Curcuma longa

Common name: Turmeric

Family: Zingiberaceae

Part used: Rhizomes and tubers

Habitat and Description: A tropical upright perennial herb which grows to 1m tall. The flowers are white-yellow on a spike like stalk and the rhizomes are scaled with the remains of old leaf bases and when cut are bright yellow. 

Constituents: Essential oil containing sesquiterpene ketones, zingiberene, phellandrene, sabinene, cineole, borneol. Phenylpropanoid derivatives (Yellow pigments): diarylheptanoids or curcuminoids most notably curcumin.

Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, alterative, antimicrobial, radioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, cardioprotective, vasoprotective, hypolipidaemic (reduces blood lipids), choleretic, cholagogue, carminative

Traditional and current uses:

• Osteoarthritis
• PMS
• Indigestion, IBS, Cohn's disease
• Depression
• Lichen planus, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE
• Uraemic pruritus (patients with end-stage renal disease)
• Precancerous lesions, colorectal cancer
• Mouthwash for gingivitis
• Long term use as a preventative for: cardiovascular disease, cancer and other conditions of chronic inflammation
• Long term use as a tonic for digestive tract

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Max Drake Medical Herbalist disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.