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Benefits of Turmeric
There are several claimed benefits of turmeric. When taken by mouth, this spice is claimed to be useful for depression, headaches, and kidney problems, among other conditions. When applied to the skin, turmeric may be helpful for treating bruising, ringworm, and eczema. Although consuming normal amounts of turmeric through food is probably safe for children, you should not give your child turmeric without your healthcare provider's approval.
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Turmeric is a spice and coloring agent often used in Indian cuisine. There has been much interest in turmeric's potential health benefits. Specifically, taking it by mouth is claimed to provide benefit when used for the following conditions:
- Depression
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Abdominal (stomach) pain or bloating
- Excessive bleeding
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice, hepatitis, or other liver problems
- High cholesterol
- Gallstones or other gallbladder problems
- Leprosy
- Fever
- Absent menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
- Cancer (for both prevention and treatment)
- Fluid retention
- Headache
- Bronchitis, the common cold, or other respiratory infections
- Fibromyalgia
- Kidney problems
- Bladder infections.
Applying turmeric topically (to the skin) is said to be beneficial for the following problems:
- Pain
- Ringworm
- Bruising
- Leech wounds
- Infections
- Eczema
- Inflammation.
Some of these possible turmeric benefits have more evidence in their favor than others (see Does Turmeric Work? for more information).
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD