Turmeric
Turmeric originally comes from India it is one of the major ingredients in a number of curries, which gives them colour and flavour. The base of the plant are used for medicinal purposes these are the roots and stem underground, they are dried and ground down into a fine yellow powder, the main active ingredient in Tumeric is Curcumin which is where most of the health benefits are held.
Turmeric may help to improve
- Reduces clumping of the platelets
- Anti-inflammatory
- Carminative
- Supports and detoxifies the liver
What are the Benefits?
1) Turmeric may help to reduce the clumping of the platelet, when platelets clump together in one area it can cause blood clots studies have shown that turmeric may reduce this. (1)
This action may also help to prevent Atherosclerosis and lower the risk of heart disease.
According to Ellen Ellis from Healthline “A blood clot can form in any blood vessel in your body. It can end up in the lungs, heart, brain, or other areas if it breaks away and travels through the blood. These migrations can lead to serious complications as the clot disrupts the flow of blood to important organs. This can result in heart attack and stroke. Other potential complications include – Pulmonary embolism, Kidney failure, Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and Pregnancy complications”. (2)
2) It is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties which may help to relieve the pain and stiffness that come with arthritic and rheumatic conditions, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as the inflammation associated with these ailments can increase the level of pain and discomfort that you may experience.
A study at a university hospital in Bangkok, Thailand tested the effects of Curcuma domestica extracts (CDE) in participants who had osteoarthritis of the knee to determine its efficacy and safety, 107 participants were split into two groups and received either Ibuprofen or CDE the results show that both Ibuprfoen and CDE were similar in effect.
3) Have a carminative action (a substance that prevents or relieves gas in the gastrointestinal tract), which may be useful to those who suffer from excessive flatulence and IBS.
4) Have beneficial effects on liver-related diseases such as toxic liver damage, inflammatory liver disease and cirrhosis, as well as proving useful for those who have over-indulged in alcohol.
Turmeric synergy and works well with
- Papaya enzyme Papaya has an anti-inflammatory action which will be of particular use to those suffering from arthritis, as inflammation causes pain and stiffness in the joints.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin for arthritis and joint-related conditions
- Milk Thistle for the liver support
Some things to consider
A person suffering from gallstones should check with the GP before using Turmeric.
Resources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10484074
- https://www.healthline.com/health/symptoms-and-complications-blood-clots
