Turmeric is a plant that has a very long history of medicinal use, dating back nearly 4000 years.
The name turmeric derives from the Latin word terra merita (meritorious earth), referring to the color of ground turmeric, which resembles a mineral pigment. It is known as terre merite in French and simply as “yellow root” in many languages.
Turmeric is a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions, Studies show that turmeric has major benefits for your body and brain.
Apart from being used for disorders of the skin, upper respiratory tract, joints, and digestive system, tumeric is also good for arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others.
It is also good for dyspeptic conditions including loss of appetite, postprandial feelings of fullness, and liver and gallbladder complaints.
It is used as a coloring agent in cheese, butter, and other foods
Turmeric contains compounds with medicinal properties,curcuminoids
which are powerful anti-inflammatory effects and strong antioxidant.
Turmeric is used as an herbal medicine for rheumatoid arthritis, chronic anterior uveitis, conjunctivitis, skin cancer, small pox, chicken pox, wound healing, urinary tract infections, and liver ailments
Turmeric is also useful against depression, Its ethanolic extract markedly attenuated swim stress–induced decreases in serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations, as well as increases in serotonin turnover. Also, this extract significantly reversed swim stress–induced increases in serum corticotropin
Mild side effects of taking turmeric in large doses include upset stomach, acid reflux, diarrhea, dizziness, and headaches.
Consuming large doses of turmeric supplements can significantly increase urinary oxalate levels, increasing the risk of kidney stone formation.