Herb of the Week: Turmeric

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This week I have decided to add in a herb. This weeks herb is Turmeric.

This a wonderful root plant that has a lovely golden color. It is great herb that can boost the the immune system and even promote a more restful night sleep. This plant has been used in Indian cook and traditional medicine for thousands of years.

The medicinal compound in turmeric are called curcuminoids, curcumin is main active ingredient and the most importan  of the curcuminoids. Curcumin has powerful anti-infammatory effecft and is a strong antioxidant.

Benefits of Turmeric:
 Abdominal Pain
 Anti inflammatory
 Antioxidant
 Anti bacterial
 Anti-venom
 Anti viral

Tumrmeric  has a  slightly bitter, slightly hot peppery flavor and a mustardy smell. Curcumin may treat cancer, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, allergies, arthritis and other chronic illnesses.

The amount of curcuim in turmeric in about 3%, by weight.  Just consuming the herb  itself will not impart all the effect of the herb. also, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream.  When taken with black pepper, which contain piperine, the abosration rates rise by 2000% .

This suggest that the benefits of turmeric to be full experienced should be taken in a pill form or in a tincture. 

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking turmeric by mouth in medicinal amounts is LIKELY UNSAFE in pregnancy. It might promote a menstrual period or stimulate the uterus, putting the pregnancy at risk. Don’t take turmeric if you are pregnant.( WebMD)

There is not enough information to rate the safety of turmeric during breast-feeding. It’s best not to use it.(WebMD)

Gallbladder problems: Turmeric can make gallbladder problems worse. Don’t use turmeric if you have gallstones or a bile duct obstruction.(WebMD)

Surgery: Turmeric might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using turmeric at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.(WebMD)

Tumeric might slow the clotting of the blood. Especially if taken along with any other medication that  slow clotting , and could improve  chances of bruising and bleeding. 

Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.(WebMD)

Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Please consulate your doctor before taking any herb or using any recipes or remedies. A berry orange day is not responsible for how this information is used. 

Soruces:

http://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turmeric

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-662-turmeric.aspx?activeingredientid=662&activeingredientname=turmeric