“I’ve got 99 problems and turmeric solved like 86 of them.” — Michelle-Delerme, cancer survivor
Turmeric isn’t nicknamed the Golden Spice of Life for nothing. This major Indian health remedy has made its way through the western world as a common cooking spice found in many pantries. You may have even heard of turmeric in the context of ‘Golden Milk’. Known in India as ‘Haldi Doodh,’ this is a traditional Indian medicinal drink that consists of hot milk and turmeric and can even be mixed into tea or honey. And of course, if you’ve read the about the bouquet of ingredients in our Immunity Potion, then you will recognize it as an Ayurvedic spice.
Traditionally, Ayurvedic uses of turmeric include a variety of therapeutic practices, including relieving indigestion, arthritis, and menstruation pain [1]. It has also been used as a remedy for skin conditions, such as skin abrasions. For example, a turmeric paste may be applied to the face to promote wound healing and glowing skin. The therapeutic uses of turmeric can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties. In fact, many scientific studies have come out that showcase the diverse therapeutic potential of turmeric.
Ayurvedic Uses of Turmeric
Turmeric for Inflammation
Curcumin, a compound that can be extracted from the dried root of turmeric, has been shown to be involved in various anti-inflammatory pathways. One of the more relevant studies include curcumin’s inhibition of pathways activated by the pro-inflammatory cytokine known as Tumor necrosis factor α, or TNF-α [2]. TNF-α activates the NF-κB transcription factor, which promotes the expression of other pro-inflammatory genes. Studies have shown that curcumin can block this activation, and therefore inhibit its inflammatory effects. This is is significant because inflammation plays a major role in the development of many chronic conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, and diabetes. In fact, several studies have corroborated the anti-arthritic properties of turmeric.
Turmeric for Anti-Microbial Properties
Although turmeric has been popularized in the Western world fairly recently, research on its antimicrobial properties has been ongoing for years. In fact, the first Western study was published in Nature in 1949 [3]. Researchers found that curcumin was effective at inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, a common germ that can be fatal in the case of infections, such as pneumonia or sepsis. Although this was the first such study in the western world, it paved the way for numerous other studies that would not only showcase curcumin’s anti-microbial properties, but also its synergistic effects when combined with antibiotics [4]. While these studies are fairly recent, the therapeutic use of turmeric in Ayurveda dates back to thousands of years ago.
Turmeric Curcumin with Black Pepper
Curcumin, the compound present in turmeric, is best absorbed by the body when it is taken with with black pepper. Our Immunity Potion contains both organic, whole plant derived turmeric and black pepper to help maximize its therapeutic properties.
