It seems we are hearing more and more about how beneficial it can be to take a turmeric supplement if you suffer from certain conditions.
Given the high number of people that suffer from inflammatory diseases, heart disease, high cholesterol, digestive issues, and more, it’s no wonder that the recommendation of turmeric is growing.
Known to have been part of Ayurvedic medicine (ancient Indian medical system), the use of turmeric was seen in “ancient writings that rely on a ‘natural’ and holistic approach to physical and mental health.”*
Sometimes we discover that it is wise to look back at early discoveries that helped with disease, rather than rely strictly on chemically-produced pharmaceuticals.
Breaking down the term, Ayurveda, sheds even more light on its practice, meaning, and focus.
Ayur (from the Sanskrit words), meaning life
Veda, meaning science or knowledge
Therefore, translating into, knowledge of life
It is one of the world’s oldest medical systems!
I’d be hard pressed to meet an individual that didn’t think knowledge (across the board) in life isn’t helpful!
Many Ayurvedic treatments combine products derived from plants, diet, lifestyle and exercise.*
Turmeric (ginger’s relative) is an excellent example. Its benefits may include the following (and quite literally span many health conditions):
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Enhance memory function
- Reduce pain from osteoarthritis
- Lower risk of heart disease
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Aid in fighting depression
“For optimal absorption, try taking with heart-healthy fats like oils, avocado, nuts and seeds,” said registered dietitian Nicole Hopsecger.**
Wondering how to incorporate turmeric into your eating plan? It’s easy:
- Smoothies
- Yogurts
- Soups
- Roasted veggies
- Muffins
- Rice
As reported by the National Institutes of Health, “about 240,000 American adults use Ayurvedic medicine.”* That means that a quarter of a million people have reason to believe it helps them.
Just to clarify, Ayurveda is considered a form of medical care in India. Practitioners of it undergo “state-recognized, institutionalized training.”***
What Ayurveda treatment may look like:
-an internal purification process
-special diet
-herbal remedies
-massage therapy
-yoga
-meditation
The primary basis of this practice of medicine include the “concepts of universal connectedness, the body’s constitution, and life forces.”
One of my most liked phrases is when my mom uses the saying that an “individual has a strong constitution” in regards to overcoming challenging health conditions. I think our constitution is something we need to build strength in and applaud when it meets challenges head on.
Turmeric is an herb quite frequently used in Ayurvedic preparations. It has been suggested for use with ulcerative colitis, digestive issues as a whole, respiratory infections, allergies, skin disorders, and much more. Doctors have been known to suggest turmeric to patients who need to take an anti-inflammatory for arthritis conditions, but find chemical anti-inflammatories too hard on the stomach to take for very long.
Much more information, studies, and clinical trials are necessary to determine turmeric’s complete effectiveness, but the following was interesting to me.
Turmeric’s antioxidant properties are due to the component of curcumin. Antioxidants are important as they “scavenge molecules in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death.” They can fight free radicals.
Turmeric has been linked to helping people with ulcerative colitis stay in remission.
Non-human studies suggest that it may kill viruses and bacteria.
It may be of benefit for lowering risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
“Ayurveda encourages certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to regain a balance between the body, mind, spirit and the environment.”***
If you’re in the U.S. have you used Ayurvedic practices as a complement to other practices of medicine? If in India, first hand experiences with practitioners are much welcome! If you reside in another part of the world, I’d love to hear about your experiences, thoughts, and more pertaining to it.
Wishing good health and a strong constitution to all!
If you have a health-related question that I can ask an expert, submit it here.
Always consult with your physician prior to making any adjustments to your health regime, including supplements/medications/exercises. Nothing in this article is to be construed as medical advice. Content is for informational purposes only.
*https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ayurvedic-medicine-in-depth
***https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ayurveda
This website does not provide medical advice. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a medical professional or other qualified health care provider on any health matter or question.