Turmeric for Cancer

| Modified on Jan 30, 2024
Turmeric for Cancer

By Leesha Chamberlain
August 19, 2014

With the prevalence of cancer affecting nearly one in every three people in today’s society, researchers have literally been in overdrive to try to find a cure that works. But what they may have initially missed is a cure, or at least a deterrent and preventative treatment, that comes straight from nature. Now, we know what you are probably thinking – “How could a natural remedy possibly treat something as pervasive as cancer that has eluded so many medical developments?” We were right there with you until we looked at the research itself and found out it was true.

I’ve Heard of Turmeric, But What Is It Exactly?

Turmeric is one of those spices that you have likely heard of but may not be overly familiar with, unless of course you are a devout fan of Indian and Asian cuisine. Either way, turmeric is a spice primarily grown in India and the tropical regions of Asia – hence its use in these exotic fares. The spice is one that has not only been used in cooking for centuries but also has a long history of medicinal use. With origins in herbal remedies from China, India, and Indonesia, the spice is now becoming more widely used across the world. It is not necessarily the spice itself that is so effective medicinally, though, but rather its active compounds, like curcumin, that make it a sought after medical treatment.

While most researchers aren’t announcing turmeric as the cure-all for cancer just yet, many are reportin the compound as one with “potent anti-cancer activity” including the potential to slow or even prevent the growth of cancer cells altogether. According to a study shared by Cancer Research UK, data shows that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can stop the growth of precancerous cells in a variety of different organs.

How Does This Spicy Remedy Work?

Understanding the function of the spice lends a little more light to the subject of treating cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, turmeric is considered a potential treatment for a few different reasons. Ultimately, the spice contains the active component curcumin, an ingredient with powerful healing potential. The American Cancer Society notes that curcumin is a potent antioxidant, so it protects your body’s cells from damage associated with activated molecules known as free radicals. Studies have even shown that the compound is effective for interrupting the molecular progression of development, growth, and spread of cancerous cells.

In addition to serving as an antioxidant, the supplement is also an active anti-inflammatory agent. As such, the remedy can also alleviate issues with inflammation in the system that may be contributing to cancer development and progression.

Not only is turmeric effective for treating cancer itself, but it can also help relieve symptoms associated both with cancer and other treatments for the illness. Historically, turmeric has been used to treat intestinal issues as well as immune deficiencies. The spice is also effective for relieving nausea, vomiting, and pain associated with cancer and treatment. The supplement boosts your immune system so that you are less likely to develop other illnesses in conjunction with cancer.

Is There Any “Real” Evidence?

As turmeric is a fairly new discovery for cancer treatment, more research needs to be done before it becomes a widely accepted treatment option. Nonetheless, several researchers have found promising data to support this claim.

The American Cancer Society mentions a study that found that curcumin can kill cancer cells in isolation in laboratory dishes. The same study also showed that any surviving cancerous cells grew much slower than before treatment. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center also states that curcumin improved general health of patients studied in regards to treating colorectal cancer.

According to research presented by Cancer Research UK, curcumin does have anticancer effects on cancer cells. Additionally, an American study conducted in 2007 demonstrated that curcumin used in conjuction with chemotherapy killed more cancer cells than chemotherapy alone. Research suggests that this treatment has the greatest effect on breast, bowel, stomach, and skin cancers.

Should I Know Anything Else About the Cure?

Obviously, turmeric as a cancer treatment is a relatively new development and more research needs to be done. As with any natural cure, we suggest working with your doctor to select an appropriate treatment plan that combines conventional medical practices with research-based natural remedies to attain the most health benefits. It is also important to note that curcumin is the most potent ingredient in turmeric for treating cancer cells, so many individuals seek a purer form of this compound to use for treatment. In any case, you can use the spice or its derivatives to make tea, use as a topical paste, or take as a capsule with many of the same health benefits.

From the looks of things, turmeric looks promising indeed.

References:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/ articles/archive/2014/03/02/curcumin-benefits.aspx
http://www.cancer.org/ cancer/cancerbasics/cancer-prevalence
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/ archive/2011/06/13/this-powerful-herb-changes-your-genes-to-combat-cancer.aspx
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/about-cancer/cancer-questions/can-turmeric-prevent-bowel-cancer
http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/turmeric
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/ complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/turmeric




Turmeric for Cancer User Reviews

3 User Reviews
5 star (1) 
  33%
3 star (1) 
  33%
1 star (1) 
  33%

Posted by Carolyn (Port Richey, Fl) on 12/20/2018
★★★★★

Hi, my dog had a tumor removed off her hip and the vet had to go deeper and did not have a good outcome. I researched and found that turmeric which its main ingredient being curcumin shrank cancerous tumors.

I started giving her 1000mcg of turmeric with some sought of fat, coconut oil was recommended in order for it to be more effective and adhere better in he bloodstream.

She went back to the vet 2 years later for just a check up and had no signs of any cancer, no lumps. He printed out a paper saying the same thing I found. That was 4 years ago and she is still acting like a puppy, she weighs 74 pounds and I give her now 1000mcg every other day.

ALSO, a friend, who is in her 80's was given 4 months to live and put on hospice last January. I started her on turmeric with any fat and she is OFF OF HOSPICE and doing very well. In my research, I found that India has the LEAST amount of cancer in the world. India is the highest consumer of turmeric, they use it on everything as a spice. I take it everyday for arthritis. I know the big pharma is getting wind of this because I have seen a commercial on tv for some med with turmeric in it and the prices of turmeric in capsules has gone up. If this isn't proof of turmeric shrinking cancerous tumors, I don't know what is.....

Replied by Becky
(Ca)
12/23/2018
31 posts

To Kelly/Turmeric

I sold an iPhone to a guy that was diagnosed with Deadly cancer, given a few months. He said he was using Turmeric and a year later still ok.

I was actually just looking Turmeric up, as I have taken it in supplements in the past. I found some to work while others did not. So confusing, as it says the spice doesn't have enough Curcumin in it and that what one wants... I cannot trust what is actually in them. Are you using the spice? How much in measurements of this would one take. I want to use for antifungal properties.

Replied by KT
(Usa)
12/23/2018

Hello Becky,

I order my turmeric and all spices from Penzeys Spices. I know their turmeric is good because it reduced my inflammation from too much MSG on ingestion. They no longer offer their catalogs but you can contact them at www.penzeys.com

KT

Replied by antoine
(london)
01/30/2024

Hi Carolyn,

Did you use curcumin 1000mcg per day or whole turmeric powder?

Curcumin capsules are an extract from whole turmeric. So curcumin and turmeric are not the same.

How much did you give to your 80 year old friend?

Which brand of curcumin/turmeric did you give your cat and friend and which brand of coconut oil?

In how much coconut oil did you mix the curcumin/turmeric?

When did you administer the curcumin/turmeric+coconut oil combo? First thing in the morning on empty stomach or with a meal or 2 hours after a meal or right before sleep?

Thank you


Turmeric for Cancer User Reviews
Posted by Cinnamon Vogue (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 09/22/2014
★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Turmeric may work to a very small extent because like cinnamon it modulates blood sugar levels. Research shows that sugar is the chief cause of most cancers. Taking out sugar therefore would be far more effective than Turmeric.

Turmeric apparently has a particular type of soluble oxalates which increases the risk of Kidney stones. So that limits how much you can take. For Turmeric to make a serious dent you would have to consume huge quantities of it.

But taken in moderation (no more than a 1/4 teaspoon per day) Turmeric probably will contribute to your overall health and well being. But not a cancer cure.

Replied by Snark
(Webasphere)
12/10/2014

Where did you get your info? Otherwise, I will need to ignore your post as hearsay.

Replied by Artemis
(New York City, NY)
02/03/2015

To "quote", , or even just mention the remarks/conclusions/studies of the American Cancer Society..on any reputable/natural site is a joke and totally negates any positive remarks pertaining to whatever remedy is the subject in the matter of cancer. They - the ACSociety are never ever going to give anyone a cure?.and anyone in the past who has come up with a natural cure which WORKED was not seen again!!! This is a multi billion dollar industry and our health and well being are not on the agenda of BIG PHARMA. I therefore must..and will not consider any related remarks on the subject seriously? or consider them at all for that matter? as do millions of other people/patients who have experience with the inept, ignorant, greedy, American Medical profession. A joblot of hilariously stupid people, thats what most MD's are. Take 95% of your education and toss it out the window as it does not apply to true healing. Think of the intelligence it must take to willfully administer chemo to a child, while wearing a biosuit and mask. Idiots think they have a clue what real medicine is.. They don't even know 1% about whole body healing." NUF SAID!!

Replied by Zilverb
(Tx)
01/31/2018
16 posts

I thank you, Artemis, for your insightful and accurate assessment!


Turmeric for Cancer User Reviews
Posted by Acurious1 (Rio De Janeiro, Brazil) on 09/10/2014

Greetings,

Just read the Earth Clinic article on the healing and protective benefits of turmeric. I would like to share a helpful note to readers, many who may now wish to incorporate an herb (rhizome, technically) they traditionally have not used. The properties of curcumin are most effective when it is heated first and consumed with black pepper.

We enjoy cooking with it and always remember to include freshly ground black pepper in the meal. Piperine is a property of black pepper that assists the bioavailability of certain herbs (like milk thistle and turmeric). The NCBI website has an article quoting the increase in absorption at 2000% when accompanied by piperine!

Best regards, Leslie

Replied by Al Thompson
(Los Angeles. Ca)
09/16/2014

The natural herb Turmeric (curcumin) has relatively poor bioavailability (absorption into the body). That is the reason to use black pepper (piperine) with turmeric. If you buy turmeric supplements, make sure it has "black pepper fruit powder" for superior absorption.

Piperine acts as catalyst to increase absorption by up to 900% or more. You can actually feel the difference - it's subtle, but noticeable.

Replied by Tony
(Tenn., US)
09/18/2014
★☆☆☆☆

Hello fellow EC members. I have to provide my input on the usage of Turmeric. I consumed turmeric for 6 straight months. I did take it with quite a few other supplements but it did nothing for me. I was using it for the anti-inflammatory effects mainly but also for the other properties it has as well.

I was taking the turmeric with black pepper for better absorption. I even added EVOO as well to help the absorption even more. I would mix 1/2 tsp. of turmeric with 1/8 tsp. black pepper & 1 tbsp. of Olive Oil. I would stir the mixture really well with a toothpick before consuming.

I took this mixture on an empty stomach as well. I did this 3X daily so I was getting 1 1/2 tsp. of turmeric daily. I saw absolutely no changes whatsoever in inflammation or any other of the supposed health benefits of turmeric. Just like so many other supplements I've tried I didn't see much benefit from taking it. I know that I have a wide range of health issues so 1 supplement isn't going to make a dramatic change for me.

I never did increase to taking more than 1 1/2 tsp. daily because I didn't see any benefit. Maybe I should have went up to 2 tsp.+ daily but I didn't want to take that chance. I should have at least seen some changes during the 6 months of using it so I just stopped consuming it completely. That was over a year ago & I don't plan on trying it again either. I know this particular article is about cancer so I can't reply directly about the anti-cancer properties of turmeric. Thanks & God Bless all of you guys!

Replied by Timh
(KY)
09/19/2014
2063 posts

Tony: It is common knowledge nowadays that Turmeric flavonoids are poorly absorbed rendering the common spice ineffective for benefits. Manufacturers have overcome this problem w/ products like Turmeric or Curcumin Phytosome which is way way more effective. The LET group also has had success in homemade Turmeric Liposome.

And over in Japan experts have perfected the aging and fermenting process of a combo of Garlic & Turmeric with supposed amazing benefits.

Replied by Tony
(Tenn., US)
09/19/2014

Hello again Tim. I just know taking the turmeric with the other substances to help with absorption did absolutely nothing for me.

It's nice to see some companies are trying to overcome the poor absorption rates for turmeric. I'm sure it s a great spice/supplement but my 6 month trial just flat out didn't help me.

Granted, I wasn't taking it to directly treat cancer but I did have it in my mind for cancer prevention. Thanks Tim for sharing your information & God Bless!

Replied by Timh
(KY)
09/20/2014
2063 posts

Tony: On the other end, there's the possibility of ulceration or leaky gut. All you have been doing and such little results. It's a constant problem for me but I have learned how to effectively remedy.

Replied by Tony
(Tn, US)
09/20/2014

Hello Tim! I don't doubt a bit that I have leaky gut. Tried numerous supplements to help remedy it but still gotten nowhere. Tim, unless I get the CAUSE of all of my health issues addressed then all of this supplementing for individual areas of the body will not do me any good. That's why I've turned to treating strictly viral overload. I went through months & months of treating candida with absolutely no progress.

I'm now on the BHT protocol suggested by Oscar but I'm considering taking that protocol up a notch to include high doses of Vit. C & Vit. E. I have nothing to lose here. My improvements have been very little throughout the last 3 years. Once I do improve things seems to go backwards shortly after. That's why I MUST continue to address the main CAUSE of my sickness.

I know viral overload from having herpes simplex for over 20 years is definitely the main culprit for my disease. If I don't get that under control then supplementing with all of these individual supplements aren't going to work.

I've got to knock out the pathogen(s) that are making me sick. Viral is the one thing I know for a fact that I have so I've got to attack & kill it directly before I can consider other supplements for the damage it's caused in my body. Thanks & God Bless!

Replied by David
(London)
10/06/2014

Tim, re leaky gut. Lots on info these day on the net. Have you tried reading GAPS by Natasha McBride-Campbell. She has had some success treating leak gut and details the protocol in her book. Every treatment works for some and not others. Inexpensive to try though.

Replied by Greentea
(Ca., US)
04/09/2015

@Tony. Did you ever heard of reishi & cordycept. It does wonder to your immune system and fights the bad viral that you have so in the long run you don't have to take other medicine for your problems. If you can afford it take 4 capsules a day of each and will help cure many health problems. If you're healthy, take one reishi and one cordycept a day for maintaining your health overall. I had use it for 2 years and the effects does wonder for my immune system that I don't get colds and flu any more. It keeps my blood pressure normal. Sugar level perfect. Cholestorol level perfect. Highly recommended supplement.



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