The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Gean (Salina, KS) on 06/13/2009:
I had the same experience, and so did two other people I know. For a few days (3 or 4) I felt great with only a few hours of sleep, and then I started to feel unwell and confused. My friend became irritable and emotional. I had to cut way down on the turmeric dosage. It must work as a stimulant, maybe. I started going up on the dosage again, and then when it started to keep me up at night (or wake me up at odd hours) I would take a break from it. Experiment to see how much you can take without losing sleep. Believe me, it will catch up with you.
Turmeric for Fatigue: I have Chronic Fatigue along with Mercury toxicity and started taking Turmeric for a tooth infection/ sensitive tooth. A GREAT side effect was energy! It only took a few days to get started. I take about 4 capsule in morning and 4 at lunch (homemade caps with turmeric from spice aisle). WARNING: Don't take before bed. I couldn't sleep for a few nights until I figured out it was giving me energy.
I must say I agree the positive effects of turmeric. I have had weak adrenals all my life, chronic fatigue for the last 16 years since my first child was born. Tried many things which helped, but when I started taking turmeric about 3 weeks ago, two days later my energy level increased by about 80%, and my mental fog suddenly lifted. I became much more motivated and organized. I experimented with dosage:
First day I took a whole Tablespoon of the powder mixed with honey, but it was overdose (my heart was pounding and I had to lie down for a few hours).
Next day, I took 1 teaspoon mixed with water or milk 3 times a day. No side effects, a little more energy. By the 3rd day much more energy, and by the fourth day, cleaned my whole house without having to rest at all. Brain fog gone suddenly.
The next day, I got Turmeric and tried taking 1 three times a day. Became irritable and disoriented with so much. Now I take 1 capsule (500mg) every morning, and I feel great, can be active all day without getting tired.
I take it 6 days, 7th day off. Plan to take 7th week off, 7th month off.
Turmeric should not be taken by anyone who is on blood thinners, since it further thins your blood.