Turmeric: History, Health Benefits, and Medicinal Uses

Turmeric, known scientifically as Curcuma longa, is a bright yellow-orange spice that has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine and cuisine for thousands of years. Originating from the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, turmeric has gained global recognition for its distinctive flavour, vibrant colour, and numerous health benefits. There are over 50 different cultivars of turmeric, with the most common being the Madras and Alleppey varieties.

Turmeric has both culinary and medicinal uses. Around the world, almost one billion people use it daily as a cooking spice. You can eat the rhizomes whole, either cooked or raw. Turmeric and extracts made from it are also consumed as a supplement, orally in capsule or liquid form, or even as a paste. This article explores the history of turmeric, its health benefits, and its medicinal uses.

The History of Turmeric

Ancient Origins

Turmeric has been used in India for over 4,000 years. Initially, it was cultivated as a dye due to its vibrant colour. Ancient Ayurvedic texts document its extensive use in traditional Indian medicine.  In India the spice was considered sacred and was used in religious ceremonies and rituals, symbolizing purity, prosperity, and fertility.

Powdered turmeric features prominently in a traditional pre-wedding ceremony. Turned into a yellow paste, it’s applied liberally to the bride and groom’s bodies to bring them good fortune and ward off the evil eye. Unmarried friends and family members may also benefit, as whoever gets touched by the paste will supposedly find an attractive partner soon.

Spread Across Asia

From India, turmeric spread to other parts of Asia, including China and Southeast Asia, where it was incorporated into both the culinary and medicinal traditions of these regions. The spice became a vital component of traditional Chinese medicine, where it was used to treat various ailments, including digestive issues and liver problems. It is thought that turmeric may be one of the most potent anti-inflammatory compounds ever examined. And preliminary evidence suggests it may reduce the risk of just about every major chronic condition.

As a result, turmeric has achieved virtual superfood status in the industrialized world, bottled into a variety of supplements. But is it effective in supplemental form? And if you get it through food, how much is enough, and should you be concerned about lead exposure?

Introduction to the West

Turmeric reached the Western world through trade routes established during the spice trade era. European explorers and traders brought turmeric back to Europe, where it was initially used as a substitute for the expensive saffron. Over time, its culinary and medicinal uses spread, leading to its current global popularity.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Modern science has validated many of the health benefits traditionally associated with turmeric. Here are some of the most significant health properties of turmeric:

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to many common Western diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Curcumin can help combat chronic inflammation, thereby playing a role in preventing and managing these conditions. Its antioxidant properties also help neutralize free radicals, protecting the body from oxidative stress.

Improved Brain Function

Curcumin has been shown to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a growth hormone that functions in the brain. Low levels of BDNF are linked to brain disorders such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease. By boosting BDNF levels, curcumin may help delay or even reverse many brain diseases and age-related decreases in brain function.

Heart Health

Curcumin can improve the function of the endothelium, the lining of the blood vessels, thereby promoting heart health. Endothelial dysfunction is a major driver of heart disease, involving the inability of the endothelium to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting, and various other factors. Studies suggest that curcumin can lead to improvements in endothelial function, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Cancer Prevention

Research indicates that curcumin can help reduce the growth of cancerous cells and inhibit the growth of new blood vessels in tumours (angiogenesis). It also appears to prevent metastasis, the spread of cancer. While more research is needed, curcumin shows promise as a complementary treatment in cancer therapy.

Arthritis Relief

Given its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin can be effective in managing arthritis symptoms. Studies have shown that curcumin supplements can be as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs in reducing pain and improving function in patients with arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.

Digestive Health

Turmeric has traditionally been used to treat digestive disorders. It can stimulate bile production, which helps in the digestion of fats. Its anti-inflammatory properties also benefit those with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Traditional Medicine

In Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, turmeric is used to treat a wide range of conditions. It is commonly prescribed for respiratory issues, liver disorders, skin diseases, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Ayurvedic practitioners also use turmeric as a natural antiseptic for cuts and burns.

Modern Applications

Today, turmeric is available in various forms, including capsules, teas, powders, and extracts. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement to improve overall health. Turmeric’s medicinal properties are harnessed in treating conditions like metabolic syndrome, obesity, and high cholesterol.

Topical Applications

Turmeric is also used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can help reduce acne, scars, and hyperpigmentation. Turmeric masks and creams are popular in beauty regimes for achieving glowing skin.

Turmeric and Black Pepper

When you eat dishes that contain turmeric, you can absorb more curcumin if you add black pepper. This gives you the synergistic compound piperine, which significantly enhances the serum concentration, absorption, and bioavailability of curcumin. One study found that people who ate piperine along with curcumin absorbed 20 times more of the curcumin than people who didn’t receive black pepper. 

Eat Turmeric with a Healthy Fat

Another way to increase the bioavailability of curcumin is to eat a healthy fat along with your turmeric. That’s because, while curcumin isn’t very soluble in water, it gets along really well with fat. Traditional Indian cuisine reflects this insight, as Indian dishes that include turmeric are often cooked with coconut milk, or ghee.

Lead in Turmeric

Caution needs to be exercised when buying Turmeric, especially in powder form.

Turmeric powder from Bangladesh and India may contain lead chromate, which is deliberately added to the spice to enhances its appearance by making it a brighter shade of yellow. As a result, some turmeric powders are contaminated with lead.

There’s no safe level of lead; it can seriously damage reproductive, neurological, and cardiovascular systems, especially in children. If you want to protect yourself and your family from possible lead contamination, the best option is to buy fresh turmeric root or to buy organic turmeric and curcumin products. It is also important to contact or review the manufacturers website, to clarify if they test for lead and other metals.

Conclusion

Turmeric is a spice with a rich history and a wide array of health benefits. From its origins in ancient Indian medicine to its modern-day applications in supplements and skincare, turmeric continues to be a valuable and versatile component of both culinary and medicinal practices. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potentially cancer-preventive properties make it a powerful ally in promoting health and well-being. Whether used in cooking, as a supplement, or in traditional remedies, turmeric’s golden hue continues to shine in the realm of natural health.