Traditionally used in Chinese and Indian folk medicine, turmeric benefits are amazing and able to treat a wide range of illnesses. The powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities of turmeric have made it a precious commodity for ages!
The golden root is a powerful anti-inflamatory that stops the growth of pre-cancerous cells, helps alzheimer’s, lowers bad cholesterol, and treats skin cancer. It’s also used to treat arthritis, heartburn (dyspepsia), stomach pain, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems and gallbladder disorders.
Turmeric Fights Depression
The list goes on and on, but perhaps the most interesting thing turmeric can do is treat Major Depressive Disorder. This is really good news, since Prozac and other drugs used in treating depression have serious side effects, including trouble breathing, bleeding in the stomach and thoughts of suicide.
In a recent study, Curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) equaled the effects of the prescription drug fluoxetine (the generic form of Prozac).
Researchers with the Department of Pharmacology of Government Medical College in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India performed a study comparing the effects of turmeric (curcumin) and Prozac (fluoxetine).
According to the study:
We observed that curcumin was well tolerated by all the patients. The proportion of responders as measured by the HAM-D17 scale was higher in the combination group (77.8%) than in the fluoxetine (64.7%) and the curcumin (62.5%) groups; however, these data were not statistically significant (P = 0.58). Interestingly, the mean change in HAM-D17 score at the end of six weeks was comparable in all three groups (P = 0.77). This study provides first clinical evidence that curcumin may be used as an effective and safe modality for treatment in patients with MDD without concurrent suicidal ideation or other psychotic disorders.
How To Make Turmeric Lemonade
Although there are many other ways to get your fill of turmeric, this recipe is particularly tasty. It can also be used in combination with this anti-anxiety lemonade.
Turmeric Lemonade Recipe ( 4 servings )
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cold filtered or sparkling water
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated or powdered turmeric
- 4 tablespoons 100% maple syrup, honey or Stevia if you are avoiding sugar
- Juice of 1 – 1/2 lemons or limes
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients into a small pitcher, stir and serve with a slice of lemon as a garnish.
References: ; collective-evolution.com
