The Mahdi Times The Mahdi Times, Issue #28, March 2015 | Page 32

viruses, including hepatitis
and HIV.
Supporters also claim that
turmeric protects against
liver diseases, stimulates
the gallbladder and
circulatory systems,
reduces cholesterol levels,
dissolves blood clots, helps
stop external and internal
bleeding and relieves
painful menstruation and
angina (chest pains that
often occur with heart
disease). It is also used as a
remedy for digestive
problems such as irritable
bowel syndrome, colitis,
Crohn’s disease and
illnesses caused by toxins
from parasites and
bacteria.
Because lab studies suggest
that curcumin can help
slow the growth of cancer
cells, some people say that
it can do the same in
humans.
What does it involve?
Turmeric root is on the
Commission E list of
approved herbs, used for
dyspepsia (upset stomach)
and loss of appetite. It is

available in powdered form
as a spice in most grocery
stores. It can also be made
into a tea or purchased as a
tincture, capsule, or tablet
and is sometimes sold in
combination formulas with
other herbs. Ointments or
pastes made from turmeric
can be applied to the skin.
Although there is no
standardized dose for
turmeric, some
practitioners recommend
taking a teaspoon of the
powdered spice with each
meal. The dried root of
turmeric normally contains
from 3% to 5% curcumin.
Because curcumin is
thought to be the most
active component of
turmeric, many buyers
seek out purer formulas of
curcumin rather than
whole turmeric. Some
sellers market supplements
that claim to be
standardized to contain
95% curcumin compounds.
Others sell mixed products
that are supposed to
promote the absorption of
curcumin into the
bloodstream.