Turmeric is probably best known as the Indian spice used for adding flavour and colour to currys and other Asian dishes. Turmeric is a root stalk of a tropical plant and is part of the ginger family. It has been noted that turmeric also has many health benefits too.

Turmeric contains compounds known as curcuminoids and the most important one is curcumin. It is known to have medicinal properties which acts as an anti-inflammatory and a strong antioxidant.

What symptoms does it help with?

The Chinese and Indians have been using turmeric for 1000s of years to treat conditions such as:

• Heartburn
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach bloating
• Colds
• Fibromyalgia
• Depression

In Ayurvedic medicine turmeric is sometimes applied to the skin for ringworm and infected wounds as it is said to have anti-bacterial properties.

Turmeric is available in:

• Powdered form as a culinary spice
• In tablets and capsules as medicinal extracts. (This should be labelled as standardised turmeric extract or the compound, curcumin.)

In its powederd form you can add turmeric to all your favourite dishes whilst cooking in the knowledge that you are contributing your wellbeing!

*As with all supplements when treating any particular medical issue, it is best to check with your doctor first.