Turmeric is a spice that comes from a plant. Turmeric is also known as Curcuma, Curcumin, Halada, Haldi, Haridra, Indian Saffron, Nisha, Pian Jiang Huang, Rajani, Safran Bourbon, Safran de Batallita, Safran des Indes, Turmeric Root, Yu Jin, and other names. Turmeric should not be confused with Javanese turmeric root (Curcuma zedoaria).
Turmeric is commonly used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, and other foods. The turmeric root is also used to make alternative medicine.
Turmeric has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating the symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay fever), depression, mouth sores, reducing blood cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing osteoarthritis pain, or relieving itching caused by chronic kidney disease.
Turmeric has also been used to treat stomach ulcers and dementia. However, research has shown that turmeric may not be effective in treating these conditions.
Other uses not proven with research have included: acne, gout, wound healing, rheumatoid arthritis, prediabetes, tuberculosis, cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, and lowering the risk of a heart attack after bypass surgery.
Turmeric is thought to be possibly safe when taken for a short period of time as a mouth rinse or as an enema.
It is not certain whether turmeric is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Turmeric should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Turmeric is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Turmeric may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.
