Turmeric is a really excellent herbal remedy and spice that has earned a permanent place in my pantry. This is just a short ‘nutshell’ article, to cover the basics. If you’re interested in reading a more thorough review of it (with links to the source article) check out the full length turmeric herb article.
The History of Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright orange root that has been used since ancient times as a food flavoring, coloring agent, and medicinal herb. It’s one of the key flavors of curry, and has a warm, peppery flavor. And it stains like the dickens. The people of India love turmeric, and eat around a teaspoon per day in their food on average.
Benefits
I buy powdered turmeric in bulk, so that I can use it in cooking, as well as put it into capsules as a supplement. My herbal home remedy kit will always contain turmeric. It’s my go to remedy for:
- inflammation (swelling)
- sports or joint injuries
- allergies
- headaches
- staunching bleeding
- coughs and bronchial inflammation
For convenience sake, there are also good brands of capsules with the pepper extract already added, so you get maximum benefit. This is a brand of turmeric capsules that I have in my Amazon affiliate store:
How I Use Turmeric
Mixing in a 1/4 t. (a couple pinches) of black pepper into a cup of powdered turmeric DRAMATICALLY boosts the body’s ability to absorb the curcumin…the active anti-inflammatory in turmeric.
Studies show that taking turmeric with pepper boosts absorption by 2000%!
You can buy turmeric online at places like Amazon’s deal on a pound of organic turmeric with free shipping, or Mountain Rose Herbs. (affiliate links)
I use it in my honey cough syrup remedy here. In fact, it’s the main component that kicked our persistent whooping cough, and we now use it when we feel a headache or allergic reaction coming on. It’s also great after an injury to combat inflammation.
Safety
For the most part, reasonable amounts of turmeric can be taken without concern to side effects for healthy, non-pregnant individuals who are not on prescription medications.
Using larger doses (more than about a teaspoon per day) is not advisable for pregnant women or those on prescription drugs.
For more information including additional uses and studies, check out the full length turmeric article here.
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Gwen, the “Nut shell” sized article idea is terrific! I like.
What of Turmeric for nursing moms? I took about 1 tsp full today in a “Turmeric Milk” recipe I found, (which was YUM). Later, I maybe, possibly had a lightheaded feeling… and might have had less milk for baby. -Cant find anything on the web about that though. My imagination?
I know that turmeric is a daily staple for most of the residents of India, and they do not contraindicate it for pregnancy or nursing. However, every person is different in how they tolerate herbs and natural products, so you’d have to decide for yourself if this is one that causes you issues. I hope it’s not, though, because it sure is a really useful herb!
Thank you. I found the information enlightening. Excellent research and way to be promoting natural cures/aids to better health and recovery. I like having options, you provided just that THANKYOU!
Thank you, Siri! I enjoy sharing and learning about natural remedies!
How
Much turmeric do you put In your honey cough syrup? And how often did you give your children through out the day and amount of honey syrup Thanks Amanda
Hi Amanda,
I put about a teaspoon of turmeric I think into a bout a cup of honey…you can put less if you want it less ‘strong’ tasting. My kids ask for it frequently when they’re sick, so I give them doses when they ask, or when their symptoms return. I give them a spoonful of just the liquid (no chunks)…the chunks just infuse the honey with all the good stuff. You don’t have to eat the hunks of garlic.
Thanks!
Thank you, going to try this. I’m on a turmeric supplement and it’s really helped with joint pain from inflammation too. Now I’m going to read the longer blog you wrote on turmeric. Thanks
Thank you very much for all the useful info on ur site. Yes I like the “in a nutshell” articles as I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to read the full article about turmeric.
How about more sipper recipes using turmeric? also can turmeric be added to a Shrinker or to GGMS? The SingingCanary is one I just don’t like and so ‘forget about it’. What else can Turmeric be added to??
In India, it’s enjoyed in warm milk. I’ll have to play with some ideas and see if I can come up with something. I think it pairs nicely with warm spices (like chia masala).
I am interested in learning how to use essential oils, herbs, and foods for health in view of the horrifying revelations of antibiotic resistance on the increase which is threatening to send us back into the ‘dark ages’ medically. I know of a young woman suffering from whooping cough who is uninsured and prescribed a $400.00 prescription which she couldn’t afford to purchase. Will try to pass the info on concerning honey and turmeric. Thanks.
This is a great article! I’ve been seeing this everywhere and nothing explains it as well or concisely as this.
How much turmeric should I add to the homemade cough syrup recipe?
I go by taste. I don’t want it to be overpowering and yucky. I want to say I do 1/2 teaspoon to a full teaspoon?