Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that comes from a plant. It is also known as Curcuma, Curcumin, Halada, Haldi, Haridra, Indian Saffron, Nisha, Pian Jiang Huang, Rajani, Safran Bourbon, Safran de Batallita, Safran des Indes, Turmeric Root, Yu Jin, and other names. Do not confuse turmeric with Javanese turmeric root (Curcuma zedoaria).

Turmeric is commonly used to add flavor or color to curry powders, mustards, and other foods. The turmeric root is also used in alternative medicine.

In alternative medicine, turmeric may help with symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay fever), depression, mouth sores, lowering blood cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing osteoarthritis pain, or relieving itching from chronic kidney disease.

Turmeric has also been used for stomach ulcers and dementia. However, research has shown that turmeric may not be effective for these conditions.

Other uses that have not been proven by research include: acne, gout, wound healing, rheumatoid arthritis, prediabetes, tuberculosis, cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, and lowering the risk of a heart attack after bypass surgery.

Turmeric is thought to be possibly safe when used for a short time as a mouth rinse or as an enema.

It is not certain whether turmeric is effective for any medical condition. The FDA has not approved this product for medicinal use. Turmeric should not replace medications prescribed by your doctor.

Turmeric is often sold as an herbal supplement. Many herbal compounds lack regulated manufacturing standards, and some supplements on the market have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. To reduce the risk of contamination, buy herbal/health supplements from a reliable source.

Turmeric may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

When thinking about using turmeric, ask your doctor for advice. You might also want to talk to a practitioner who knows about herbal products and health supplements.

If you decide to use turmeric, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

If you are having surgery, dental work, or a medical procedure, stop taking turmeric at least 2 weeks beforehand.

Contact your doctor if the condition you are treating with turmeric does not get better, or if it worsens while you are using this product.

Store at a cool room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Follow all instructions on the product label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have or have ever had:

• diabetes;
• gallstones or gallbladder disease;
• an iron deficiency;
• bleeding problems;
• a stomach disorder called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
• endometriosis or uterine fibroids;
• cancer of the breast, uterus, ovary (or other hormone-sensitive conditions); or
• liver disease.

Turmeric when taken in medicinal amounts is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. Taking turmeric during pregnancy could cause uterine bleeding or contractions.

Turmeric is likely to be safe during pregnancy when used in the small amounts that are found in spices or foods.

Ask a doctor before using this product if you are breastfeeding.

It may be harder for you to get a woman pregnant while you are using this product.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, turmeric is believed to be likely safe for most people when used as directed.

Common side effects of turmeric may include:

• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
• constipation, indigestion;
• bloating; or
• diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you miss a dose, do not take it. Just take your next scheduled dose as planned.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Turmeric can make it harder for your body to absorb iron. Tell your doctor if you are taking an iron supplement.

Avoid using turmeric together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, dandelion, danshen, evening primrose, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, and willow.

Avoid using turmeric together with other herbal/health supplements that can lower blood sugar, such as alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, damiana, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.

Turmeric can damage your liver, especially if you are also taking certain medicines for infections, birth control, high cholesterol, seizures, pain, or arthritis (including Advil).

Do not take turmeric without medical advice if you are using any of the following medicines:

• insulin or oral diabetes medicine; or
• medicine used to prevent blood clots--clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), aspirin, alteplase, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, and others.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect turmeric. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.