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 the turmeric, available on grocery store spice racks, is healthy for you, it has only a small amount of curcumin (the medically active substance of turmeric); it will not have much in the way of targeted therapeutic properties. Special curcumin preparations have. There are many products available that contain curcumin. A number of these contain perperine (pepper), which helps increase absorption in the stomach. Note that prices from one product to another can be significantly different.

Note: Be aware of tainted turmeric brands - many products have several non-turmeric particles (i.e., insect fragments and contaminants)

• A1 Vitality Turmeric Curcumin 1000 mg (Amazon link)

• Doctors Best Curcumin Phytosome with Meriva 500 mg (Amazon link)

• Gaia Herbs® Turmeric Supreme® - Extra Strength (Amazon link)

• GNC Herbal Plus® Turmeric Curcumin 500 mg (Amazon link)

• Kirkland Signature® [Costco] Turmeric 1,000 mg (Costco Brand)(Amazon Link) 

• Life Extension® Curcumin Elite™ 500 mg (Life Extension Link With Summer Sale)

• Qunol® Extra Strength Turmeric 1000 mg (Amazon Link) 

• Spring Valley™ Turmeric Curcumin Extract - Natural Peach Mango Flavor  Gummies (Walmart Brand)

• Garden of Life® My Kind Organic Extra Strength Turmeric - 100 mg (with ginger) (Amazon Link)

• Root2® Turmeric Extract Curcumin C3 Complex® 1160 mg curcumin complex (Amazon Link)

Note: I partner only with reputable, high-quality affiliate herbal and supplement brands to bring you products that meet standards for safety, effectiveness, and transparency. I do the research so you can shop with confidence. 

While you can buy these directly from companies, I use Amazon as an affiliate. When you click on the Amazon links to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — a simple way to support this free website and its mission. Additionally, they have helpful reviews. I often find that they are discounted and have expedited delivery. 

I also use the company Life Extension here as a direct affiliate link. It also has small commissions. They often have sales on their products or shipping.

DOSAGES: As directed

Reported doses – May NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

• 1.5-3 g for up to 3 months

• Allergic Rhinitis: 500 mg by mouth once daily

• Depression: 500 mg by mouth daily or twice daily

• Dyspepsia: 500 mg by mouth daily or 2 times daily

• High Cholesterol: 80 - 4000 mg by mouth daily (start on the lower side of dosing or discuss with a healthcare provider)

• Fatty liver disease 9non-alcoholic) 70 mg curcumin daily

• Osteoarthritis: 40-100 mg by mouth 2 times daily

• Psoriasis: Apply tonic to scalp 2 times daily

• Stress: 500 mg by mouth 2 times daily

• General therapeutic range: 500–2000 mg of curcumin extract per day.

Note: Dietary turmeric alone provides minimal curcumin, far below therapeutic thresholds. Curcumin supplements—especially those combined with piperine (black pepper extract)—enhance bioavailability 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.