How to Take Turmeric

In the 1970s, it was discovered that turmeric was both anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. Curcumin, the chemical in turmeric, may also help to fight cancer. Turmeric is a common spice used in foods and curries in India. It aids digestion and inhibits blood clotting to help prevent heart disease. It is best to take a teaspoon of the root three times a day to gain the health benefits from turmeric.

Things You'll Need

• Ground turmeric
• 1 cup warmed milk
• Honey
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1/4 cup cashew nuts
• 1/4 cup raisins
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Wok
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Vegetable gel caps

Instructions

1. Select whole or ground turmeric from a local health food store. Make sure it is pure turmeric that isn't already mixed into a curry. If you purchase whole turmeric, you will need to finely ground it with an electric grinder.

2. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric with a cup of warmed milk early in the day. Use honey to sweeten the drink. In Ayurvedic medicine, an ancient health practice in India, turmeric and honey are used to help with anemia, and turmeric and milk are used for asthma.

3. Boil the rice with the cashew nuts at lunchtime. Drain once your rice is done and add the raisins. Season with a teaspoon of turmeric, and add ground cumin and coriander to taste.

4. Saute a serving of you favorite vegetables with 1 teaspoon of turmeric for 5 minutes in a wok at dinner. When you are done, toss the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

5. Fill your gel caps with extra turmeric if you weren't able to include enough in your diet for the day. Take the filled gel caps with a glass of water. Gel caps can usually be purchased at health food or herbal stores.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid use of turmeric if you have a gallbladder disease.

References

• World's Healthiest Foods
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Delicious Living