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Recipes with Turmeric: Omelette with Kale, Beets & Goat Cheese
Turmeric invigorates and moves the blood. Its strong nature reduces and treats weakness. It stimulates blood formation. Its yellow color suggests use as a liver herb. A small dose cleans the liver and blood due to bitter taste. Turmeric is used in all blood and blood plasma related disorders, especially those due to Pitta and Kapha. Its heat alleviates Vata and Kapha. A large dose aggravates Pitta.
Yogis use turmeric to help stretch ligaments and repair injury. Liver heat is connected to laxity of the tendons and ligaments.
Spring Cleansing
Turmeric improves circulation and thins the blood, giving the blood subtle quality to enter and clean the lymphatic system as well as all vessels and tissues. Its ability to move the blood dries dampness and increases heat. Turmeric's ability to support the liver while cleansing the lymphatic system makes it an ideal herb for spring cleansing (along with beets and dandelions). Turmeric's blood moving, and clearing properties are also beneficial for use in arthritis.
Liver, the Blood and Gynecology
Turmeric stimulates the liver (ranjaka Pitta) and bile flow, dissolving and preventing gallstones. It is a blood purifier specifically used to promote beautiful skin and eliminate systemic toxemia, eczema, urticaria, psoriasis, and acne. It helps with itching and skin problems due to cold, dry or stagnant qualities of other doshas (sheetaPitta). Turmeric is often mixed with other bitter herbs to enhance its anti-inflammatory and liver clearing effects. It nourishes the heart and reduces cholesterol. Its anti-platelet activity prevents coagulation and reduces Kapha in blood. Its antiseptic activity is useful for infections, fevers, and sore throats.
Turmeric destroys all Kapha accumulations in lower abdomen including endometriosis, amenorrhea, leucorrhea, fibroids, cancer and cysts from cold congestion. It promotes the flow of the menses and purifies breast milk. It specifically clears menstrual pain caused by arachidonic acid.
Digestion
Turmeric improves digestive strength by increasing blood flow. It is an antiseptic that promotes "sweet intestines", or intestines free of bacteria and ama. Its haemostatic and anti-inflammatory qualities treat stomach ulcers and colitis. Turmeric improves rasa agni, or the "body's raw power to nourish plasma and the blood". It clears ama, Kapha, and fat in diabetes. Its blood moving qualities are useful in Alzheimer's.
Inflammation & Joints
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory with subtle quality to enter the joint space, reducing arthritis and inflammation, alleviating pain, and strengthening joints and tendons. It treats gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis. Its anti-inflammatory activities are also useful in asthma, broken bones, and wounds. By its heating and blood moving qualities, turmeric reduces pain topically in bruises and sprains however it stains everything it touches.
Recipes with Turmeric: Tofu Coconut Curry with Asparagus & Basil
Other
Those with cough and respiratory problems can drink turmeric milk (see Gold Milk). Turmeric smoke cures hiccups and lowers respiration. It is an anti-venom for King Cobra snake bites. The fresh root is used as a suppository in the rectum to cleanse and open the root chakra. Turmeric burns ama, reducing its diuretic effect. Contraindications include pregnancy, with other anti-coagulants, antiplatelets and (COX) inhibitors. Be careful when gallstones present. Caution in high Pitta/Vata.
Turmeric in Chinese Medicine
Turmeric, called Jiang Huang in Chinese medicine, addresses the spleen, stomach and liver meridians. It invigorates the blood, promotes movement of blood, unblocks the menses, chest and abdominal pain, alleviates amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea with cold deficiency, and swelling pain or pain due to obstruction. It expels wind.
About Turmeric
Turmeric is a warm, yellow, earthy, slightly bitter spice used in ritual, medicine, and cooking. Turmeric paste is applied to bride and groom before marriage in some places of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Although a deep yellow color, turmeric makes a poor fabric dye because it quickly fades when exposed to light. Turmeric can be used as an indicator of acidic or basic properties of a substance.
Buying & Preparation
Turmeric is a rhizome in the ginger family and looks like a small, orange yellow ginger root. Its leaves smell like ginger. It favors warm and humid climate. Turmeric is usually sold as a dried powder but sometimes the fresh root is also available. To make the powder, the rhizome is boiled for several hours then dried in hot ovens and ground.
Cooking Turmeric
Turmeric is used extensively in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking mainly for its medicinal value and to impart a rich, yellow color. While some practitioners recommend frying turmeric briefly in ghee, I sprinkle the turmeric on the food after cooking for maximum medicinal value. Turmeric milk is one popular preparation. Fresh turmeric can be made into turmeric pickle. The leaves of turmeric are used in Maharashtran Indian cooking. Turmeric is popular as a tea in Japan. It is often used as a replacement for saffron which is more expensive. Turmeric gives the yellow color to mustard and is used in dessert and broths commercial to impart a rich, custard look. For daily use, sprinkle 1/2 tsp per serving into food or warm water 2x daily. Results and dosage may vary by individual.
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AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT
Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances.
With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you.
Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature.
By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health.
See How it Works.
Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics
(gunas).
Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance.
By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick.
Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold).
You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.
Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food.
Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body.
Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food.
Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods.
Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion.
Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste.
One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes.
The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent.
Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?
Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.
Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.
Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.
Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.
The 3 metabolic body types
(doshas),
are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).
Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.
Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.
Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia.
They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature.
Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.
Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.
A Phlegmatic has a cold and wet metabolic nature. The coldness implies a slow metabolism, the moisture that you are well-nourished. Phlegmatics tend towards sluggishness and thickened fluids, including mucus.
A hot and oily nature with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body makes Sanguine individuals vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.
Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.
Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.
Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Turmeric
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary.
The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.
STRONG SPLEEN-TONIC
An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.
Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines.
Fibrosis of an organ is often a progressive leading to organ failure (i.e lungs, liver, kidney). While vulneraries usually help restore collagen, antifibrotic herbs often clear collagen. Aka fibrinolytic.
Antipruritics are herbs that inhibit itching, often associated with skin conditions such as sunburns, allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, fungal infections, insect bites, or contact dermatitis (as in poison ivy rashes).
STRONG ANTIMICROBIAL
An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.
Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.
An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals that lead to a chain reaction causing damage or death to cells. Antioxidants terminate these oxidation reactions.
An herb that inhibits clotting, dissolves clots, thins the blood, or destroys platelets, therefore reducing the tendency of blood to form clots. They are useful in cardiovascular disease, clots, and stroke. Aka anticoagulant.
An herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.
A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.
Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.
Scrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels by 1) purging bile, 2) strengthening the liver's ability to metabolize fats, 3) by increasing uptake of cholesterol in the liver, and 4) by inhibiting fat cells.
STRONG ANTIANDROGEN
Reduces androgen (testosterone), which can reduce excess growth, drive, and libido. Reduces skin oiliness. Helpful for prostate enlargement.
Herbs which stimulate menstruation. Emmenagogues are used for scanty menstruation, to relieve menstrual pain, and improve blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.
STRONG FLAVONOIDS
Flavonoids are a colorful type of polyphenol. As all polyphenols, they have a strong antioxidant effect. Many flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory, and/or antiallergen effect.
The reports shared below are part of an educational assignment completed by students at
the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda.
These represent subjective experiences intended to help students explore principles of Ayurveda through personal observation.
In each report below, students ate the selected food for 3 days and self-reported these effects.
See other food & herb reports at Joyful Belly.
TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION
How did Turmeric affect your temperature?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
1
4
19
2
Much colder
Slightly colder
Same
Slightly warmer
Much warmer
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your ear temperature?
20
16
12
8
4
0
8
17
1
Hotter
No Change
Cooler
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your sweat quantity?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
1
16
8
1
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the color of your skin?
25
20
15
10
5
0
1
1
5
0
19
Yellower/Greener
Paler
Redder
Grayer
No Change
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the color of your tongue body?
15
12
9
6
3
0
3
10
0
13
Paler
Redder
Bluer
No Change
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the swelling of your tongue body?
19
16
13
10
7
4
5
7
14
More Swelling
Less Swelling
No Change
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your appetite/hunger?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
5
6
15
0
Much less hungry
Slightly less hungry
Same
Slightly hungrier
Much hungrier
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your digestion speed?
20
16
12
8
4
0
1
16
8
1
0
Much faster
Slightly faster
Same
Slightly slower
Much slower
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
TOXINS
How did Turmeric affect the amount of gas & bloating?
15
12
9
6
3
0
4
7
11
3
1
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your stool smell?
20
16
12
8
4
0
1
3
17
5
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
Tongue: How did Turmeric affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
15
12
9
6
3
0
0
8
11
7
0
Much smaller
Slightly less
Same
Slightly larger coating
Much larger
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the color of your tongue coating?
25
20
15
10
5
0
20
0
2
1
3
Yellower
Browner
Grayer
Whiter
No Change
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your throat soreness?
21
17
13
9
5
1
2
19
5
More sore
No Change
Less sore
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your urine smell?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
2
20
4
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
30
24
18
12
6
0
1
0
23
2
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Many more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your sweat smell?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
20
2
1
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your acne?
22
18
14
10
6
2
3
18
5
More acne
No Change
Less acne
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your freckles/moles?
30
24
18
12
6
0
1
25
0
Darker
No Change
Lighter
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?
25
20
15
10
5
0
1
0
0
0
4
Redder/Bloodshot
Yellower
Grayer
Browner
Whiter
21
No Change
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the color of the lower eye lid?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
1
22
3
More green/dark green
More purple
No Change
Less green/purple
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
HYDRATION
How did Turmeric affect your urine frequency/quantity?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
3
18
5
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the dryness of your skin?
20
16
12
8
4
0
8
0
18
Drier
Oilier
No Change
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
20
6
Puffier
No Change
Less Puffy
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the cracks on your tongue?
20
16
12
8
4
0
3
4
16
3
0
Larger/longer/more cracks
Slightly more
Same
Slightly less/smaller/shorter
Much less
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
FLUID-THICKNESS
How did Turmeric affect your ear pressure?
30
24
18
12
6
0
0
26
0
More pressure
No Change
Less pressure
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your congestion?
21
17
13
9
5
1
2
15
9
More congestion
No Change
Less congestion
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?
17
14
11
8
5
2
3
15
8
More thick
No Change
Less thick
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
NERVOUS-SYSTEM
How did Turmeric affect your energy levels?
15
12
9
6
3
0
0
2
12
12
0
Much less energy
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more energy
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your muscle tension?
15
12
9
6
3
0
0
12
10
4
0
Much less tension
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more tension
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your anxiety?
15
12
9
6
3
0
1
8
12
5
0
Much less anxiety
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more anxiety
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the stillness of your tongue?
22
18
14
10
6
2
4
19
3
More still
No Change
More Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
DIGESTION
How did Turmeric affect your digestion speed?
20
16
12
8
4
0
1
16
8
1
0
Much faster
Slightly faster
Same
Slightly slower
Much slower
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the amount of gas & bloating?
15
12
9
6
3
0
4
7
11
3
1
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?
20
16
12
8
4
0
3
2
16
5
0
Much relief
Slight relief
Same
Slightly more burning
Much more burning
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your appetite/hunger?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
5
6
15
0
Much less hungry
Slightly less hungry
Same
Slightly hungrier
Much hungrier
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
TONGUE
How did Turmeric affect the color of your tongue body?
15
12
9
6
3
0
3
10
0
13
Paler
Redder
Bluer
No Change
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the stillness of your tongue?
22
18
14
10
6
2
4
19
3
More still
No Change
More Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the color of your tongue coating?
25
20
15
10
5
0
20
0
2
1
3
Yellower
Browner
Grayer
Whiter
No Change
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the cracks on your tongue?
20
16
12
8
4
0
3
4
16
3
0
Larger/longer/more cracks
Slightly more
Same
Slightly less/smaller/shorter
Much less
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
Tongue: How did Turmeric affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?
15
12
9
6
3
0
0
8
11
7
0
Much smaller
Slightly less
Same
Slightly larger coating
Much larger
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the swelling of your tongue body?
19
16
13
10
7
4
5
7
14
More Swelling
Less Swelling
No Change
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
STOOL
How did Turmeric affect your stool lightness?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
8
14
4
0
Much lighter
Slightly lighter
Same
Slightly darker
Much darker
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your stool smell?
20
16
12
8
4
0
1
3
17
5
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your stool consistency?
10
8
6
4
2
0
2
9
7
7
1
Much softer
Slightly softer
Same
Slightly harder
Much harder
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your stool frequency/quantity?
15
12
9
6
3
0
1
1
12
12
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your stool color?
10
8
6
4
2
0
7
0
2
8
9
More yellow
More gray
More green
More orange
Same
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
URINE
How did Turmeric affect your urine clarity?
22
18
14
10
6
2
3
17
6
More cloudy
Same
More clear
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your urine smell?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
2
20
4
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your urine lightness?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
3
14
8
1
Much lighter
Slightly lighter
Same
Slightly Darker
Much Darker
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your urine frequency/quantity?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
3
18
5
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?
30
24
18
12
6
0
1
0
23
2
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Many more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
SWEAT
How did Turmeric affect your sweat quantity?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
1
16
8
1
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your sweat smell?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
20
2
1
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
SKIN
How did Turmeric affect the dryness of your skin?
20
16
12
8
4
0
8
0
18
Drier
Oilier
No Change
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the color of your skin?
25
20
15
10
5
0
1
1
5
0
19
Yellower/Greener
Paler
Redder
Grayer
No Change
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your freckles/moles?
30
24
18
12
6
0
1
25
0
Darker
No Change
Lighter
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your acne?
22
18
14
10
6
2
3
18
5
More acne
No Change
Less acne
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
EYE
How did Turmeric affect the color of the lower eye lid?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
1
22
3
More green/dark green
More purple
No Change
Less green/purple
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
20
6
Puffier
No Change
Less Puffy
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?
25
20
15
10
5
0
1
0
0
0
4
Redder/Bloodshot
Yellower
Grayer
Browner
Whiter
21
No Change
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
ENT
How did Turmeric affect your congestion?
21
17
13
9
5
1
2
15
9
More congestion
No Change
Less congestion
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your ear pressure?
30
24
18
12
6
0
0
26
0
More pressure
No Change
Less pressure
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your throat soreness?
21
17
13
9
5
1
2
19
5
More sore
No Change
Less sore
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?
17
14
11
8
5
2
3
15
8
More thick
No Change
Less thick
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your ear temperature?
20
16
12
8
4
0
8
17
1
Hotter
No Change
Cooler
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
HEART
How did Turmeric affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?
25
20
15
10
5
0
1
3
20
2
0
Much less
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your heart rate?
20
16
12
8
4
0
0
2
16
8
0
Much slower
Slightly slower
Same
Slightly faster
Much faster
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your heart rhythm?
30
24
18
12
6
0
0
25
1
More palpitations
Same
Less palpitations
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
SYSTEMIC
How did Turmeric affect your energy levels?
15
12
9
6
3
0
0
2
12
12
0
Much less energy
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more energy
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your muscle tension?
15
12
9
6
3
0
0
12
10
4
0
Much less tension
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more tension
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your anxiety?
15
12
9
6
3
0
1
8
12
5
0
Much less anxiety
Slightly less
Same
Slightly more anxiety
Much more
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
How did Turmeric affect your temperature?
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
1
4
19
2
Much colder
Slightly colder
Same
Slightly warmer
Much warmer
Total Responses: 26 REPORT ID:70 (2021-08-16 - 2021-08-23)
Note: These exercises are not part of an FDA-regulated study,
and were not designed or conducted under a clinical research protocol.
They are neither investigational in nature nor scientific findings.
They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
They are experiential assignments rooted in traditional Ayurvedic education, intended solely for instructional use.
No conclusions should be drawn regarding the therapeutic effects of any food, herb, or dietary substance based on these student reflections.
The appropriate dosage of turmeric can vary depending on the form (e.g., fresh root, powder, supplement, extract) and the reason for use. Here are some general guidelines:
Turmeric Root:
A typical dose of turmeric root (fresh root form) is usually around 1.5 to 3 grams per day, which is roughly 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of freshly grated turmeric.
This dose can vary based on the purpose (culinary vs. therapeutic use).
For therapeutic uses, doses can go up to 5-10 grams per day, but this should be supervised by a practitioner, especially for long-term use.
Fresh root has a lower curcumin concentration than powdered extract, so the body may need higher amounts for a clinical effect.
Turmeric Powder (used in cooking):
Typical Amount: 1 to 3 grams per day (roughly 1/2 to 1 teaspoon).
Usage: Often added to food, such as curries, soups, smoothies, or teas. This amount is safe for most people and provides a moderate amount of curcumin.
Turmeric Supplement (Capsules or Tablets):
Typical Dosage: 500 mg to 2,000 mg of turmeric extract per day.
Common Form: Most supplements contain curcumin extracts standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids, which are the active compounds responsible for turmeric's effects.
Usage: Supplements are usually taken in divided doses (e.g., 500 mg two to four times daily). The exact dosage can depend on the specific product, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations or a healthcare provider's guidance.
Curcumin Extract (High-concentration):
Typical Dosage: 500 mg to 1,000 mg of curcumin extract per day, with a concentration of 95% curcuminoids.
Usage: Curcumin supplements are often paired with black pepper extract (piperine), which can enhance the absorption of curcumin by up to 2,000%. This is a common practice to increase the bioavailability of curcumin.
Turmeric Tea:
Typical Dosage: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in hot water, up to two times a day.
Usage: Can be consumed in the form of "golden milk" (turmeric milk) or in plain hot water, often mixed with a pinch of black pepper and a fat source like coconut oil to enhance absorption.
TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS
Turmeric may be beneficial for these symptoms.
The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual.
Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.
We will use this information to better predict food that helps you.
CONTRAINDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS
Turmeric may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms.
Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications.
Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.
Blood Thinners: Turmeric has natural anticoagulant properties, which may increase the risk of bleeding, especially for individuals taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin. It is important to consult a healthcare provider if you're using these medications.
Gallbladder Problems: Turmeric may increase bile production, which could worsen conditions like gallstones or bile duct obstruction. People with gallbladder issues should consult their doctor before taking turmeric.
Diabetes: While turmeric may have beneficial effects on blood sugar, high doses can potentially lower blood sugar levels too much, leading to hypoglycemia in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, it's important to monitor blood sugar levels closely when consuming turmeric.
Digestive Issues: High doses of turmeric can cause stomach upset, acid reflux, or even ulcers in some individuals. It's typically better tolerated when consumed with food or taken with milk.
Liver Conditions: Although turmeric is generally considered beneficial for the liver, those with liver diseases or who are on medications that affect liver function should consult their doctor before taking turmeric supplements, especially in high doses.
Iron Deficiency: Curcumin can inhibit iron absorption, which may be a concern for people with iron deficiency or anemia. This effect is generally more of a concern when turmeric is consumed in large amounts or over extended periods. It's important to monitor iron levels if taking turmeric regularly.
Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Turmeric. Please see your health care provider for more information.
Alterative: Anything that strengthens or cleanses the liver can clear drugs more quickly, requiring a higher dose.
Analgesic: If the mechanism of pain relief is narcotic, do not combine with antihistamines.
Antiplatelet: Avoid if taking blood thinners.
Blood-thinner: Patients on warfarin (coumadin) and other anticoagulants, or who have clotting difficulties, should take special caution to only use blood thinners under the supervision of a medical doctor.
Cholagogue: Anything that strengthens or cleanses the liver can clear drugs more quickly, requiring a higher dose.
Hepatoprotective: Anything that strengthens or cleanses the liver can clear drugs more quickly, requiring a higher dose.
Hypolipidemic: May magnify the effect of cholesterol lowering drugs.
Lowers-blood-sugar: Avoid if taking diabetes or other blood sugar lowering medication
View other ingredients for Autumn-Winter
Turmeric is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter foods here.
Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when
right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in
Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire
reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once
you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a
healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda.
His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful.
John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda,
offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.
John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy,
& botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
John, his wife Natalie and their 7 kids live in Asheville, NC
“I love to use turmeric, either in a honey paste with 5% black or long pepper for penetration and 5% ginger for digestion, or in turmeric milk. I have a fairly extensive piece on turmeric at https://www.acupuncturebrooklyn.com/herbal-articles-by-karen-vaughan/turmeric-sweet-turmeric with recipes. The turmeric honey can shrink lipomas- one patient went from baseball sized to golf ball sized in 6 months."
“Once a week after an oil massage ( sesame oil) we use coarse ground chickpea flour (laddu besan) with turmeric as a paste to clean the skin instead of a showergel . Very invigorating. - Raagini Pradhan
I mix it with a little honey for the kids when they have a sore throat. They think its quite magical.. they are right. - Karen Mackenzie
Turmeric, boswelia and a few others as anti inflammatory for my tendonitis. - Erika King
I take it everyday, i used it for my daughter, she had bladder infection, she took a pill for two days together with cranberry juice and it was gone after three days! - Lisa Goudzwaard
I like to mix it with warm milk (or almond milk when I'm not feelin' the dairy) and ginger. Thanks John. - Jeannie Faulkner"
“I am confused. In my Ayurveda Book by Judith Morrison, Turmeric is yes for Pitta, but it is a no here? I like Turmeric but stuffer from hot flashes. What should I do?"
“Marcella - A small amount of turmeric (1/8 - 1/4tsp) reduces pitta due to the cleansing action on the liver. A larger amount increases pitta due because it creates excess heat. Thanks for asking!"
“Really informative article on Turmeric. As an Indian, I have been taking it in most of my food items as a spice (mostly as a saute in ghee). However, I am unable to get pain relieving effect for my neck pain from turmeric in food or milk. Instead, I tried curcumin extract capsules and it seems they have much better anti-inflammatory effect and does reduce the pain substantially. At the same time, due to curcumin I get skin rashes and it also disturbs my pitta. I am really confused here, do you recommend that I continue with curcumin tablet instead of turmeric for pain relief? If not, then how should I be able to get pain relieving effect of turmeric for my (muscular) neck pain? Any suggestion in this regard would be highly appreciated !"
“What is an alternative to turmeric or how can I use turmeric for a pitta-kapha person with high pitta and vata? I was using it, but now I am thinking it's too much for my pitta. ?? "
“You can combine turmeric with warm milk and ashwaghanda. Both of the herbs are warming and pacify Vata and Kapha. Serving them in warm milk will be especially nice for Vata."
“I mixed ground Turmeric with warm milk-for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus pain more awesome.When my kids feel they are coming down with a cold they quickly grab turmeric and milk - it cures there sore throat, they think its a miracle herb."
“It's difficult to give general advice for a specific condition. Please consider making an appointment for a one on one consultation. You can learn more about our consultations and schedule one via this link: https://www.joyfulbelly.com/wordpress/ayurveda-consultation/?lnk=273"
“Hi Michael, this will depend on the person taking it! We always want to have a good reason for any supplementation. Turmeric black pepper will likely be heating for anyone who's Pitta-dominant. If you're unsure about herbs, start out low and sloe to see how they impact your body!"
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any
disease.
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