Curcumin is no longer to be introduced and yet, do you really know its various therapeutic qualities? This well-known yellow spice is the active ingredient in Indian turmeric. A spice whose main molecule is part of the non-flanoid polyphenols, antioxidants that are adorned with all the virtues.

Indeed, who hasn't heard of turmeric and its health benefits? So recommended and fashionable in recent years, one would think that it would solve any pathology. This is almost the case, but before starting a complete cure of turmeric, it seems important to understand this plant and get to know it better.

Short history of Turmeric

From its Latin name "Curcuma longa", turmeric is a herbaceous plant native to South Asia that also grows in various regions with a tropical climate. Mainly used as a spice to give this particular taste to the dishes it embellishes, this powder from a rhizome has the particularity to color the plates of a pretty orange, symbol of joy and happiness.

This exotic spice is also part of the composition of the curry (which we call curry in India) that we all know and which is a spice that consists of several different seasonings. Curry is one of the main spices in Indian cuisine. Moreover, in Ayurvedic medicine (traditional Indian medicine), this seasoning is greatly emphasized by therapists for its health benefits, especially on the digestive sphere.

Indians, because of their culture, have a much higher consumption of this spice that is turmeric than we do. Finally, it is then not complicated to make certain relations between the lower cancer rate in this country than in Europe for example.

Turmeric for my health

Although turmeric has many positive and varied properties on health, its action on the liver seems to be one of the most important. Indeed, curcumin has the ability to protect the liver and the gallbladder. Therefore, this molecule will be mainly used in case of hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders. In the 17th century, Lemery said that turmeric was "suitable for removing obstructions of the spleen for jaundice and stones".

But let's not stop only at the liver because this spice can accompany in many other pathologies: at the inflammatory level (articular but not only) for example or for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease. Indeed, given its ability to cross our blood-brain barrier, curcumin has powerful neuro-protective properties.

In addition, curcumin is a great help and support in relieving depressive symptoms and may even serve as a new antidepressant. In Australia, a study was conducted with 123 depressed people. They received either a placebo or different doses of curcumin for 12 weeks. Except for the patients who received the placebo, the other groups noticed a clear improvement of the symptoms.

What are the links between depression and turmeric?

We had already talked in a previous article about the various positive effects of curcumin on health. From the hepato-protective effect, antioxidant to the anti-inflammatory par excellence, this miraculous spice has more than interesting assets on health. But then, what is the link with depression? One of the mechanisms for curcumin's beneficial impact on neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression appears to be its ability to tame inflammation, the very inflammation that can wreak havoc on your psychiatric health.

Indeed, gastrointestinal inflammation has a major effect on states of depression. Moreover, elevated biomarkers of inflammation have been found in depressed patients and the administration of inflammatory stimuli has been associated with the development of depressive symptoms. Also, anti-inflammatory medication has been shown to favorably alter the neurochemical pathways involved in depression. But can we really give anti-inflammatory drugs with problematic side effects to treat depression? Certainly not....

Although the ideal solution to depression would be a change in diet to a healthy lifestyle based on a ketogenic diet, omega 3 and vitamin D, it seems that curcumin could be a very important additional help. Inflammation is therefore not only a risk factor, it is the basis of the malaise.

Depression is the result of the body's reactions to protect itself against an inflammatory response, which involves hormones and neurotransmitters. Note the depressive symptoms most associated with chronic inflammation:

• The changing mood
• The brain thinks slower
• Changes in perception
• Changes in the general metabolism

Can turmeric really cure depression?

To affirm 100% that turmeric is the ideal remedy against depression would be incorrect - although some studies(*) would prove that it would be as effective as prozac - but when we know all the benefits of this spice and its different functions, we could really wonder about the positive accompaniment it could have on a depressed person.

In addition, curcumin activates a very specific hormone, serotonin called 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The latter is a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that has an impact on the regulation of the circadian cycle as well as in various psychiatric disorders such as stress, anxiety, phobias or depression.

Nevertheless, adding turmeric to one's diet will not be sufficient, but not useless in a daily consumption. In fact, in order for curcumin, a major compound in turmeric, to be properly absorbed by the intestinal mucosa and to pass easily into the bloodstream, it will be necessary to take a quality food supplement that promises a high absorption by the body. Also, when you find curcumin in the various outlets, make sure of the good quality of it otherwise the organic absorption will be non-existent.

Of liposoluble quality, turmeric will see its availability grow and increase considerably by combining it with an oil base or by treating it with encapsulation methods such as liposomes for example.

Of course, you can always add turmeric to your various dishes, but be sure to combine it with ginger or a fat base to get the most out of its therapeutic qualities.

But beware of certain contraindications

As with many natural remedies, turmeric also has its contraindications. For example, it should not be used if you have biliary tract obstructions or if you are already on anticoagulant therapy. Indeed, the risks of hemorrhage are then very present. But by consulting a naturopath, he or she will be able to advise you whether or not to use turmeric in your natural treatment.

Although very effective in preventing certain cancers, it is preferable not to start a cure of turmeric if you are undergoing chemotherapy.

Do not hesitate to consult a doctor or a natural health therapist who will be able to guide you and answer all your questions about turmeric and your real needs. Therefore, adopt the right gestures and avoid self-treatment.

Sources:

• Website Mercola
• Study (*): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23832433