Turmeric: Digestive and Liver Benefits

Most commonly found in Southeast Asia but has long been used in India – turmeric is more known to be a Middle Eastern spice rather than a medicinal herb. Belonging to the ginger family of Zingaberaceae, turmeric proved to have many health benefits for the liver and the digestive system. In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic, this herb is known as a digestive bitter and carminative. In some countries, turmeric are combined with food, such as rice, fish, or bean dishes to aid in digestion and prevents bloating and gas. More so, it helps our body digest fats easier because of its cholagogue properties, which is responsible in increasing our liver’s bile production and promotes bile excretion through the gallbladder.

Using Turmeric Supplements

With its health benefits, the use of turmeric as a supplement is very advisable, especially to those who have stomach congestion or those who suffer from chronic digestive problems. If you feel tired every after meal or often experience bloating and gas, adding turmeric in your diet is definitely a must try. You can either take the turmeric as it is or make it like a digestive bitter and combined it with other herbs. To maximize its effects, it is recommended to take the turmeric twenty minutes before your meal, particularly if your food is packed with protein or fat.

Benefits of Using Turmeric

People with colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and diarrhea could surely benefit from using turmeric as it has anti-inflammatory agents that improve congestion and inflammation of mucous membranes. The mucous membranes are the ones that cover and coat lungs, intestines, throat, and stomach. Aside from that, it also can help in providing itch and inflammation relief if you suffer from anal fissure or hemorrhoids. More so, since turmeric is also known for its anti-bacterial properties, this herb could help in improving intestinal flora or as a follow up supplement when you have undergone an antibiotic treatment.

Aside from its digestive health benefits, turmeric is also very useful to maintain or improve your liver’s health. This herb contains protective compounds that help the liver to eliminate toxins from the body easily. Furthermore, turmeric can also aid in treating people with hepatitis, jaundice, and cirrhosis as it is said it can shrink inflamed hepatic ducts.

Aside from treating diseases, turmeric is also a good addition to your diet if you often experience menstrual and digestive cramps. As it contains antispasmodic agents, this herb can soothe contracted muscles that cause cramps. You can try taking turmeric twice a day, two before your expected monthly period.

This should be able to lessen your menstrual cramps. Turmeric is also beneficial for those who have skin conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis as it is known to be a powerful detoxifier.

Incorporating turmeric in your daily diet is very advisable because of its health benefits. It could prevent any digestive and liver diseases, and if you already suffer from one, this herb could provide additional treatment. It is easy to make turmeric a part of your day as you can just combine it with your food, or take it as digestive bitter. Whichever way you decide to take turmeric, surely it will benefit you.