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. Urban Fringe Dispensary disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.
