Turmeric (Jiang Huang) is a flavorful and colorful spice extracted from the rhizomes of the turmeric plant Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family. The benefits of turmeric primarily stem from its active compound, curcumin, lending its vibrant hue and positive health impacts. Turmeric also holds a significant place in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
In TCM, turmeric helps invigorate the blood. Turmeric stimulates blood flow, aiding cardiovascular conditions, menstrual irregularities, and acute pains caused by blood stagnation. Whether incorporating turmeric into daily meals or through herbal formulas, the versatile benefits of turmeric contribute to multiple facets of health and well-being.
Turmeric Basics
Turmeric, derived from the curcuma longa rhizomes, grows in India and Southeast Asia. With its bright yellow color and distinctive flavor, turmeric has become a staple spice in cuisines worldwide.
Beyond its culinary applications, turmeric boasts a rich history dating back thousands of years, deeply intertwined with traditional medicine practices. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, turmeric is revered for its medicinal properties and is believed to promote overall wellness. Its active compound, curcumin, includes antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making turmeric a valued ingredient in natural remedies and supplements.
Turmeric Benefits in TCM
By stimulating blood circulation, promoting the movement of qi, and mitigating pain, turmeric can serve as a supplemental treatment for many symptoms, including swelling and pain. Additionally, turmeric proves advantageous in treating gynecological conditions such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, and postpartum abdominal pain. Its ability to alleviate stagnation, carbuncles, and swelling makes it a common choice for treating sores and abscesses.
Turmeric is warm in nature, making it favorable for individuals with excess cold in their bodies. The balance between yin and yang is a fundamental concept in TCM, and turmeric helps restore harmony between these forces, depending on the individual’s condition.
Importance of Taste
Turmeric possesses a bitter and pungent flavor, which, according to the ‘Five Phases’ theory in TCM, influences its actions in the body. Bitter ingredients like turmeric have a cleansing effect by drying dampness, clearing heat, and promoting elimination through urination or bowel movements. Pungent ingredients enhance the circulation of qi and fluids, often resulting in increased sweating when consumed.
In TCM, the taste of an ingredient may determine the organs and meridians they target. Turmeric influences the liver and spleen. The liver regulates the movements of qi and body fluids, which are crucial in emotional balance. The spleen aids digestion, blood coagulation, and bodily fluid metabolism.
Harnessing The Benefits of Turmeric
The most popular way to incorporate turmeric into food is in curries. Adding a teaspoon or two of ground turmeric can enhance the flavor profile and provide warmth to the dish. Turmeric is also commonly used to flavor rice and grains. Add ground turmeric to the cooking water when making rice or quinoa to infuse the grains with its earthy flavor and golden color.
One thing to remember if seeking the benefits of turmeric through diet is the limited absorption by the human body. When consumed orally, turmeric must navigate the digestive system and liver, often losing many active components. To optimize absorption, consider consuming it alongside black pepper and a small amount of fat. Piperine, the active compound in pepper, can enhance the bioavailability of curcumin in turmeric.
Herbal Formulas
The benefits of turmeric can come through herbal formulas, which utilize a mix of herbs to improve health concerns.
Juan Bi Tang (Notopterygium & Turmeric Combination) is used to correct patterns such as painful obstruction with qi and blood deficiency. These patterns may manifest as various conditions, including periarthritis of the shoulder or rheumatoid arthritis.
Huang Lian Shang Qing Wan (Coptis, Phellodendron & Mint Formula) helps remove heat, dispel wind, enhance vision, and relieve discomfort. This formula often aids conditions like epidemic hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, swelling, vertigo, and constipation.
Healthy Herbal Formulas
Using herbal formulas is an excellent and efficient way to incorporate more herbs and nutrients into the body while alleviating symptoms and ailments. TCM herbal formulas are renowned for restoring the balance of yin and yang, facilitating the flow of qi, and promoting holistic well-being.
When seeking treatment from an expert Chinese herbalist, they will adopt a personalized and comprehensive approach. Formulas are meticulously tailored to suit each patient’s unique needs, encompassing symptoms, lifestyle, body constitution, medication regimen, and other factors. To determine if specific herbal formulas would be beneficial, working with a licensed practitioner and using quality herbs is vital.
The KPC family takes pride in offering the highest quality herbs in the industry and sharing the accumulated knowledge of five generations with today’s practitioners. Learn more about KPC’s history and manufacturing process through our website.
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*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to suggest specific treatments for patients or that any supplements mentioned prevent or cure diseases or problems. Before taking any herbs, all patients should discuss their options with a licensed practitioner, including any other medications the patient is currently taking, as there may be contraindications between pharmaceuticals and herbs.
