By HEIDI S. PUC MD, FACP, ABIHM
Did you know that turmeric and curcumin (which is found in turmeric) have significant benefits in a variety of disease processes including, cancer, Lyme disease, various forms of arthritis, cardiac disease, diabetes, and other chronic inflammatory conditions? It can also decrease symptoms of acute pain!
Turmeric helps in detoxification (especially of the liver), can serve as an antioxidant, lowers blood sugar, reverses insulin resistance, and down regulates many processes that instigate cancer. In patients with Lyme disease, curcumin has been shown to decrease pain and can help kill borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes directly. In diabetes, curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to delay and reverse some of the complications of high blood sugars such as painful diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain), diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease), and retinopathy (eye disease). In patients with established neuropathy from any cause, curcumin can decrease pain. It works as an antioxidant and decreases oxidative stress and heart disease risk. In autoimmune (Type 1) diabetes, it can repair and regenerate pancreas islet cells, which are responsible for making insulin. Curcumin can even reverse prediabetes, and can aid in diabetic wound healing. Curcumin can decrease symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, and can also help to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. In Ayurvedic (ancient Indian) medicine, the blend of curcumin, Boswellia, and ginger is a very effective anti-inflammatory, pain relieving blend of herbs.
I think a great way to add turmeric to your day is drinking “golden milk”. There are many good recipes out there, but here is a recipe from Dr. Andrew Weil (I just added putting in some Stevia liquid or powder to sweeten to taste, without using sugar!):
GOLDEN MILK
1. Heat 2 cups light, unsweetened coconut milk, or almond or soymilk.
2. Add ½ tablespoon peeled, grated fresh ginger.
3. Add 1 tablespoon peeled, grated fresh turmeric.
4. Add 3-4 black peppercorns.
5. Heat all ingredients in a saucepan and stir well.
6. Bring to a simmer and simmer covered for 10 minutes.
7. Strain and add a few drops organic liquid Stevia extract or Stevia powder to taste for sweetening if desired. Makes two servings.
So, as the December days and evenings get colder, enjoy some warm, healing golden milk. To your health!
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