Turmeric Info, Benefits, Recipes

Recipe 1:

Cauliflower with Coconut and Turmeric (Easy, fast, delicious and healthy!)

The coconut makes it sweet.

(Cauliflower + Turmeric = helps prevent prostate cancer)
Pepper boosts turmeric's healthy properties.

Ingredients:

Cauliflower (rinsed & cut into florets)
Turmeric powder, several dashes
Pepper to taste
Shredded coconut. Go easy if it's sweetened.
Small amount of butter

Steam (or microwave with a tbsp. water) cauliflower florets until barely tender.
Drain cauliflower.
Add remaining ingredients, mixing well.
Enjoy!

Recipe Suggestions

Add turmeric to dishes wherever you can.
Pepper boosts turmeric's healthy properties.

Add turmeric to:

Natchos
Chicken dishes, especially combined with cheese
Potato salad
Curry dishes
Stews
Wraps


Turmeric Benefits

From http://www.turmericbenefits.com/health-benefits.php

Turmeric has long been used not only as a spice, but also for its medicinal properties as an herb. Below is a more expanded list of realized and potential turmeric health benefits. Note that not all have been studied. Some mentioned have received research, while others are folk remedies. Talk with a doctor or medical professional about the use of turmeric for specific medical conditions or situations before taking it as a medicine.

Alzheimer's disease Antibacterial Anti-inflammatory Antiseptic Arthritis Breast cancer Childhood leukemia (reduced risk) Colorectal cancer Cystic fibrosis Depression Fat metabolism Inflammatory skin conditions Liver detoxification Lung cancer Multiple myeloma Multiple sclerosis (MS) New blood vessel growth in tumors Pain reliever Pancreatic cancer Prostate cancer (used with cauliflower) Psoriasis Rheumatoid arthritis Tumors Weight management Wound healing

Dosage: Turmeric is typically taken in the form of powder or pills such as capsules. A standard pill is usually from 250 to 500 mg. It can also be used within recipes rather than taken alone.

Note: From http://www.turmericbenefits.com/

Turmeric side effects are not many, but may occur with use of more than the recommended doses. Doing so may cause upset stomach or other gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or constipation. Also, turmeric should not be taken in some situations, including if you have a bile duct blockage, a blood-clotting disorder, or stomach ulcers (or a history of them). Pregnant and nursing women should use discretion in using turmeric, as the effects in such cases are unknown.

Turmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant, in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), and is also known as Curcuma longa. The herb is native to tropical South Asia, and for healthy growth needs temperatures roughly between 68 and 86 degrees farenheit, and a good amount of rainfall. The plants are annually gathered for their rhizomes (underground stems), and are re-seeded from some of those for the next crop.

In India, turmeric is readily available and has been used by many as an antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises, and has also been used as an antibacterial agent. It is said to contain flouride, which is beneficial for teeth. In some countries, turmeric is also taken as a dietary supplement to help with stomach problems. The herb is being investigated for potential benefits in conditions of Alzheimer's disease, cancer and liver disorders. In Japan turmeric tea is a popular item in the city of Okinawa. Under the name of Avea, turmeric is sold as a treatment for depression.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health began four clinical trials for uses of curcumin (turmeric's active agent) in treatment for Alzheimer's disease, colorectal cancer, multiple myeloma and pancreatic cancer.

A study by the UCLA Veterans Affairs in 2004 suggested that curcumin might inhibit the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients, and also may be useful in breaking up existing plaques of beta amyloids. It was noted that turmeric has been used as an anti-inflammatory in a variety of ailments in India.

Some other potential or considered benefits of turmeric which need more study include treatment against: tumors, cystic fibroris, psoriasis, breast cancer, lung cancer, and pain (as a pain reliever: antinociceptive).

View a longer list of potential turmeric health benefits.

In some Asian countries, turmeric is called kunyit or haldi. Turmeric is often misspelled, or mispronounced, as tumeric.

Aside from medical uses, turmeric is also used as a spice, in cosmetics, as a dye, and in gardening.


Turmeric - some info from Wikipedia

link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turmeric

Medicinal uses

In Ayurvedic practices, turmeric is thought to have many medicinal properties and many in South Asia use it as a readily available antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises. It is also used as an antibacterial agent.

It is taken in some Asian countries as a dietary supplement, which allegedly helps with stomach problems and other ailments. It is popular as a tea in Okinawa, Japan. Pakistanis also use it as an anti-inflammatory agent, and remedy for gastrointestinal discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive disorders. In Afghanistan and North West Pakistan, turmeric is applied to a piece of burnt cloth, and placed over a wound to cleanse and stimulate recovery. Indians, in addition to its Ayurvedic properties, use turmeric in a wide variety of skin creams that are also exported to neighboring countries. It is currently being investigated for possible benefits in Alzheimer's disease,[4] cancer and liver disorders.[citation needed]

Hidradenitis Suppurativa or Acne Inversa, an uncurable and debilitating disease, is also treated with Tumeric Powder. It is unknown why it works, but people who have suffered from HS for 30–40 years have reported almost an immediate improvement after comsuming 1 teaspoon in 1/4 of warm water 3x a day. Within 1 week of using Tumeric, these same people have reported almost a complete reduction of boils and purple scarring.[citation needed]

In the latter half of the 20th century, curcumin was identified as responsible for most of the biological effects of turmeric. According to a 2005 article in the Wall Street Journal, research activity into curcumin is exploding. In that year supplement sales increased 35% from 2004, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health had four clinical trials underway to study curcumin treatment for pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma, Alzheimer's, and colorectal cancer. Curcumin also enhances the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, which supports nerve growth.[citation needed]

There is evidence that piperine, found in black pepper, improves the absorption of turmeric. In 1998 researchers at St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, India found that curcumin taken with 20 mg of piperine increased the absorption of curcumin by 2000%, with no adverse effects.[5] This means that a low dose of curcumin (or turmeric for that matter) could have a greater effect in terms of health benefits when combined with piperine than a large dose of curcumin or turmeric would.

Dosages between half a teaspoon three times a day of a mixture of 16 parts of turmeric powder to 1 part of ground black pepper, and two teaspoons of turmeric powder and half a teaspoon of ground black pepper per day have been recommended.[citation needed] Bioavailability can be improved by heating and/or by combining with oils, as curcumin is only slightly soluble at room temperature and in aqueous solution. Curcumin does not appear to significantly degrade at common cooking temperatures.[citation needed]

Turmeric has also been demonstrated to contain curcumin, a selective monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) of type MAO-A. Fumes of Turmeric powder leads to remedy for soring, cold and snoring.

In Gardening
Turmeric can also be used to deter ants. The exact reasons why turmeric repels ants is unknown, but anecdotal evidence suggests it works.[citation needed]


Turmeric - from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Link http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-turmeric.html

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (over 18 years old)
Doses used range from 450 milligrams of curcumin capsules to 3 grams of turmeric root daily, divided into several doses, taken by mouth. As a tea, 1 to 1.5 grams of dried root may be steeped in 150 milliliters of water for 15 minutes and taken twice daily. Average dietary intake of turmeric in the Indian population may range between 2 to 2.5 grams, corresponding to 60 to 200 milligrams of curcumin daily. A dose of 0.6 milliliters of turmeric oil has been taken three times daily for one month and a dose of 1 milliliter in three divided doses has been taken for two months.

One reported method for treating scabies is to cover affected areas once daily with a paste consisting of a 4:1 mixture of Azadirachta indica ADR ("neem") to turmeric, for up to 15 days. Scabies should be treated under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Children (under 18 years old)
There is no proven or safe medicinal dose of turmeric in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies
Allergic reactions to turmeric may occur, including contact dermatitis (an itchy rash) after skin or scalp exposure. People with allergies to plants in the Curcuma genus are more likely to have an allergic reaction to turmeric. Use cautiously in patients allergic to turmeric or any of its constituents (including curcumin), to yellow food colorings, or to plants in the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family.

Side Effects and Warnings

Turmeric may cause an upset stomach, especially in high doses or if given over a long period of time. Heartburn has been reported in patients being treated for stomach ulcers. Since turmeric is sometimes used for the treatment of heartburn or ulcers, caution may be necessary in some patients. Nausea and diarrhea have also been reported.

Based on laboratory and animal studies, turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. Turmeric should be stopped prior to scheduled surgery.

Limited animal studies show that a component of turmeric, curcumin, may increase liver function tests. However, one human study reports that turmeric has no effect on these tests. Turmeric or curcumin may cause gallbladder squeezing (contraction) and may not be advised in patients with gallstones. In animal studies, hair loss (alopecia) and lowering of blood pressure have been reported. In theory, turmeric may weaken the immune system and should be used cautiously in patients with immune system deficiencies.

Turmeric should be used with caution in people with diabetes or hypoglycemia or people taking drugs or supplements that lower blood sugar.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Historically, turmeric has been considered safe when used as a spice in foods during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, turmeric has been found to cause uterine stimulation and to stimulate menstrual flow and caution is therefore warranted during pregnancy. Animal studies have not found turmeric taken by mouth to cause abnormal fetal development.


Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs
Based on laboratory and animal studies, turmeric may inhibit platelets in the blood and increase the risk of bleeding caused by other drugs. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve® ).

Based on animal data, turmeric may lower blood sugar and therefore may have additive effects with diabetes medications.

In animals, turmeric protects against stomach ulcers caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin (Indocin®) and against heart damage caused by the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (Adriamycin®).

Turmeric may lower blood pressure levels and may have an additive effect if taken with drugs that also lower blood pressure.

Turmeric may lower blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol). Thus, turmeric may increase the effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs such as lovastatin (Mevacor®) or atorvastatin (Lipitor®).

Based on animal studies, turmeric may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a healthcare professional or pharmacist about possible interactions.

When taken with indomethacin or reserpine, turmeric may help reduce the number of stomach and intestinal ulcers normally caused by these drugs. However, when taken in larger doses or when used for long periods of time, turmeric itself can cause ulcers.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Based on animal studies, turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba , some cases with garlic, and fewer cases with saw palmetto.

Based on animal data, turmeric may lower blood sugar. Individuals taking other herbs or supplements or diabetes medications should speak with a healthcare professional before starting turmeric.

Turmeric may lower blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol). Thus, turmeric may increase the effects of cholesterol-lowering herbs or supplements such as fish oil, garlic, guggul, or niacin.

Based on animal studies, turmeric may interfere with the way the body processes certain herbs or supplements using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of other herbs or supplements may become too high in the blood. It may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements possibly have on the P450 system.

Turmeric may lower blood pressure and may therefore have an additive effect if taken with herbs that also lower blood pressure.

NIH - March 01, 2008


Turmeric for Pets

May help prevent vomiting. Ancedotal evidence says it helps reduce inflammation of arthritis, reduce pain, increase mobility.

Cats: add to wet food. Start with small amount. Can eventually add 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon.
Info from RawPaws Yahoo group - holistic pet care, raw diet, pet advice. (must join to view or search info) Link http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/rawpaws/



Labels/Keywords:
Alzheimer'sAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryArthritisBreast cancerColon cancerCystic fibrosisDepressionLiver detoxLung cancerMultiple myelomaMultiple sclerosis (MS)Pain relieverPancreatic cancerProstate cancerPsoriasisarthritisTumorsWeight loss

Butyrex Cal/Mag supplement - benefits include brain support

Butyrex™ from T.E. Neesby, a dietary supplement provided by Jigsaw Health, is a butyrate complex that helps metabolize fiber in the colon for a healthy gastrointestinal system.

Link http://www.jigsawhealth.com/products/butyrex.html

What makes Butyrex from T.E. Neesby unique?

Each capsule contains at least 600 mg butyric acid as calcium/magnesium butyrates
Micro-encapsulated design delivers butyrate to the colon without breaking down in the intestinal tract

Benefits of Jigsaw Health Butyrex by T.E Neesby*:

- Provides fuel for colon cells
- Soothes gastrointestinal tract

Jigsaw Health Butyrex by T.E Neesby contains:

No artificial colors
No artificial resins
No artificial fillers
No gluten
No corn
No dairy
No soy
No wheat
No yeast

Suggested Use:
As a dietary supplement, take 1-2 capsules at each meal, or as suggested by your healthcare professional.

Supplement Facts:
Serving Size - 6
Servings Per Container - About 41

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Calcium 480 Mg 48%
Magnesium 240 Mg 60%

Other Ingredients:
Butyric acid, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, diglycerides, magnesium stearate.


Background Information:

A fatty acid, butyrate comes from two dietary sources: 1) unabsorbed dietary fiber that has been bacterially fermented in the gut, and 2) cow’s milk or butter. By metabolizing fiber in the colon, butyrate helps produce the energy necessary for the health of the large intestine.

Butyrate from T.E. Neesby, along with a good diet, is a beneficial dietary supplement in promoting better health for those suffering from chronic illnesses. It is especially helpful for soothing the gastrointestinal system.


See site for testimonials like:

"Butyrex to slow down Memory Loss"

"I feel clear Headed and energetic...This is an awesome product!"

"Helps reduce plasma ammonia level from autism...Hyperammonemia will make you foggy-headed and worse."

Info from http://www.jigsawhealth.com/products/butyrex.html

See PDF article The Gastrointestinal Benefits of Butyric Acid

http://www.jigsawhealth.com/document_manager/ButyricAcidGastrointestinalBenefits.pdf