Modern scientific research is verifying what has been known for thousands of years about the health benefits of turmeric (curcuma longa). One only has to do a quick google search to discover that there has been a plethora of studies conducted describing its benefits as:
In recent years, we have seen an explosion in the market in the use of turmeric – whether in tablet or powder form, as a juice such as the increasingly popular turmeric and ginger shots. More recently, ‘golden milk’ or turmeric lattes have found their way into a whole host of cafes. It can be found as an ingredient in many skincare products too. Interestingly, the global turmeric market size is forecast to be valued at USD 4,419.3 million in 2023 with an expected market valuation of 7,579.2 million by 2033! [3] That’s a lot of turmeric!
With so many benefits and rising popularity, it must be great all round right?
Well, if any of you know me by now, the answer that I always give is, “it depends”. Not to be difficult, or obfuscate, but because it does genuinely depend on the individual and the circumstances. There’s no doubt about the benefits that turmeric has, but it must be used in the proper way. To know what this is, we can lean on the basic principles of Ayurveda and its extensive knowledge of herbs to avoid any unnecessary imbalance occurring. Ayurveda has the largest compilation of medical literature and pharmacopoeia of medicines in the world, said to be at least three times the size of modern medicine! Let's see what is says about turmeric.
Ayurveda has a way of classifying herbs according to their energetics (a full explanation may take some time, and if you want to know more in detail, then The Yoga of Herbs, by Drs Frawley and Lad maybe of interest for further reading).
Turmeric is classified as a bitter and astringent herb and is drying (ruksha) and heating (ushna). This means that when consumed, turmeric has a drying and heating effect on the body. We can describe this in another way, that it reduces kapha, and increases vata and pitta. Now, in the West, it is mainly vata and pitta imbalances that are experienced – digestive, hormonal & fertility imbalances, skin issues, arthritis, inflammation etc. So turmeric increases vata and pitta in the body, and if we are already in state of imbalance where vata and pitta is already increased, well can you see the issue? It’s like pouring petrol onto an already raging fire.
Ayurveda is an entirely individualised form of healthcare – what may be a form of medicine for one person, may be a poison to another. If one is a kapha constitution or experiencing a kapha imbalance, turmeric may be handy. If we are experiencing a vata or pitta imbalance, consuming large quantities of turmeric on its own might not be such a great idea. Modern medicine doesn’t account for the effect that anything can have on an individual based on one’s dosha, doshic imbalance, age, season, immunity levels. Ayurveda does. And that’s why the answer to any question asked to an Ayurvedic doctor or practitioner is, “it depends”.
It may seem counter-intuitive that modern research finds that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, yet Ayurveda finds that it can aggravate pitta (associated with heat and inflammation). As we have done in previous articles, we have to employ some discernment and higher intelligence. What we must be mindful of is how and in what way it is consumed. In Ayurveda, we call this combination (samyoga) and preparation (sanskara).
It has been established above that turmeric has heating and drying qualities. Ayurveda, entirely logically, says that to ensure balance, we combine one thing and another with qualities of an opposite nature. The opposite of heating and drying is cooling and unctuous (oily). The most common ways to combine are with other spices that are cooling (eg cumin, coriander – all the spices that you’ll find in a masala mix are present to balance each other), milk, ghee, coconut milk. Turmeric when consumed alone and in large quantities is never a good idea. When curries are made for example, only about a quarter teaspoon is used in a serving of 4-6 people. A very small amount indeed.
Further, If nature intended us to consume only one single active ingredient, in this case, curcumin, then why didn’t nature provide us with such? Modern research has shown that turmeric has low bioavailability, ie the body is unable to easily absorb and obtain nutrition before it is excreted. So why bother consuming so much in the first place, if all that is happening is that it is going in one end and straight out of the other?!
This is where the entirely logical Ayurvedic science behind certain combinations of herbs, spices and foods come in - they are prepared and combined in a certain way to enable to body to absorb as much nutrition as possible.
The consumption of turmeric is a not a bad thing- please do not misunderstand this. But we must know what to do with it and what to not do with it. It is unlikely that we will find those in the Asian communities consuming spoonfuls of turmeric powder at a time or downing juice shots of it – there is latent knowledge in the psyche of these communities even if not aware of the specific reasoning.
In essence, rather than consuming on its own and in unnecessarily large quantities, here’s what you can do with this great spice instead to realise the full health benefits and save a lot of pennies along the way:
Combine with other spices such as coriander, cumin, cinnamon. A quarter teaspoon of turmeric in a dish for 4-6 people is plenty. Never consumer turmeric raw. This can be added to any dish.
Add a little coconut milk and the end of cooking will help to further balance out the effects of turmeric. A great way to add some extra flavour to your cooking too!
If a little immunity boost is needed or some restful sleep, warm one cup of milk on the stove with a pinch of turmeric. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon, ginger or green cardamom with half a teaspoon of ghee. All these will help to provide balance.
It can also be used externally. Add a pinch of turmeric to 1 teaspoon of honey and can be used for sprains, strains, bruises or itching.
This article is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disorder or disease. Information is presented to explain what Ayurveda describes about the qualities and use of turmeric. Always seek advice from an appropriate health professional.
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