Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
Why is Turmeric so popular and effective in treating a wide range of conditions?
Turmeric, an ancient Ayurvedic (Indian) medicinal, is a yellow spice traditionally renowned for its healing properties and has experienced a recent revival for people suffering from inflammatory diseases. Turmeric is arguably the most effective and powerful spice on the planet.
The herb Turmeric contains a potent compound called Curcumin (Curcuminoids) which gives the spice its yellow colour. It is this anti-inflammatory component which may be used to help relieve symptoms such as asthma, arthritis, swelling, allergies and general aches and pains.
Due to its warming and bitter principles, it is used to help improve protein digestion, reduce tumours, decongest the liver, dissolve gallstones, improve ligament flexibility and reduce menstrual pain.
The real key for hormonal women is the antioxidant status of Turmeric, especially when fermented, which increase the antioxidant activity by up to 6 times. When naturally occurring antioxidants are consumed in the diet, such as turmeric, then the body's own internal antioxidant systems are spared.
When the levels of these antioxidants such as Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase raise, it triggers a little known, yet extremely important mechanism in the body. The body will start to use these antioxidants to heal and repair itself.
The real key for hormonal women is the antioxidant status of Turmeric, especially when fermented, which increase the antioxidant activity by up to 6 times.
Often these antioxidants are protecting the body from your usual intake of toxins from the diet, lifestyle and normal metabolism. But when turmeric enters the body, these antioxidants are spared and can go to work healing and repairing the body. It is what we call the body's own innate ability to heal itself. More powerful than any doctor or drug. And it heals where it needs to.
If you can combine this effect with an alkaline diet, then it's supercharged and deep healing and balancing can occur.
The second element of Turmeric is how it down-regulates inflammation. Regardless of where pain and inflammation occur in the body, it is typically characterised by symptoms of pain, swelling, heat, stiffness and reddening. These symptoms are caused by the presence of compounds called inflammatory mediators - which may also cause damage to the injured or inflamed tissue.
It is here where Turmeric exhibits its powerful, direct action. For endometriosis, PCOS, menopause, perimenopause, acne, PMS & PMDD, and the pain associated with hormonal imbalances, turmeric is the perfect companion to down-regulate the inflammation and pain.
The combination of these two actions makes Turmeric the perfect companion to Happy Hormones. In a way, the addition of a bioavailable and active form of Turmeric SUPERCHARGES the action of Happy Hormones. Just like when the 8-Week Program is followed alongside Happy Hormones, we see faster and more dramatic results. The same phenomenon occurs with Turmeric.
Other applications of Turmeric:
- Joint inflammation and pain by inhibiting Arachidonic acid production, helping relieve arthritis from various causes (rheumatic, osteo) to promote healing
- A wide range of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions such as joint pain, RSI, sports injuries, muscle sprains, menstrual pain and musculoskeletal stiffness while helping to support the mobility and function of the affected joint
- Antioxidant status (yields a high ORAC value) to also support cardiovascular function (for example by helping keep cholesterol and blood lipids within the healthy range)
- Providing antimicrobial and liver-protective actions
- Blood stagnation as it is regarded as a stomachic, a tonic and a blood purifier
- When chronic inflammation is present, stagnation may occur. Turmeric works to reduce pain, swelling and congestion by resolving this stagnation and promote a free flow of circulation
- Inflammation due to the presence of Curcumin and the other curcuminoids to work to address inflammation via numerous pathways (including inhibiting the activity of inflammatory mediators such as COX-2 and 5-LOX)
- Supporting heart health and may help healthy people maintain healthy cholesterol and blood lipid levels
- Digestive disorders caused by inflammation such as gastritis, ulcers, colitis and inflammatory bowel diseases
- The prevention of tumours
Happy Turmeric is a bio-fermented formulation which combines the synergistic ingredients of ginger (Gingerols) and black pepper (Piperine) in a combination with the Turmeric to help enhance the positive anti-inflammatory, warming, antioxidant and protective actions.
This trio of spices helps to increase the bio-availability and absorption of the active Curcuminoids by up to 20 times.
The recommended daily intake of Turmeric for its therapeutic benefits is 900 - 1500mg daily. Each 15ml dose of Happy Turmeric provides 900mg of bioavailable fermented turmeric - which is highly absorbable.
An additional benefit of Happy Turmeric is the presence of active, natural strains of beneficial bacteria, to slowly improve not only gut function but hormone metabolism, immunity, weight management and increasing mood.
How can you use the Happy Turmeric in your day?
- Add your 15mls of Happy Turmeric to your daily morning HH ritual in a smoothie or a juice
- Add it to a salad dressing with some olive oil, Balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and/ or honey
- Add it to a warmed beverage such as Chamomile tea, Rooibos tea or a Turmeric Chai
- Drink in warm water with lemon juice as a heart starter each morning; add some cayenne if you're feeling brave!
- Add it to some olive oil and use as a topping for baked or steamed vegetables
- Add it to nut butter dips or nut butter bliss balls
- Add to chia puddings, overnight oats or warm porridge for a warming, spicy flavour
- Add to your coconut kefir or make a tonic by adding it to coconut water
Also here is a link to a positive study of Turmeric and inflammation if you'd like to read it:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535097/
