Turmeric is sometimes referred to as Indian saffron, Jiang Huang in Chinese medicine, or its botanical names, Curcuma longa and Curcuma domestica. Turmeric is a vivid yellow-orange spice often found in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cooking. Turmeric, a relative of ginger, shares many similar health benefits. The turmeric plant has characteristic tuberous roots and leaves extending upward from erect, thick stems arising from the root of this perennial.

You might need turmeric if . . . 

•  You have joint discomfort
• You have digestive issues
• You need a natural yellow dye

Benefits of Turmeric 

•  Anti-Inflammatory Properties
•  May Help Join Discomfort
• May Improve Brain Function

Common Ways to Use Turmeric 

You can find turmeric dried in bulk, pills, powders, teas, extracts, or tinctures.

🌿Try making herbal extractions like this DIY anti-inflammatory syrup! ← 🟩 DIYs, recipes, and more!

Safety Concerns 

Drug Interaction: If you have any health concerns or are taking any prescription medication, please consult with your healthcare provider before adding new herbs to your diet. 

Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: There are no known contraindications for breastfeeding and pregnancy.  It is very safe and even recommended during this time.

Other Concerns:   As per trusted herbalist Richard Whelan, turmeric is an extremely safe herb that may be used by the very young or elderly and by pregnant women (it is given to alleviate nausea during pregnancy in Ayurvedic medicine) and while breastfeeding (it is used in Fiji to encourage the production of milk). However, it is recommended not to use very high doses (over 10 grams daily) if taking anti-coagulant or antiplatelet medicines.

Select Studies About Turmeric

Turmeric benefits: A look at the evidence

Turmeric has long been used for its potential health benefits as well as to enhance flavor in culinary dishes. It can be used in various forms, including ground spice and fresh root, and can also be taken as a dietary supplement.

Impacts of turmeric and its principal bioactive curcumin on human health: Pharmaceutical, medicinal, and food applications: A comprehensive review.

Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has been used for centuries for its health benefits and is now being studied for its potential to treat conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. New research on nano-formulations of curcumin shows promise in making it more effective and safer, but further studies are needed to understand the long-term effects on human health and the environment.