
Since time immemorial turmeric has been used in Ayurveda and other traditional Indian medical systems as well traditional Chinese medicine. In India, it is traditionally used for skin problems, inflammatory conditions, such as joint pain, upper respiratory tract and digestive system.
Because of its powerful medicinal properties, today turmeric is promoted worldwide as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others.
Turmeric and its safety.
While turmeric and curcumin products are generally safe to use when taken orally or applied to the skin in the recommended amounts, caution should be exercised for its use among specific conditions.
If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using turmeric supplements. They could interact with medicines like aspirin, painkillers, diabetes drugs, blood pressure medicines, and blood thinners.
Turmeric and when to avoid it!
May suppress iron absorption: Turmeric is safe to be consumed as a powder in food but taking curcumin supplements may suppress iron absorption. Therefore, Curcumin supplements are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with iron deficiencies.
Blood thinners. People who are on blood-thinning medications, are typically advised against taking a curcumin or turmeric supplement, because the supplements can enhance the drugs blood-thinning effects, perhaps to dangerous levels.
Antacids. Turmeric may increase the production of stomach acid when taken with antacids
Blood pressure: High doses of turmeric can lower blood pressure. So it should be taken with caution by patients with blood pressure condition.
Diabetes medications. Turmeric can strengthen the effects of medications used to control type 2 diabetes, which in turn can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Which is why it is recommended to take a gap of 1 month after taking turmeric for 2 months regularly.
Blood clotting medications: Turmeric may slow blood clotting and may lead to further bruising and bleeding. It should be avoided with slow blood clotting medicines such as aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.