Benefits of Turmeric Tincture
Turmeric is a spice related to ginger that's used in curry dishes. It contains an ingredient called curcumin, which is responsible for giving foods a golden hue. A tincture of turmeric combines the spice with an alcohol base, such as ethanol, for topical applications, or vinegar, for oral consumption. Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine have long used turmeric tinctures for their wide range of health benefits.
Heart
Turmeric has qualities that boost cardiovascular health. The National Institute of Health notes that early studies show that turmeric can lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein, better known as bad cholesterol, as well as total cholesterol, in the blood. High cholesterol is often a contributing factor in cardiac disease. Turmeric has also been found to lower levels of fibrinogen, a protein that has been linked to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Bones
A study conducted at the University of Arizona in 2006 by Janet L. Funk, M.D., and Barbara N. Timmermann suggests that a turmeric tincture may also be effective in treating osteoporosis. In the study, turmeric was shown to block bone reabsorption, which is the main cause of osteoporosis.
Inflammation
Turmeric has long been used to treat inflammation, and the University of Arizona study proves the spice's effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disorder. In the animals tested, the use of turmeric completely inhibited the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. The spice worked by inhibiting the production of proteins responsible for inflammation. The study also suggests possible applications of turmeric to treat other inflammatory disorders.
Anti-Cancer Agent
Tests conducted at the University of Texas found that turmeric may prevent and block the growth of some types of cancer cells, including melanoma, breast and colon cancer. In addition, the NIH notes that several earlier studies have demonstrated that turmeric can block the growth of certain tumors. Advocates of turmeric as an anti-cancer agent also note that countries where higher amounts of turmeric is consumed report reduced rates of colon cancer.
Antioxidant
Turmeric's antioxidant powers are so strong that the spice preserves the shelf life of foods to which it's added. Antioxidants boost immune function by preventing cell tissue damage and have been proven to play an important role in protecting the brain, kidneys and liver from damage.
Antiseptic
The spice has long been used topically to treat skin injuries such as cuts and burns. The volatile oils in turmeric have anti-bacterial properties.
Tags: that turmeric, been used, Benefits Turmeric, Benefits Turmeric Tincture, block growth