles of your feet or topically on an external condition - you can purchase these without a consultation.
- For internal use. If you wish to take it internally because of the potency of these tinctures you need to be sure they will not cause complications with an existing health condition or prescribed drugs you may be taking.
Turmeric tincture
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If you are in any doubt about the possibility Turmeric tincture causing complications with prescription drugs or a medical condition you may have please get in touch so that we can advise you on the suitability of a particular tincture.
Especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
You can have an online consultation or visit our clinic for a thorough consultation if you wish to purchase our potent tinctures for internal use.
There are fewer concerns when using Turmeric tincture externally and our many years of experience has shown that the tincture is just as effective being applied into the soles of the feet or applied
topically
on external conditions where they will be absorbed into your system.
Our clients who have come for a consultation use the same tincture internally and we recommend they take half an eyedropper (about 1.5ml) of herbal tincture in a small glass of water three times per day for adults and a quarter of an eyedropper in a small glass of water for children.
Turmeric tincture is a potent liquid extract made from organic Turmeric. It is a concentrated way of getting herbal medicine into your body easily especially applying them to the soles of your feet. Once a tincture is prepared, it has an extremely long shelf life. Tinctures should be kept in a cool, dark cupboard to maintain their potency.
If you are on any prescribed medication we strongly advise you to use our free Herbal Tincture enquiry service to make sure that the medication and potent Turmeric tincture are compatible.
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making medicine for internal use
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How to Use Turmeric Tincture internally
How do I prepare my Turmeric Tincture?
Just add the recommended dosage - which is usually 1.5ml or one eyedropperfull - to a glass of drinking water or any other cold drink.
Then drink it.
When should I drink my Turmeric Tincture?
For best absorption, consume herbal tinctures 30 minutes or more before meals or drinking other liquids to avoid diluting it while it is in your digestive tract.
How to Use our Tinctures externally
how to apply a tincture to the soles of your feet
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If you are treating an external condition - such as a skin infection - then simply apply the tincture directly to the site using the eyedropper or a suitable swab.
If you are treating an internal condition then the best way to get the tincture into your body is through the soles of your feet. The skin is a highly absorptive organ and the feet have the reflexology facility which helps get the healing properties of the herbs right to the place inside you where they will do the most good.
If you don't have someone to do it for you, the easiest way we've found is to apply it sitting down. Rest one foot on your other leg's thigh (use a towel to make sure the tincture doesn't drip on your furniture or clothes), squirt a small amount of tincture onto the palm of one hand (about 1.5ml or half an eyedropper), rub it gently into the sole of your foot. In most cases you will find it has been absorbed within 30 seconds or so - you'll know when your foot feels dry. Then do the same to your other foot and the treatment is complete.
Turmeric - Curcuma Longa history
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turmeric powder offering on Somavati Amavasya
[29]
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Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used for 4,000 years to treat a variety of conditions
[21] .
Turmeric has been grown in India since ancient times.
It reached China by 700 AD, East Africa by 800 AD and West Africa by 1200.
It was introduced to Jamaica in the 18th Century. Today, turmeric is widely cultivated throughout the tropics
[30] .
Because turmeric root plays such a crucial role in maintaining a balanced, healthy body, Ayurveda believes its use ultimately leads to a calm, peaceful mind, radiant vitality and greater longevity [31].
Turmeric - Curcuma Longa cultivation
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Turmeric harvest at Tamil Pongal festival
[32]
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[33] Turmeric is a sterile plant, and does not produce seed.
It is thought to have arisen by selection and vegetative propagation of a hybrid between the wild turmeric (Curcuma aromatica), native to India, Sri Lanka and the eastern Himalayas and some other closely related species.
Plant turmeric [34] in September or October [35], into a warm soil.
The rhizomes should be planted 5-7 cm deep. It is often planted on ridges, usually about 30-45 cm apart and with 15-30 cm between plants. The crop is planted by setts (small rhizomes) with one or two buds.
Approximately 1,700 kg of setts are required to one hectare. Expected yield would be 13 to 35 tonnes/ha of fresh turmeric.
In cooler areas of Australia turmeric can be grown in glasshouses.
Like all herbaceous perennials clumps of turmeric need to be broken up and fresh pieces planted every 3 to 4 years.
Turmeric is one the most thoroughly researched plants in existence today[36]. Its medicinal properties and components (primarily curcumin) have been the subject of over 5600 peer-reviewed and published biomedical studies. greenmedinfo.com's five-year long research project on this sacred plant has revealed over 600 potential preventive and therapeutic applications, as well as 175 distinct beneficial physiological effects. This entire database of 1,585 ncbi-hyperlinked turmeric abstracts can be downloaded as a PDF at greenmedinfo.com's Downloadable Turmeric Document page.
Given the sheer density of research performed on this remarkable spice, it is no wonder that a growing number of studies have concluded that it compares favorably to a variety of conventional medications, including: Lipitor/Atorvastatin(cholesterol medication), Corticosteroids (steroid medications), Prozac/Fluoxetine, Aspirin (blood thinner), Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Oxaliplatin (chemotherapy drug), Metformin (diabetes drug) to name a few.
Another way in which turmeric and its components reveal their remarkable therapeutic properties is in research on drug resistant- and multi-drug resistant cancers. We have two sections on our site dedicated to researching natural and integrative therapies on these topics, and while there are dozens of substances with demonstrable efficacy against these chemotherapy- and radiation-resistant cancers, curcumin tops both lists:
- Cancers: Drug Resistant
- Cancers: Multi-Drug Resistant
We have found no less than 54 studies indicating that curcumin can induce cell death or sensitize drug-resistant cancer cell lines to conventional treatment.
We have identified 27 studies on curcumin's ability to either induce cell death or sensitize multi-drug resistant cancer cell lines to conventional treatment.
Considering how strong a track record turmeric (curcumin) has, having been used as both food and medicine in a wide range of cultures, for thousands of years, a strong argument can be made for using curcumin as a drug alternative or adjuvant in cancer treatment.
Or, better yet, use certified organic (non-irradiated) turmeric in lower culinary doses on a daily basis so that heroic doses won't be necessary later in life after a serious disease sets in. Nourishing yourself, rather than self-medicating with 'nutraceuticals,' should be the goal of a healthy diet.
See more information at greenmedinfo.com
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