Zingiberaceae
Turmeric
Curcuma longa
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: South Asia, India
Also known as: Indian Saffron, Haldi, Yellow Root
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, metabolic syndrome, cognitive decline prevention, depression adjunct. Curcumin one of the most studied natural anti-inflammatory compounds.
Herbal Actions
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cholagogue, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, chemopreventive
Active Constituents
Curcuminoids (curcumin 2–8%, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin), volatile oils (turmerone, atlantone)
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp powder in warm milk with black pepper and fat, 1–2x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 60% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Bioavailability very low without piperine (black pepper extract increases absorption 2000%). Always combine with fat and black pepper. Clinical dose: 500–2000mg curcuminoids/day. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: High doses contraindicated with blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin). Avoid therapeutic doses in gallstones, bile duct obstruction. Use cautiously before surgery.
Side Effects: GI upset at high doses. Stains teeth and clothing. Yellow skin discoloration possible with very high intake.