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TURMERIC - 薑黃
Curcuma longa
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Dyspeptic disorders (upset stomach, indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea), rheumatoid arthritis, mentrual cramps, epilepsy, disorders of the skin, Multiple Sclerosis ...
Description
Composition :
100% Curcuma longa rhizoma - 500 mg
Part used :
Root
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a perennial, herbaceous plant in the Ginger family (Zingiberaceae), native to the tropical indian subcontinent. The plant may reach a height of 1 meter (3ft), with highly branched, yellow to orange, cylindric, aromatic rhizomes which remind of ginger. The leaves are alternate and arranged in two rows. They have a width of 40 to 45 cm (16-18in) and are oblong to elliptic, narrowing at the tip. Before the leaves appear, the plant produces 15 – 20 cm (6-8in) long florescences with two-colored flower petals.
Turmeric is a typical spice plant; because of the intense yellow color it is a critical component of Curry (it is also used as a dye). Eaten fresh, the root has a resin-like, slightly burning taste ; dried it is aromatic and slightly bitter.
The most important chemical components of turmeric are a group of compounds called curcuminoids, which include curcumin (diferuloylmethane), demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. These substances stimulate production of gallic and digestive juices, which results in better digestion of lipids (fatty foods). Essential oils (mostly sesquiterpenes, e.g. ar-turmerone, alpha- and beta-turmerone, atlanton and curlon), curcumol and small amounts of alpha-phellandrene, sabins, cineol, borneol and curcuminoids soothe the peristaltic movements of the intestine, which also helps with digestion.
The best studied compound is the yellow curcumin, which constitutes about 3% of powdered turmeric. it is believed to have a wide range of medicinal effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-viral properties. Studies have shown its effectiveness in treating arthritis, hypertension (high blood pressure) and cancer in some patients.
In addition, Turmeric root contains substances like turmerone, atlantone and zingiberene, and finally a number of sugars, proteins and resins.
Turmeric is a medicinal plant with properties suited to treat dyspeptic disorders like pressure or sensitivity of the upper abdomen, indigestion (caused by inability to metabolize fats properly), heartburn (cardialgia), bloating, nausea, etc. It regulates production of cholesterin and may lower cholesterin levels. This is effective with treatment of arteriosclerosis and hypertension and may help prevent stroke and coronary infarct (heart attack). Turmeric is also effective in neutralizing free radicals (similar to vitamin E, C and carotene), which makes it useful to combat premature aging and symptoms like chronic infections, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism, Alzheimer’s disease, cataract, coronary disorders, liver and kidney problems and even cancer - especially cancer of the skin.
The WHO (World Health Organisation) recommends Turmeric for treatment of rheumatism (Turmeric blocks arachidonic acid which has inflammatory properties; with Multiple Sclerosis and other inflammatory conditions, doctors recomment a diet which is low on arachidonic acid). In the US, ongoing research is trying to determine the effect of Turmeric on cancer of the skin; preliminary results observed with skin cells (head, neck) are encouraging.
History: In folk medicine, Turmeric has been popular for treatment of asthma, cough, hemorrhoids, epilepsy, hepatitis, kidney stones, insect bites and deficiencies in lactating. In ayurvedic medicine, Turmeric was used to treat a range of conditions, including those of the skin, pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems, aches, pains, wounds, sprains, and liver disorders. In the traditional medicine system of Indonesia, Turmeric is used as the main component of Jamu, a popular remedy against a broad range of health problems, to improve the immune system and to prevent infections and disorders of the respiratory system. In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) it is used for treatment of various infections and as antiseptic.
Note: Turmeric does not produce any side effects ; even with high daily doses (as is often the case in India), no negative effects have ever been observed.
Dosage
Take 2 capsules 3 times daily or 1 capsule 3 times daily, with plenty of water.