In ancient times turmeric was popular as a food additive that was used to spice up dishes in Asian cuisine. Due to advances in technology and modern chemical extraction techniques turmeric is now widely available from online supplement vendors in the form of turmeric tablets, curcumin tablets, turmeric oils and pastes. Research has shown that turmeric and its derivative curcumin have several medicinal properties, among which include but are not limited to the following;
Treatment of arthritic pain
Curcumin the chemical compound that is a derivative of turmeric has high anti-inflammatory properties which make it effective in the treatment of arthritis. The chemical has an inhibitory effect on immune substances that trigger an inflammatory response. Prevention of inflammation eliminates pain in arthritis patients.
Treatment of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) infections
Turmeric has antibiotic properties which help eliminate harmful colonies of bacteria that may trigger infection in the GIT. Through its antibacterial properties turmeric can control GIT infections such as stomach ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
Regulation of blood pressure
Turmeric has antioxidative properties which help in eliminating free radicals in the blood circulatory system. Elimination of free radicals in the blood circulatory system helps reduce cancers and eliminates formation of plaques which can clog blood pathways, hence maintaining optimum blood pressure.
Treatment of urinary tract infections
Turmeric plays a crucial role in the regulation of water in the body by vital organs such as the kidneys. As a result of its role in the urinary system, turmeric is able to find its way to the entire urinary tract thus allowing it to control any harmful organisms that may try to establish themselves in walls of the urinary tract.
Treatment of tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium of the mycobacterium species. The bacteria affect organs like the lungs causing them to have pimple like growths which are called tubercules. Turmeric eliminated the bacteria that cause tuberculosis by altering its cell wall structure making it permeable to immune response cells such as neutrophils making them vulnerable to destruction by phagocytes (white blood cells).
Improving oral hygiene
The antibiotic properties of turmeric help eliminate bacteria that reside in the mouth which may trigger tooth decay and bad breath. The antioxidative properties of turmeric also help in eliminating oxidation reactions of sugars in the mouth which would otherwise be converted to acids which cause corrosion of teeth.
Elimination of bacteria which cause bad odors and skin infections
Turmeric is also used in the form of oils and pastes which can be applied to the skin. Turmeric is used in dermatology to control a wide range of skin infections among which include ringworms. Turmeric is also applied to control bacterial colonies on the skin surface which cause bad odor.
Improvement of the immune system
Through its high anti-oxidative properties, turmeric is essential in maintaining good cellular function. Regular intake of turmeric improved the body’s white blood cell count, thus allowing the body to prevent or eliminate infective agents.
