Turmeric (Haridra)

Properties

Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anticarcinogenic

Dosage

Fresh juice 10-20 ml, powder 2-4 g

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Tikta (bitter), Katu (pungent), Astringent
• Virya: Ushna (heating)
• Vipaka: Katu (pungent)

Benefits

• Kapha-Vatahara
• Lekhana (scraping)
• Visaghna (anti-toxic)
• Varnya (improves complexion)
• Anti-inflammatory

Traditional uses

• Prameha (diabetes)
• Urinary tract infections
• Insect bites
• Gout
• Inflammation

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: aggravating

Preparation methods

• Fresh juice: Standard preparation as per API.
• Boiled tea: Standard preparation as per API.
• Tinctures: Standard preparation as per API.
• Powder: Standard preparation as per API.
• Creams: Standard preparation as per API.
• Lotions: Standard preparation as per API.
• Pastes: Standard preparation as per API.
• Ointments: Standard preparation as per API.
• Milk boiled with turmeric and sugar: Standard preparation as per API.
• Turmeric juice: Standard preparation as per API.
• Turmeric, lime, and salt paste: Standard preparation as per API.

Contraindications

• Liver or bile duct problems
• Gallbladder problems
• Bleeding disorders
• Iron deficiency
• Hormone-sensitive conditions

Side effects

• May cause liver injury, especially in high doses or with enhanced bioavailability. Discontinue use and seek medical advice if symptoms such as yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness, weakness, stomach/abdominal pain, or loss of appetite occur. High doses may lead to digestive issues, headache, skin rash, kidney problems due to oxalate buildup, and allergic reactions. May interfere with iron absorption. Use cautiously if you have hormone-sensitive conditions or are taking medications. Stop use two weeks before scheduled surgery due to increased risk of bleeding.

Interactions

• Anticoagulants (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin)
• Antiplatelet medications
• Blood sugar-lowering medications (e.g., glyburide, insulin, Ozempic)
• Amlodipine
• Cancer medications (Chemotherapy)

Clinical evidence

A meta-analysis of 66 RCTs (PMID: 36804260) showed that turmeric/curcumin supplementation significantly reduces levels of inflammatory markers and improved anti-oxidant activity. Another meta-analysis of 29 RCTs involving 2396 participants (PMID: 35935936) showed that Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract may improve symptoms and inflammation levels in people with arthritis and were shown to be safe. A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of 103 RCTs (PMID: 38168452) found that curcumin supplementation can modify FBS and some glycemic indices, lipid parameters, as well as inflammatory and oxidative parameters.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Kapha-Vatahara
• Lekhana (scraping)
• Visaghna (anti-toxic)
• Varnya (improves complexion)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-diabetic
• Cholagogue
• Hepatoprotective
• Blood purifier
• Anthelmintic
• Hypolipidemic
• Antihistaminic
• Antifungal
• Alterative
• Analgesic
• Antibacterial
• Anti-tumor
• Anti-allergic
• Anti-oxidant
• Antiseptic

Classical clinical indications

• Prameha (diabetes)
• Urinary tract infections
• Insect bites
• Gout
• Inflammation
• Swelling
• Pain
• Skin diseases
• Wounds
• Hiccups
• Asthma
• Poisonous conditions
• Eye disorders
• Loss of taste
• Constipation
• Jaundice
• Hepatomegaly
• Ascites
• Helminthiasis
• Itching

Frequently asked questions