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How do I Determine the Appropriate Turmeric Dosage?

Sonal Panse
Sonal Panse

Turmeric, with the botanical name Curcuma longa, and belonging to the ginger family, is a root that is commonly used as a condiment in Indian cuisine, and is well-known for its many health benefits. Used directly in fresh root form or as a powder made from the dried and ground root, turmeric contains active components known as curcuminoids that give the root its distinctive yellow-orange color. The turmeric extract curcumin, which is used in concentrated forms in dietary supplements and nutritional supplements, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is considered to be extremely valuable. It has been used to prepare remedies for colds, ulcers, heartburn, irritable and inflammatory bowel syndrome. Turmeric paste can be applied to treat fractures, swellings, wounds, sunburn and acne. Patients suffering from psoriasis, cystic fibrosis and liver ailments have benefited from turmeric.

Turmeric can be taken in pill form as a dietary supplement.
Turmeric can be taken in pill form as a dietary supplement.

Regular turmeric dosage can protect against or control the effects of arthritis and diabetes. Curcumin is good for the brain as it regenerates and repairs brain cells and prevents the accumulation of amyloid protein, a harmful protein that is responsible for Alzheimer's disease. Research on turmeric and cancer has shown that curcumin can provide effective assistance in cancer treatment in killing off cancerous cells. It can inhibit the progression of prostate cancer, leukemia and multiple myeloma. Curcumin and turmeric have also seen to be quite effective against multiple sclerosis.

Turmeric powder.
Turmeric powder.

Various clinical tests carried out on turmeric deem it to be generally safe for regular use. In determining the appropriate turmeric dosage to take on a daily basis though, it is preferable to take it in moderation. A concentrated dose of 50 mg to 100 mg can be quite sufficient if taking a turmeric supplement or a turmeric capsule. Dietary supplements may not be necessary if turmeric is made part of the normal diet; a few pinches of it can be added to vegetables, soups, casseroles, rice and other foods during cooking.

Turmeric paste may be used to treat sunburns.
Turmeric paste may be used to treat sunburns.

If taken in excess, there may be some side effects such as nausea and stomach upsets. A more major problem with taking turmeric in high amounts is that it acts as an anti-coagulant, that is, it prevents the blood from clotting in the event of an injury. Too much curcumin in the system may prevent wounds from healing quickly, cause intestinal bleeding, and lead to further health complications.

Turmeric has been an beneficial supplement for people with cystic fibrosis.
Turmeric has been an beneficial supplement for people with cystic fibrosis.

Another issue to bear in mind is the chelating activity of turmeric. Turmeric dosage in moderate amounts can help the body get rid of a toxic excess of metals like iron and copper. If overdone, the chelating agents can impede the iron metabolic process, resulting in iron deficiency and anemia.

Discussion Comments

anon994516

I wonder what is a safe amount of fresh tumeric root to take daily compared to the powdered spice form?

anon950601

I love turmeric with warm milk. I could drink it many times a day, but considering side effects I take 1/4 tsp only once or twice a day. It must be organic.

anon944765

I take 400 mg a day for arthritis and swelling. It works great for me and I also add joint lube. I had cancer of the hypothyroid 10 years ago and I have to watch my immune system.

gingerg101

I love turmeric. I put it in my shakeology every morning. My husband has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's and I am adding turmeric to his diet as well.

anon334394

I suffer from chronic pain, and have several odd auto immune problems. Just diagnosed with B12 anemia and vulvadynea. I am in agony with pain. A friend suggested I take turmeric but I have no idea how much to take (I am not a fan of saffron or the taste of turmeric) in a supplement form? Is there anyone who could lead me in a direction of dosage? I am thin and 60. Please, any help would be appreciated.

anon164791

In fact I made small tablets with a mixture of turmeric, cane sugar and ginger to have it daily. It is easier to take it regularly.

anon137835

I have enjoyed adding a few shakes of tumeric to my morning cup of coffee; along with a few shakes of ginger and cinnamon. The taste is great!

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    • Turmeric can be taken in pill form as a dietary supplement.
      By: Sophie James
      Turmeric can be taken in pill form as a dietary supplement.
    • Turmeric powder.
      By: Elena Moiseeva
      Turmeric powder.
    • Turmeric paste may be used to treat sunburns.
      By: Rostislav Sedlacek
      Turmeric paste may be used to treat sunburns.
    • Turmeric has been an beneficial supplement for people with cystic fibrosis.
      By: joshya
      Turmeric has been an beneficial supplement for people with cystic fibrosis.
    • In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is considered valuable in the treatment of ulcers.
      By: p6m5
      In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is considered valuable in the treatment of ulcers.
    • Turmeric can be used to remedy irritable bowel syndrome.
      By: joshya
      Turmeric can be used to remedy irritable bowel syndrome.
    • Turmeric is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, which originated in India.
      By: Iryna Volina
      Turmeric is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, which originated in India.