Alternative or Complimentary Medicine Turmeric has been used for its many medicinal properties for the last 2500 years. Produced from the thick underground stem, or rhizome, of an Asian plant (Curcuma longa), turmeric contains several biologically active ingredients, including one called curcumin, whose medicinal properties have been the subject of modern research. As a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent it is useful in treating cuts and burns. It speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without many of the side effects. This provides relief from diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Lupus. It has been shown to prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain. However, the most promising studies have shown the effects of turmeric on a variety of cancers. For example, in Prostrate Cancer, turmeric has been shown to prevent and even stop the growth of cancer cells when it is combined with cauliflower. Other studies have shown that it may prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to die. Due to it being a natural liver detoxifier, there are several new studies on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer. Further studies have shown that using turmeric can prevent breast cancer from spreading to the lungs, and reduce the risk of childhood leukemia. Turmeric can be ingested by sprinkling the spice in your favorite dishes or you can purchase it in pill form from your local health food store. Written by Felicity J Filed under Health , Medicine , SCI 162 Tweet Comments on this post ( 0 ) Leave a comment Name Email Message Recent posts Search Us