1. Chronic Pain Killer

In Nepal, powdered turmeric has long been applied to the skin for treatment of bruises, sprains, and swollen joints. And for good reason. Turmeric contains high-levels of an enzyme called COX-2, which is responsible for producing fatty acids that apply healing to both local site inflammation, like a cut or burn, and chronic inflammation.

In one study conducted on 45 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, treatment with natural curcumin reduced joint pain and swelling more effectively than the arthritis drug Diclofenac sodium. Another study, using a turmeric extract standardized to 75% curcumin, 100 patients with knee osteoarthritis found long-term improvement in pain and knee function.

Turmeric can also be used to treat:

• Fibromyalga
• Diverticulitis  
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Kidney stones

2. Natural Treatment for Cancer

Some of the most thorough research done on curcumin is in the arena of cancer treatment. To quote Cancer Research UK:

A number of laboratory studies on cancer cells have shown that curcumin does have anticancer effects. It seems to be able to kill cancer cells and prevent more from growing. It has the best effects on breast cancer, bowel cancer, stomach cancer and skin cancer cells. 

In fact, there are lower rates of certain kinds of cancer in countries where people eat 100mg to 200mg of turmeric each day. While turmeric can be used to ease symptoms of chemotherapy – and in one case stopped the spread of blood cancer in a woman who’s chemotherapy treatments failed – research into turmeric for treating or preventing cancer is still inconclusive.

3. Effectively Manage Depression

Because turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, it is also relevant to those with major depressive order (MDD), as inflammation can affect all organs in the body, including the brain.

Psychiatry Advisor goes on to say:

Chronic inflammation can decrease levels of serotonin and dopamine and lead to degeneration in certain brain areas. It is possible that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin can restore these neurotransmitters and protect the brain, eventually leading toimprovements in mood.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study on patients with MDD showed significant improvements in the group taking curcumin. Findings suggest this kind of treatment may be most effective for those with atypical depression, which is associated with higher levels of inflammation.

Dr. Lopresti, who is currently conducting additional research into using curcumin for the treatment of MDD says, “There are natural ways to reduce inflammation. These include eating a healthy diet, engaging in moderate exercise, and getting good sleep. The addition of natural herbs and spices, particularly curcumin, may also enhance treatment outcomes.”

4. Unconditional Skin

Consuming turmeric orally has been proven to be beneficial to psoriasis, a skin condition considered to be a T-cell inflammatory disease. Turmeric has been proven to reduce the attack of these cells on the skin.

Turmeric has also been shown to alleviate various forms of eczema, soothing and hydrating the skin, hence reducing common eczema symptoms such as redness, rashes, itching and swelling.

Finally, acne, one of the world’s most common skin conditions can be treated with turmeric due to it’s antimicrobial properties.

5. Healthier Gut

While a healthy gut is more commonly associated with treatment like probiotics, turmeric has something to offer as well. First, it supports the colon (which is essential to gut health) by healing colonic crypts which are a sure sign of intestinal permeability and an overgrowth of hostile organisms in the body.

Turmeric also benefits the intestines directly by aiding in digestion and inhibiting bad enzymes that cause damage to the stomach.

How do you practically consume Turmeric?

Spice Things Up

1. Take a Supplement

2. Drink Turmeric Tea

3. Turmeric Bone Broth

4. Make a Turmeric Facial Mask

5. Homemade Curry Powder