TURMERIC (AKA CURCUMA LONGA) IS SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT BRIGHT YELLOW SPICE YOU HAVE IN THE BACK OF YOUR CUPBOARD FOR SPECIAL RECIPES. IT IS A POWERFUL MEDICINAL HERB THAT HAS BEEN USED IN ANCIENT AND MODERN CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD FOR THE LAST 4,000 YEARS.

While turmeric may seem to be the latest buzz in the world of superfoods, it is in fact an ancient herb with a rich history of human medicinal use. The long list of benefits this golden spice has on the human body is nothing short of amazing and truly shows the healing power of nature.

Its most well-known effect is the anti-inflammatory action it has within the human body. Curcumin is the active constituent in turmeric, that gives the spice its anti-inflammatory action, and its beautiful golden colour. Interestingly, consuming turmeric with black pepper has been found to improve the bioavailability and absorption of curcumin, making those warming curries even more appealing!

Inflammation is a complex, adaptive process, triggered by the body in response to something harmful like infection. Unfortunately, today’s diet, and lifestyle in which we are constantly exposed to stress, pollution, and toxins, has led to increased inflammation in the body, particularly in the digestive system, with research linking this inflammation to chronic disease. These chronic diseases range from arthritic conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis to IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) where you may literally feel inflamed with bloating, indigestion, diarrhoea, and excessive flatulence. Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory action, turmeric can help reduce these symptoms and has been traditionally prescribed in Ayurvedic medicine, the ancient Indian medical system, for diseases of “swellings”.

The effect of turmeric and its key constituent curcumin is not limited to physical ailments. Recent research has found the spice has the potential to support in mental health conditions such as depression. The benefit of turmeric in supporting depressive symptoms is due not only to its anti-inflammatory action but also its action as an antioxidant and ability to restore balance to neurotransmitters, those very important chemical messengers that the nervous system uses to transmit messages to the rest of your body.

Turmeric also has antibacterial properties meaning it can prevent the growth of bacteria and parasites. It is considered a hepatic herb meaning it tones, strengthens, and increases the function of the liver. As an antispasmodic it can reduce muscle spasm throughout the body, especially in the gut, helping to reduce both physical and psychological tension. It also acts as a hypoglycaemic by regulating blood glucose levels.

For all the health conditions mentioned, I recommend you visit a qualified naturopath to ensure you are getting the right therapeutic dose for your presentation. However, for general health and well-being you may like to try the below ideas to get more turmeric into your diet.

Try out these ideas:

• Add ½ teaspoon (adjust to your taste preference) to your scrambled eggs or tofu.
• Add ½ teaspoon (adjust to your taste preference) to your smoothie.
• Have a ‘golden milk’ as your afternoon pick-me-up or evening wind-down by simmering turmeric with your milk of choice and a dash of honey to sweeten.
• Add extra turmeric to a warming curry (perfect as we approach the cooler months in Australia).