The Benefits of Turmeric
The Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is one of the most well-known, widely researched, and commonly used Ayurvedic spices in the world’ There’s hardly a system in the body that isn’t supported by the healing benefits of this powerful root. And every traditional Indian bride is layered in turmeric paste before her wedding to create a special glow.
Turmeric Uses and Benefits
- Promote healthy digestion: Turmeric works to improve intestinal flora, strengthen digestion and metabolism, and aids in the breakdown of proteins.5
- Boost the brain and nervous system: Turmeric has been shown to regenerate and protect the cells of the nervous system, relieving anxiousness, uplifting mood, and improving brain health.6
- Support comfortable joint movement: It can be taken internally or applied externally to strengthen and fortify the joints, tendons, and ligaments, leading to greater joint comfort and easeful movement.7
- Promote clear, glowing skin: Considered a tonic for the skin and blood, turmeric helps to cleanse impurities and support a clear complexion.8
- Support proper function of the liver: When used regularly, turmeric promotes the healthy function of the liver and supports the body’s natural mechanisms of detoxification.9
- Nourish the heart and circulatory system: It helps to warm and stimulate the growth of new blood tissue, aiding healthy function of the heart and strengthening circulation.10
- Bolster the immune system: As a potent source of antioxidants, turmeric helps to strengthen the immune system, protect the body from free radicals, and ward off imbalance.11
Turmeric and Ayurveda
Turmeric is used in Ayurveda to balance all three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha. If taken in excess however, it can aggravate pitta and vata. Turmeric has a bitter taste (rasa), an astringent energetic effect (virya), and its post-digestive effect (vipaka) is pungent and heating.12
Turmeric has a particularly beneficial effect for rasa dhatu and rakta dhatu, the tissues of the blood, plasma, and lymph. It brings a soothing and cooling quality to these tissues while at the same time enlivening their healthy flow and function.
Turmeric’s heating nature enables it to have a mobilizing and cleansing energy, which naturally kindles agni (digestion), helping to reduce excess kapha and any accumulation of ama (toxicity).
Beyond these systems, turmeric is also traditionally used for supporting the liver, muscles and joints, immune system, and skin.13
Both of these plants carry powerful health benefits and are indeed considered herbs, having been used throughout history to address a variety of ailments and support well-being.
Turmeric Uses and Benefits
The vibrant golden root of the turmeric plant has been used for centuries throughout Asia to support health throughout the entire body. It has a particular affinity for the blood,4 and is thereby able to circulate its powerful health benefits to a number of systems and functions throughout the body. Turmeric is known to:
- Promote healthy digestion: Turmeric works to improve intestinal flora, strengthen digestion and metabolism, and aids in the breakdown of proteins.5
- Boost the brain and nervous system: Turmeric has been shown to regenerate and protect the cells of the nervous system, relieving anxiousness, uplifting mood, and improving brain health.6
- Support comfortable joint movement: It can be taken internally or applied externally to strengthen and fortify the joints, tendons, and ligaments, leading to greater joint comfort and easeful movement.7
- Promote clear, glowing skin: Considered a tonic for the skin and blood, turmeric helps to cleanse impurities and support a clear complexion.8
- Support proper function of the liver: When used regularly, turmeric promotes the healthy function of the liver and supports the body’s natural mechanisms of detoxification.9
- Nourish the heart and circulatory system: It helps to warm and stimulate the growth of new blood tissue, aiding healthy function of the heart and strengthening circulation.10
- Bolster the immune system: As a potent source of antioxidants, turmeric helps to strengthen the immune system, protect the body from free radicals, and ward off imbalance.11
Turmeric and Ayurveda
Turmeric is used in Ayurveda to balance all three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha. If taken in excess however, it can aggravate pitta and vata. Turmeric has a bitter taste (rasa), an astringent energetic effect (virya), and its post-digestive effect (vipaka) is pungent and heating.12
Turmeric has a particularly beneficial effect for rasa dhatu and rakta dhatu, the tissues of the blood, plasma, and lymph. It brings a soothing and cooling quality to these tissues while at the same time enlivening their healthy flow and function.
Turmeric’s heating nature enables it to have a mobilizing and cleansing energy, which naturally kindles agni (digestion), helping to reduce excess kapha and any accumulation of ama (toxicity).
Beyond these systems, turmeric is also traditionally used for supporting the liver, muscles and joints, immune system, and skin.13
In India, turmeric is said to give the energy of the Divine Mother and to grant prosperity.14 It is often used as a topical paste by brides to give a radiant glow and invite blessings into the marriage. Whole turmeric root is also sometimes used to carve a likeness of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of prosperity and success, as a way of invoking the strength to overcome obstacles.
Modern Research on Turmeric
With its ever-growing renown, turmeric has become the focus of many studies throughout the years and has been widely researched for its extraordinary benefits. Here are a few prominent studies on turmeric from the past decade:
- “Neuroprotective Expression of Turmeric and Curcumin.” Food Research. Dec 2020.16
- “Turmeric and Its Major Compound Curcumin on Health: Bioactive Effects and Safety Profiles for Food, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnological and Medicinal Applications.” PubMed Abstract. Sep 2020.17
- “Curcumin Intervention for Cognitive Function in Different Types of People: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.” PubMed Abstract. Sep 2019.18
- “Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health.” PubMed Abstract. Oct 2017.19
- “Therapeutic Roles of Curcumin: Lessons Learned
