Turmeric Rhizome
CC-BY-SA-3.0Simon A. Eugster
TCMWesternAyurveda

Turmeric Rhizome

Turmeric, Indian Saffron, Golden Spice

Curcuma longa

powderdried

↑ Botanical Source

Scientific NameCurcuma longa
Family / GenusZingiberaceae | Curcuma
🌿
View Plant Profile3 preparations from this plant
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📊 Wikidata ↗🌿 GBIF ↗

Chemical Compounds

CurcuminAr-Turmeroneα-Zingiberene

↓ System Profiles

Nature (Temperature)Warm
Flavor
Acrid/PungentBitter
Meridians
Spleen MeridianLiver Meridian
CategoryInvigorate Blood
PinyinJiāng Huáng

Traditional Usage

Used for blood stasis patterns with pain, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, chest and abdominal pain, traumatic injuries, and wind-damp painful obstruction. Also used for jaundice and heat from deficiency.

Functions

Invigorates blood circulation, promotes the movement of qi, unblocks channels and alleviates pain. Clears heat from deficiency.

Indications

  • Blood stasis with pain
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Traumatic injuries
  • Wind-damp arthritis
  • Jaundice
  • Chest and abdominal pain

Modern Research

Extensively researched for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. Curcumin has demonstrated COX-2 inhibition and NF-κB modulation, supporting traditional uses for pain and inflammation.

Contraindications

Contraindicated in pregnancy (promotes blood circulation), and in cases of bleeding without stasis.

Incompatibilities

None specifically noted

Dosage

3-10g decocted. Best taken with meals to enhance absorption.

Classical Reference

唐本草

主心腹結積，疰忤，下氣，破血，除風熱，消癰腫。

日華子諸家本草

治癥瘕血塊，癰腫，通月經，治跌扑瘀血，消腫毒。

Comparison Notes

Compared to Yu Jin (鬱金): Jiang Huang is more warming and better for blood stasis with cold patterns. Yu Jin is cooling and better for blood stasis with heat.

📋 Preparation Information

Preparation DetailsRhizomes are boiled or steamed, then sun-dried. Fresh turmeric is also used but dried is more common in medicine.
AppearanceBright yellow-orange powder with characteristic earthy, slightly bitter aroma and warm, peppery taste
Storage RequirementsStore in airtight container, protected from light and moisture
Shelf Life2-3 years when properly stored

🍽 Common Usage

🍴
Culinary UseEssential ingredient in curry powders, used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cuisine
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Cosmetic UseUsed in skin care preparations for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties

↔ Related Preparations

🌿

Fresh Turmeric Rhizome

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🌿

Turmeric Extract

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Curcumin Supplement

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⚠ Safety Information

Pregnancy SafetyCulinary amounts safe. Therapeutic doses should be used with caution, especially in late pregnancy.
Drug Interactionsanticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, chemotherapy drugs

Warnings

  • ⚠May increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants
  • ⚠High doses may interfere with iron absorption