More Than a Spice?

Turmeric, and the natural curcuminoids it so richly contains, has been utilized by many different cultures all around the world for its medicinal benefits for hundreds of years. It has traditionally been used within the culinary realm due to its bright yellow-orange pigment and warm and bitter taste, but has also been found within the treatments of a variety of medical conditions.

Uses D osing and Forms

This bright colored herb has made quite an impression on the world of dietary supplements and homeopathy. While many of the ongoing clinical trials have targeted the active ingredient curcumin rather that turmeric itself, it has reputedly exhibited pain relieving, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant effects for the treatment of various conditions including osteoarthritis, major depression, cardiovascular issues, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and even cancer.

Effective?

Turmeric is available commercially in the form of capsules, gummies, powders, teas, and even extracts. For antiinflammation purposes, curcuminoid doses ranging from 200mg/day to 6000mg/day have been used within clinical trials to assess its capabilities. However, it has also been tested as a 1g/day dose as a monotherapy option or 500mg/day when paired with other analgesics to treat arthritis pain.

While there is no true evidence regarding the level of effectiveness of this supplement, most of the clinical trials set out to prove its value spanned from about 4 weeks to 4 months in which results may have been seen.