BUYING TURMERIC CAPSULES - WARNING!
07/21/2008: If you decide to buy turmeric capsules, please read all the ingredients on the packaging! We recently bought a bottle Turmeric Curcumin at the chain GNC for $21.99 (gulp!) because so many of our readers mentioned buying capsules instead of powder in the spice section of a grocery store for $3-$4. We got the bottle home and inspected it more. We were quite dismayed to see Dicalcium Phosphate and Maltodextrin listed as "Other Ingredients". Reported side effects of Malodextrin are bloating and headaches. The caveats and side effects of Dicalcium Phosphate are reported here: http://www.superglisodin.com/dcp.html.

Wikipedia's official opinion is the same:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_hydrogen_phosphate

TURMERIC RESEARCH AND INFO
CURCUMIN BIOAVAILABILITY
9/16/2007: Alan from Ann Arbor, Michigan writes:
http://grouppekurosawa.com/blog/2005/12/curcumin-preparation-and.htm

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Curcumin Preparation and Bioavailability

Curcumin is getting lots of scientific interest these days. Every month additional scientific studies are published on the effects of curcumin on different biochemical pathways.

Just keep one thing in mind. The curcumin used in these laboratory studies was dissolved in alcohol or DMSO. In short, the curcumin was made soluble in certain solvents that do not translate well for introduction into the human body.

The following two papers studied the effects of 3.6 grams of oral curcumin, in capsules, on humans. The first study is quite clear that curcumin simply does not enter the body in sufficient quantities to be medically effective.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?cmd
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?

In this study, oral doses of 3.6 grams of curcumin a day showed blood levels of 10nM. This is a VERY low concentration of curcumin. Yet, it was apparently enough to reduce prostaglandin E2 synthesis in colon cancer patients.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/

In order for curcumin to be maximally effective against cancer, it MUST be introduced into the body in a bioavailable form. Curcumin is almost totally insoluble in water. On the other hand, it is completely soluble in fat.

Curcumin dissolves readily in coconut milk or cream, especially if they are warm. There is NO reason to boil coconut milk or cream in order to dissolve curcumin. Never boil anything unless you are absolutely certain the heat will not damage the medicinal properties of the natural medicine. I have no idea how heat stable curcumin is for medicinal purposes. So don't boil it.

Curcumin that is dissolved in fat will be introduced into the lymphatic system with the fat. There is exactly where we want curcumin to be introduced into the body. The lymphatic fluid bathes all the tissues in the body. We are NOT interested in directly introducing it into the blood.

People complain about the taste of curcumin. So add other spices, such as turmeric, or other spices to the mix to change the taste.

How much curcumin do we need to treat cancer and leukemia? No one knows but I would recommend at least 10 grams a day, 5 grams twice a day dissolved in fat. Since curcumin is not toxic, why screw around with low doses?

You must use glutamine, at least 20 grams a day, with the curcumin to make it maximally effective. I blogged on this issue yesterday.

Stay tuned..."

.................... ALSO: Curcumin Bulk Source http://grouppekurosawa.com/blog/2005/11/curcumin-bulk-source.htm

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Curcumin Bulk Source The following is our preferred supplier of bulk natural medicines. We have purchased from them before and their service and prices are excellent. Our main HIV mouse, Mouse Peter, is taking 12 grams of curcumin a day in coconut milk without any side effects at all. The curcumin is from this company. The Famous Mouse Blanche turned us on to this company. The company is Supplement Health Formulations in Mayer Arizona. They ship internationally.

http://shfnatural.com/ingredients.html

Scroll down to Turmeric Extract, 95% curcumin. 500 grams. The cost is $65 for 500 grams bulk, a great price. Curcumin comes in red to orange colors. This is NOT a issue of purity. The amount of moisture in the product determines the color. No big deal. Supplement Health Formulations will be added to our list of preferred suppliers on the home page. Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest (http://www.grouppekurosawa.com)

[EC: Wikipedia Definition of Curcumin]

Curry Spice May Help Tackle Cancer
Tues Apr 9, 2002, 5:34 PM ET

By Jacqueline Stenson

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The substance that gives the spice turmeric its yellow color may help fight cancer, preliminary evidence suggests.

Researchers have found in the lab that the active ingredient in turmeric, called curcumin, can enhance the cancer-fighting power of treatment with TRAIL, a naturally occurring molecule that helps kill cancer cells. TRAIL stands for tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand.

In an experiment with human prostate cancer cells in a laboratory dish, the combination treatment killed off two to three times more cells than either treatment alone, according to a study released Tuesday at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in San Francisco, California.

"Using these two agents--curcumin and TRAIL--we killed up to 80% of cells in culture," said study author Subhash Gautam, a researcher at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. "That's pretty remarkable."

The next step is to see if the results with this experimental treatment combination can be reproduced in lab animals, he said.

Turmeric is a common ingredient in Indian food, Gautam noted. Indian folklore suggests it helps reduce inflammation, he said, and there is some laboratory evidence that it has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Other studies in the laboratory and in animals suggest the spice can help wounds heal and could also be protective against Alzheimer's.

TURMERIC TEA FOR JOINT PAIN
RECIPE FOR RELIEVING JOINT PAIN
Gurudev Khar Khalsa, a Sat Nam Rasayan healer and Kundalini Yoga teacher in Los Angeles sent us this Ayurvedic tea for lubricating the joints. Gurudev tells us that the almond oil is a very important part of this recipe. Turmeric is called "the internal healer" in Ayurveda. Turmeric is also a blood purifier and is best known for its ability to help the female reproductive organs. Some research indicates that turmeric may be of value in preventing diabetes and cancer.

ALLERGIES

[YEA]  09/08/2008: Carolyn from Northwest, Ohio writes: "I vote "yea" for Turmeric as a cure for allergies:

I suffered from hayfever type allergies seemingly constantly since we moved to our new house in Jan of '07. During that summer, my symptoms were so severe I couldn't be outside for 5 minutes without having a severe hayfever attack. I took OTC meds daily but they were getting harder to buy as they all got moved behind the pharmacy counter, plus they took hours to start working.

I sought out earth clinic and wrote down my top 5 cures for allergies, thinking I would start trying them in the spring of '08. But in the Winter of '07 I rescued a rabbit that needed to eat hay twice a day. Of course I was allergic! I decided to try Turmeric as it was the cheapest remedy. I started taking 2 capsules a day (720 mg caps) in February '08. Within 5 days I noticed a great improvement. After a few months with this regime, I started noticing my allergies getting less severe and less frequent. After 4 months, my husband told me, "You don't have allergies anymore!"

I wanted to share, as well, that I have very bad seasonal allergies requiring daily anti-histamine treatment, plus eye drops and nasal spray. As a side effect of taking the turmeric capsules (I must assume as nothing else has changed), I do not have allergies today. It is very hot and dry and I was in the garden for hours today... it is the height of allergy season. I realized I had not taken anti-histamines for two days but have no allergies. I really didn't expect that!!!!"

[YEA]  01/19/2008: Shane Murphy (shane_murphy@comcast.net) from Chicago, IL writes: "I am a severe allergy sufferer but I am taking turmeric and its helping alot I hope this continues to help me, I am currently taking it for my allergies it completly stoped them, Thanks so much. Sincerly, Shane Murphy"

[YEA]  01/11/2007: Lorelei from Utah writes: "I'm so glad I read about turmeric for allergies. It seems too simple, but after trying and failing with ACV and honey, the turmeric worked miracles! Every time I stop taking it, the allergies come back. I'm allergic to our 2 dogs and cat, dust, and practically every plant out there. I was popping pills and snorting drugs daily, so the fact that this works is amazing. Two months pill free -- we'll see when spring hits! At first I was putting it in my drinks and whatever food I could, but now I fill gel capsules with turmeric, and take 2 to 5 a day (up to a tsp worth), depending on how sneezy I am. If I do it regularly, I can get away with only 1 or 2 capsules a day. You can also buy capsules, but they seemed pretty expensive (as long as you don't mind staining your fingers yellow to make your own). Sometimes I take a little extra Vit C too, depending on how I am feeling, but it doesn't seem to matter too much for me. As a side note, if your eyes get itchy, put a wet chamomile tea bag on them. That seems to help too."

[YEA]  08/18/2006: Gail from Minnesota writes: "I had difficulty breathing all last winter. My chest felt so tight it was hard to get a breath. I was taking care of my daughter's two cats and dog in addition to my own cat. I have mild allergies to these animals but this many probably was an overload. I read on the internet, maybe here, that turmeric is anti allergenic and anti-inflamatory. I took a teaspoonful every day in a glass of water. After three days I could breath perfectly. I will continue to take this for as long as I live. I heard on the news that this is the worst hayfever season in a long time. I'm having almost no symptoms at all."

[YEA]  07/23/2006: Betty from Wheeling, WV writes: "I started taking increased doses of Vitamin C a number of years ago at my doctor's recommendation for a tendency to bruise easily. One of the other unexpected benefits is that my sinuses cleared up. I used to wake up sneezing and would continue throughout the morning, sometimes through the entire day, year round. After experimenting with different dosages, I am now on a maintenance level of 2000 mg of Vitamin C daily and this keeps my allergies under control usually 50-51 weeks out of the year. Occasionally, I may have a flare-up and need something else. When that happens, I stir 1 teaspoon of ground Turmeric into an 8 oz. glass of water and drink it. Within 15 minutes, I am breathing freely once again and no more sneezing!"

ARTHRITIS AND JOINT PAIN

[YEA]  01/07/2008: Linda from Eugene, OR writes: "I just want to thank the people who set up this website. I was experiencing paintful arthritis in both shoulders and I found your site and read about using Turmeric. That was several weeks ago and now I can truly say that taking the Turmeric has changed everything! The pain is nearly gone. I still have some slight discomfort, but nothing like I was going through before the Turmeric. I am praising God for His wonderful herbs and for inspiring all of the folks who write in with their testimonies. I take two 400 mg capsules three times a day and one 500 mg ginger capsule 3 times a day. This site is the best!!! Plus, I have contacted several people on the site who were so helpful and responded with great advice and encouragement. Health and blessings to all."

[YEA]  09/17/2007: Cathy from Richland, Washington writes: "I have had terrible pain in my knees for the last 2 years and have had to give up most activity. Just paid for more xrays from MD and got same response.. its arthritis degenerative.. take lots of ibuprofen every day and reduce exercise.. like I could reduce from nothing! I ahve been taking turmeric and fish oil/flax oil combination oil for 4 days and I worked a 14 hour shift all on my feet and my knees don't hurt!!!!!!!"

[YEA]  09/02/2007: Phyllis from Taranaki, New Zealand writes: "Arthritis -- I believe in turmeric, but sweat a lot. Is this normal?"

[YEA]  Reem from Karachi, Pakistan writes: "I have used turmeric as a joint pain remedy and it has always worked for me. I usually take 1 tsp in hot milk and it relieves all forms of body pains, joint pains."

[YEA]  Bill from Califon, NJ writes: "I have had severe knee and lower leg pain for over one year. All the doctors say my knees have normal wear and tear but they always hurt and especially at night. I took 1600 mg of turmeric (800 x2 day) and after about six weeks the pain almost all gone and flexibility is returning."

BOILS

[YEA]  01/23/2008: Shery from Paris, France writes: "I always believed in magic and you proved it today. I have had a big ugly and terribly painful boil on my stomach for a few days. I know this must be because of hair follicle infection as well as fat (yeah yeah, stomach with loads of fat, and hair on it too. hmmm not nice but real). It has been very painful and I am on mission in Nepal of all places. So I googled "boils" this morning to make sure they were not cancerous, and I fall on your website and the turmeric suggestion. Since I do happen to be in Nepal where everyone believes in ayurvedic medicine, I went to the hotel kitchen and asked for turmeric, and drank a full glass of water with a tablespoon of it. Yuck but the waiters were telling me that they drink this with milk to cure their sore throats. I went back to my room and forgot it although I smelled quite bad. 4 hours later, padam, the front of my pants got totally wet with blood and pus. The boil burst open and I burst out laughing. Your remedy WORKS; I thank you so much and will keep this website bookmarked for life."

Within 24 hours of taking the Turmeric, my feet have COMPLETELY stopped hurting!!!I plan to continue taking at least one capsule a day indefinitely as a preventative for recurring boils, and as an apparent remedy for my Heal Spurs!!! The real miracle here is that I don't even believe in natural remedies! Thanks so much for the great advice!!!"

[YEA]  11/14/2006: Danny from Dallas, TX writes: "Turmeric is undoubtedly one of the aces in ayurvedic medicine. I've seen my grandmother & then mother using turmeric for variety of skin problems & wounds, trust me it does work immaterial of what this modern day medicine claims. For those who find ingesting turmeric really difficult can boil a spoonful of turmeric in a glass of milk (sugar to taste) and drink it. It tastes great, try it!"

BOILS AND ACNE

BUNIONS

COLD AND FLU

[YEA]  01/10/2008: Ellen D. writes: "Turmeric: An Indian friend of mine gave me a recipe for sore throat, colds, flu, sinusitis: Take about a teaspoonful of turmeric powder, a teaspoon full of grated fresh ginger (or equivalent of dried ginger powder), a pinch of ground black pepper, honey or sugar to taste, and put it into about half a cup of water and bring to a boil. Then add about half a cup of milk, heat to just below boiling point, and drink the mixture slowly, while hot. I also supplement this treatment by inhaling steam and keeping a hot water bottle on my head, throat or chest. I used to have colds that lasted two weeks; now I can get over them within three days. - Ellen"

[YEA]  12/13/2007: Shireen from Khartoum, Sudan writes: "I am a true believer that every illness has a cure in nature without being tampered with, but I have never heard of turmeric to cure coughs and sinuses.Since I found your website by sheer coincidence, while searching for a natural remedy for my wheezing cough and river-running nose, I thought I'd give turmeric a try( 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp honey with 1 cup of warm milk)VIOLA! I could breathe again. Thank You So Much EC, you're a life saver."

[YEA]  11/15/2007: Susan from Yuma, AZ writes: "I started taking turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon once a day in about 1/4 cup of water after my mother told me it quited her cough. I have a cronic cougn especially when my body temperature changes. It is amazing my cough has stopped. However, I have terrible knee pain and sciatic pain but am not sure if I am feeling much relief. I will continue and see what happens."