Curcumin

Introduction
Benefits
Related Products
FAQs

Curcumin is the key active ingredient in Turmeric. It is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule found in the root of turmeric (Curcuma Longa). Curcumin has the ability to increase the amount of antioxidants that the body produces, which is used to manage pain and inflammation in case of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It helps to prevent the various inflammatory processes in the body occurring in the joints, heart, bones, brain, liver, pancreas, digestive tract, and the lungs and helps in the prevention of diseases affecting these organs.

What are the synonyms of Amla?

It is also known as Curcuma longa, Varvnini, Rajni, Halud, Pitras, Mannal, Pacchamannal, Common Turmeric, Indian Saffron, Haldi, Haridra, Jal, Haldar, Halade, Kanchni.

Benefits of Curcumin

1. Fights Bacterial & Viral Infections

Curcumin possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties that help in the prevention and treatment of various disorders affecting the respiratory system, heart, urinary system, and the bones. It directly kills the organisms and boosts the response of the immune system against them.

2. Reduces Indigestion

Curcumin stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes like bile and pancreatic juice thus adding the digestion. It relieves the symptoms of indigestion such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and constipation. Curcumin can improve the absorption of nutrients from the food thus enhancing the overall health of a person.

3. Protects Cardiovascular Health

Curcumin acts as a natural antioxidant, and helps protect the heart and the blood vessel by preventing the oxidation of cholesterol in the blood. Oxidized cholesterol is responsible for causing damage to the blood vessels by initiating the buildup of plaques. It can lead to the narrowing of the arteries causing reduced blood supply to the brain and the heart resulting in stroke. Curcumin, by preventing the oxidation of cholesterol, can help reduce the progression of these diseases.

According to ayurveda, high cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxins). This causes an accumulation of bad cholesterol. Curcumin helps control high cholesterol by reducing Ama because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. Curcumin helps lower high cholesterol and prevents blockage in blood vessels.

4. Regulates High cholesterol

Curcumin can lower total blood cholesterol, bad cholesterol (LDL), and triglycerides because of its substantial antioxidant property. Also, it is said that Curcumin can prevent the liver from producing cholesterol as well as lower the absorption rate of cholesterol in the body

According to ayurveda, impaired digestion produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) at the tissue level. This causes an accumulation of bad cholesterol. Curcumin helps control high cholesterol by reducing Ama because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also helps to remove the blockage from the blood vessels by eliminating toxins.

5. Manages Rheumatoid Arthritis

Curcumin helps neutralize the free radicals that are responsible for causing pain and inflammation in the joints, which eventually damage the cartilaginous structures. By acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, it helps prevent these changes in the joints and reduces the progression of the Rheumatoid Arthritis. It also provides relief from the pain and swelling in the joints and improves their flexibility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis also known as Aamavata in Ayurveda is caused by an accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the joints instead of being absorbed when carried to different locations through Vata. Curcumin helps to reduce Ama due to its Ushna (hot) potency. It also has Vata balancing property and gives relief from symptoms like pain and swelling in the joints.

6. Manages Osteoarthritis

Curcumin protects the cartilage from further damage with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and slows down the progression of osteoarthritis. It can also reduce pain in the joints and increase the joint mobility and flexibility.

According to Ayurveda, osteoarthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha and is known as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling, and joint immobility. Curcumin gives relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis due to its Vata balancing property.

FAQs

Is Curcumin good for high blood pressure?

Curcumin helps in blood pressure management by regulating the activity of angiotensin receptors. Curcumin might relax blood vessels, making blood flow smoothly, thereby lowering blood pressure.

In ayurvedic view, curcumin helps maintain high blood pressure because of its Tikta and Katu Rasa taste and Ushna virya property. These properties maintain smooth blood flow by relaxing the blood vessels.

Is Curcumin a blood thinner?

It’s suggested that Curcumin, a polyphenol (Chemical compound) present in Turmeric, has anticoagulant (substances that reduce the clotting time) properties. It prevents the formation of blood clots.

Can I take Curcumin if I have gallbladder problems?

Although Curcumin is safe to consume in food amounts, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking Curcumin supplements if you have gallstones. This is because Curcumin might cause intense pain in the abdominal region in gallbladder stones.

In the case of gallbladder stones, a high dosage of its supplements should be avoided due to its Ushna (hot) nature, although Curcumin is safe to be taken in food amounts.

Can Curcumin help you lose weight?

An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle, which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases the accumulation of Ama, causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu, thus resulting in obesity. Curcumin is useful to control obesity as it helps to improve metabolism and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It balances Meda Dhatu and thus reduces obesity.

Does Curcumin help to manage PMS?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to a cycle of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. It is a psychophysiological stress-induced disorder resulting in an imbalanced nervous system. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties that work on the nervous system and helps reduce stress. This helps ease the symptoms of PMS.

According to Ayurveda, an impaired Vata and Pitta circulate in different body channels, causing various PMS physical symptoms. Curcumin helps to reduce the symptoms of PMS because of its Vata balancing property.

Is Curcumin beneficial in case of cough?

Yes, Curcumin is beneficial in giving relief from cough, especially in asthma. The volatile oil is useful in removing sputum, relieving cough, and preventing asthma.

Can Curcumin remove dark spots?

Curcumin, the active constituent present in Turmeric, lightens dark spots if used regularly. Curcumin also has excellent antioxidant properties, preventing cell damage, and helps repair skin.

Curcumin has a property of Ropan and Rasayana. Because of these properties, Curcumin helps to reduce dark spots and gives clear skin.

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Disclaimer

This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on Foresta Organics. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your healthcare plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.