Respiratory: Breathing problems; COPD, asthma, allergy (some inhibition of histamine production), hay fever (allergies), runny nose, sinusitis, cough, inhibition of some flu viruses

Eyes: Uveitis, conjunctivitis, delays cataracts

Cardiovascular: Improve circulation by opening up blood vessels, cardioprotective, and may help to decrease blood pressure

Gastrointestinal: IBS, Oral ulcers, Liver ailments - may be hepatoprotective, fatty liver, indigestion - German Commission E approved, flatulence, abdominal pain, bloating, loss of appetite, gallbladder, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, colitis), heartburn, gastric ulcers (inhibits H pylori)

Genitourinary: Menstrual difficulties, PMS, urinary tract infections, kidney protective

Musculoskeletal: Joint pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, swelling, wound healing, inflammation, gout

Neurologic: Memory, Alzheimer's (reportedly reduces inflammation and amyloid plaque formation)

Skin: Smallpox (helps relieve symptoms), chicken pox (helps relieve symptoms), wound healing including diabetic wounds, itching from chronic kidney disease, eczema, acne, insect bites and stings, itchy skin

Mental Health: Depression, fatigue, anxiety

Glucose: Helps regulate blood sugar

Cholesterol: Helps lower cholesterol (including triglycerides)

Immunity: May help support immunity

Cancer: Skin cancer (melanoma); colon/colorectal; breast, stomach, and mouth cancer (Naganuma et al. 2006)

Infectious Disease: HIV (may increase T-cell activity. Does not cure HIV), TB (decreases symptoms/inflammation - not a cure)

Other: May help weight loss

                                                       *   *   *

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, nausea, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, can worsen GERD, dizziness, increased bleeding, hypoglycemia, constipation

CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Gallbladder problems, GERD. Liver problems, clotting disorders, iron deficiency, infertility (may decrease fertility), and hormone-sensitive disorders (cancers, endometriosis, fibroids). Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). Great caution with blood thinners. Caution with antidiabetic medications. Iron deficiency. Medications metabolized by P450 3A4 (essential to read link), P450 1A1, and 1A2 (see list). It may interact with other herbal medicines—medications that can potentially harm the liver.

FORMS: Capsules, teas, tablets, extracts, powders, paste

Recommended Products

While turmeric from grocery‑store spice racks is healthy, it contains only small amounts of curcumin—the primary active compound—and does not provide targeted therapeutic effects. Specialized curcumin preparations offer higher concentrations and improved absorption. Many products include piperine (black pepper extract), which enhances bioavailability. Prices can vary significantly between brands.

Note: Some turmeric products have been found to contain contaminants or non‑turmeric particles. Choose reputable brands that undergo quality testing as those below.

• A1 Vitality Turmeric Curcumin 1000 mg 

• Doctor’s Best Curcumin Phytosome with Meriva 500 mg

• Gaia Herbs® Turmeric Supreme® Extra Strength 

• GNC Herbal Plus® Turmeric Curcumin 500 mg 

• Kirkland Signature® Turmeric 1000 mg — Costco brand

• Life Extension® Curcumin Elite™ 500 mg — Order through Life Extension 

• Qunol® Extra Strength Turmeric 1000 mg 

• Spring Valley™ Turmeric Curcumin Extract Gummies — Walmart brand

• Garden of Life® MyKind Organic Extra Strength Turmeric 100 mg (with ginger) 

• Root2® Turmeric Extract Curcumin C3 Complex® 1160 mg 

• Pure Encapsulations Curcumin Capsules — NSF certified, Fullscript link

• Thorne Curcumin Phytosome 1000 mg — NSF certified, Fullscript link

I only recommend herbal and supplement brands that meet high standards for safety, effectiveness, and transparency. I research each product before sharing. Some links—such as Fullscript, Life Extension and Nature Made—are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support the free educational content on this site. Many of these retailers also offer discounts, fast shipping, and helpful customer reviews.

Dosage

As directed on the product label. Some clinical and consumer sources describe a wide range of herbal amounts, and many are not supported by strong evidence. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Amounts used in studies vary widely depending on the formulation and purpose. These study amounts are not clinical recommendations and may not apply to consumer products.

According traditional Ayurvedic sources, NIH clinical studies and the FDA GRAS information

• General therapeutic range: 500-2000 mg daily for up to three months

• Osteoarthritis, Inflammation and joint support: 500-1500 mg daily (standardized extract 90-95%)

For detailed drug dosing and interaction information, refer to Epocrates online ($)

Note: Dietary turmeric alone provides minimal curcumin and does not reach therapeutic levels. Curcumin supplements—especially those combined with piperine—enhance absorption and effectiveness.

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. You must investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.