Are you experiencing skin issues, mood changes or consistent joint pain? These may be tell-tale signs of excess inflammation in the body. Enter turmeric. Known in the kitchen for its golden hues and peppery taste, turmeric is also renowned for its anti-inflammatory healing powers. Let’s dive in.
What is turmeric?
Turmeric or Curcuma longa is an ancient plant traditionally used throughout India as a cooking ingredient, a perfume and in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory healing properties. Turmeric gets its anti-inflammatory capabilities from compounds found in its roots called curcuminoids or curcumin. These compounds contain medicinal properties that contribute to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory powers.
The impacts of inflammation
So what does anti-inflammatory mean anyway? First, we need to understand what inflammation in the body is and how it affects us. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to stress, injury and infection. When a harmful substance, such as a virus, enters the body, the immune system sends out cells and cytokines to attack the invader. Two types of inflammation can occur in the body: acute and chronic.
Acute vs. chronic
Acute inflammation occurs as a response to sudden illness or injury, such as a cut or a cold, which usually results in short-term inflammation. On the other hand, chronic inflammation occurs when your immune system continues to mount an attack, even when there is no threat. Symptoms of chronic inflammation can vary widely, showing up as fatigue, skin issues, mood disorders, joint pain and beyond.
Key benefits of turmeric: An anti-inflammatory powerhouse
As a natural anti-inflammatory, turmeric helps our bodies cope with stresses associated with inflammation–it heals us inside and out! Turmeric is an antioxidant, which means it can help fight free radicals in the body, reducing or limiting the damage they cause. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage and lead to oxidative stress, which has been linked with cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disorders and nervous system disruptions. Antioxidants can lessen the effects of free radicals, reducing their reactivity and fighting against the impacts of oxidative stress.
Turmeric offers a wide range of health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory powers and antioxidant properties. Here are some of the key ways you can rely on turmeric to improve your health.
4 key health benefits
Arthritis relief
Arthritis refers to a series of conditions that causes inflammation of the joints and connective tissues resulting in pain and stiffness. As a natural anti-inflammatory, turmeric has been used to help relieve these symptoms of arthritis that are often the result of inflammation. Research shows that taking curcumin each day can help reduce the joint and muscle pain associated with arthritis.
Heart health support
With the rise of heart-related illnesses, there is a lot of ongoing research to help us learn more about the relationship between heart health and inflammation. Prolonged inflammation can irritate the blood vessels, and even promote the growth of plaque in the arteries. Studies show that curcumin may improve the function of the endothelium or lining of our blood vessels. When this lining is functioning poorly, it has a hard time regulating things like blood pressure, clotting, and flow. These factors are vital to our heart function, meaning endothelial dysfunction can be a major driver for heart disease. These studies show that curcumin may help in supporting your blood vessels and as a result, your overall cardiovascular health.
Mood enhancement
Like our physical health, our mental health is crucial to our wellbeing. Our mood can be impacted by many factors, but recent studies show a connection between depression and chronic inflammation. While experts aren’t sure whether inflammation causes depression or the other way around, research suggests that chronic inflammation and depression negatively impact one another. While more research is needed, antioxidants like curcumin may help relieve symptoms of depression by combatting chronic inflammation.
Skin health improvement
Turmeric has been popping up as a key ingredient in trending skin care products and for good reason! Turmeric has had a long history of aiding in skincare and complexion. Studies have shown that curcumin can help improve symptoms and provide therapeutic benefits for a variety of inflammatory skin conditions like acne and atopic dermatitis.
Enriching everyday life with turmeric
With all of these benefits, it’s easy to understand why turmeric is a powerhouse of wellness. But how do you get your daily dose of turmeric?
Orange Naturals’ Turmeric Tincture is made from organic and wildcrafted turmeric and is vegan, gluten, dairy and soy-free. Formatted as a tincture, this supplement is ideal for those looking for their daily dose of turmeric. Simply add a drop under the tongue or mix it into a little water and take it like a shot! For maximum benefits, take on an empty stomach. Orange Naturals tinctures have an alcoholic base because it ensures all the health benefits of herbs while doubling as a reliable preservative. If you cannot consume alcohol, simply add your dose to a bit of hot water to allow the alcohol to evaporate before drinking.
For your daily dose of anti-inflammatory healing, turmeric is an ancient plant that still packs a punch. A natural remedy for skin-related concerns, chronic joint pain, protecting your heart, supporting emotional wellbeing, and more–the possibilities are endless!
Sources:
Can turmeric benefit people with arthritis?
Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
10 Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin
Curcumin supplementation improves vascular endothelial function in healthy middle-aged and older adults by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and reducing oxidative stress
Curcumin in Depression: Potential Mechanisms of Action and Current Evidence—A Narrative Review
Curcumin: Can it slow cancer growth?
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
