Turmeric is a ‘miracle herb’. You have heard this one quite a number of times. But what makes this herb so miraculous.
Bioactive ingredients found in this herb are pleiotropic in nature- the same molecule can bind to a variety of enzymes and other molecular targets in the body.
Well, we have put together an exhaustive list of 100 health benefits of turmeric!
100 Evidence Based Awesome Health Benefits of Turmeric
Here is the long list of miracles that turmeric naturally provides us with. To ease the reading, we have provided a Table of Contentsbelow. Just click on the link to directly jump to section of your interest. You can minimise the table using the hide link at top of the table.
Turmeric Promotes All round Health

Turmeric has basic pharmacological properties which are beneficial in many health conditions.
1. It is an anti-inflammatory agent
The foremost reason to use turmeric in almost any health condition is its anti-inflammatory property.
Curcumin is the compound in turmeric that has potent anti-inflammatory property. As an anti-inflammatory agent, it inhibits the activity of nuclear factor kappa B- the master protein that
regulatesinflammatory process.
Like conventional anti-inflammatory agents, it inhibits the activity of inflammatory enzymes such as COX and LOX. Additionally, it inhibits the activity of various inflammatory chemicals and proteins such as TNF-alpha, interleukin etc.
One advantage over conventional anti-inflammatory agents is that turmeric does not cause gastric side effects. Curcumin free turmeric is also
found to have anti-inflammatory property.
2. It is a natural painkiller
Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory property contributes to its painkiller property. Its inhibitory action on inflammatory chemicals like prostaglandins and interleukins helps in reducing pain.
This painkiller property has been found to be useful in
dealing with post-surgical pain and burn
injuries.
Additionally, curcumin is also found to relieve neuropathic pain which is
similar to pins and needles sensation.
3. It is a potent antioxidant
Curcuminoids present in turmeric are
strong antioxidants. Their antioxidant activity is comparable to vitamin C and E. As antioxidants they function in 3 ways:
• Reduce oxidative stress or imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant species in the body
• Raise the level of antioxidant enzymes
• Scavenge free radical species that cause oxidative damage
Thus they ameliorate oxidative stress in conditions like diabetes and thalassemia.
4. It protects DNA from damage
Turmeric and curcumin have genoprotective property- they protect cellular DNA from damage. However, curcumin plays a dual role in DNA damage.
In case of cancerous cells, curcumin
induces DNA damage and sensitizes cells to chemotherapeutic agents.
However, this is not the case with normal cells. A study shows that by
virtue of its antioxidant property, aqueous turmeric extract offers 80% protection from DNA damage.
5. It helps in heavy metal detoxification
Turmeric benefits in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning by virtue of its antioxidant property and chelating (ability to bind to metal and remove them from the body) property.
6. Turmeric speeds up post operative recovery
Turmeric has a number of properties that benefit in restoring health and speeding recovery after surgery. Its anti-microbial and immune boosting properties help safe guard from infections.
Turmeric Helps Digestive System

Turmeric has gastroprotective properties which aids in digestion and protects from digestive disorders.
7. It improves digestion and stomach health
Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action is found to
protect the digestive tract from bacterial infections.
Traditional medicine states that turmeric is a carminative- it helps in relieving bloating. Turmeric is an effective digestive aid.
8. It benefits in GERD and acid reflux
Turmeric benefits in acid reflux or GERD in multiple ways. It improves digestion, exerts bactericidal effect on H.pylori infection, prevents the formation of ulcers, soothes inflammation and even protects from silent reflux.
9. It helps in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
10. It reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
11. Turmeric protects pancreas from disorders
Research
shows that curcumin can prevent and treat pancreatitis. Its anti-inflammatory activity benefits in pancreatitis.
Turmeric for Bones, Joints, etc.

Turmeric’s analgesic, anti-arthritic and bone protective property benefits in various disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
12. It reduces severity of various types of arthritis
Curcumin has multiple ways in treating rheumatoid arthritis:
• It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
• It improves antioxidant defences.
• It ameliorates autoimmune reactions.
• It protects bone cells.
Supplementation of curcumin in individuals
suffering from rheumatoid arthritis is found to significantly reduce pain and improve joint function better than conventional therapy.
13. It protects bone in osteoarthritis
Research shows that curcumin formulations outperform conventional anti-arthritic drugs prescribed in osteoarthritis.
14. It can help in healing of bone fractures
Traditionally turmeric has been used in treatment of bone fractures.
Topically turmeric paste is applied to affected region and
Turmeric Milk is also ingested to hasten healing.
The mechanism behind this is that turmeric controls inflammatory process and helps in reducing pain. Further turmeric helps protect bone tissue and aids in bone remodelling.
15. It helps in treatment of muscle disorders
Research
suggests that curcumin’s anti-inflammatory property can aid in treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, musculocartilaginous disorders, and sarcoma etc.
It also helps in relieving pain, preventing loss of muscle mass and improving antioxidant defences.
Turmeric Helps Hematologic system/Blood related disorders

As an antioxidant, turmeric benefits in various blood disorders.
16. It aids in treatment of thalassemia
17. Dietary turmeric may benefit in anemia
Dietary turmeric can benefit in anemia due to its antioxidant property which aids in normalizing antioxidant defences in anemia. Additionally, curcumin exerts a protective effect on red blood cells.
Curcumin’s iron chelating activity is speculated to cause iron deficiency in anemia but turmeric is a rich source of iron.( For more details
Read Can Turmeric Help in Anemia?)
18. Curcumin has anti-platelet property
Curcumin has blood thinning property- it prevents the formation of blood clots and reduces the risk of stroke.
Hence it is advised to avoid curcumin supplements with blood thinners. However, there is no evidence found in humans. This property of curcumin benefits in thrombosis.
(
Read – Turmeric and warfarin Turmeric and thrombosis)
19. It benefits spleen health
Turmeric’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property is found to benefit spleen health by boosting its immune function and protecting it from heavy metal toxicity.
Turmeric for Brain and Nervous System

Turmeric has neuroprotective properties that benefit in psychiatric disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and protect the brain and nerves from injury.
20. It alleviates depression
Indian researchers have proven that curcumin is as good as Prozac in treating depression and combination of curcumin and Prozac is effective in
treating depression than Prozac alone.
Scientific literature
proves that curcumin benefits in depressive disorders in multiple ways: as an anti-inflammatory agent, antioxidant, neuroprotective agent.
21. It benefits in post traumatic stress disorder
Preliminary studies
suggest that dietary curcumin can reduce reactivation of fear memories in post traumatic stress disorder.
22. It benefits in bipolar disorder
Dietary changes can benefit in bipolar disorder.
Curcumin’s multi-action potential in depression, its ability to downregulate inflammation in the brain as well as its ability to influence neurotransmitters can benefit in bipolar disorder. (
Read – Turmeric for bipolar disorder)
23. It can boost memory and help in learning disorders
Curcumin is found to restore memory and function that is impaired due to brain damage, neurodegenerative diseases or age related decline in brain function.
24. It can prevent Alzheimer’s disease
Curcumin can be helpful in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Its anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant property, ability to reduce beta amyloid plaques, metal chelating activity and memory boosting
property can help in treatment of Alzheimer’s. (
Read – Can Turmeric help in Alzheimer’s?)
25. It is therapeutic in Parkinson’s
Curcumin can aid in
treatment of Parkinson’s disease due to its antioxidant property and neuroprotective property.
Chinese researchers state that curcumin’s anti-inflammatory property and ability to prevent alpha-synuclein aggregation (a protein that contributes to development of Parkinson’s) can aid in Parkinson’s
treatment. (
Read – Turmeric for Parkinsons)
26. It helps in recovery after stroke
27. It benefits in epilepsy and seizures
Turmeric has anti-epileptogenic effect and helps in
reducing onset as well as occurrence of seizures.
Curcumin potentiates the effect of anti-epileptic drugs and also
reduces the dose of anti-eplieptic drugs required for treatment.
28. It reduces morphine tolerance/dependence
Opioid painkillers are prescribed as the last options for treating chronic pain. However these medications have side effects, are addictive and after a certain term of usage one also tends to develop tolerance them.
Research show that curcumin can act via the same method as opioid painkillers to mitigate pain.
Turmeric for Eye and Ear Related Disorders

Turmeric’ anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties benefit in eye and ear disorders.
29. It helps in treatment of uveitis
30. It can help in treatment of glaucoma and cataract
Curcumin’s antioxidant property is
beneficial in treatment of cataract.
31. It can potentially aid in tinnitus treatment
Research has not yet investigated the role of turmeric in treatment of tinnitus but few of its pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-microbial property benefit in this condition.
Turmeric for Oral Health
32. Turmeric holds health benefits in gingivitis
A pilot study demonstrates that curcumin mouthwash is as
effectiveas chlorhexidine mouthwash as an anti-inflammatory agent in treatment of gingivitis.
Oral turmeric gel helps in
reducing inflammation in gingivitis.
33. It gets rid of plaque
Turmeric mouthwash is
found to be more effective than chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing plaque and gum bleeding.
Turmeric gel is also
found to have anti-plaque activity.
34. It is therapeutic in treatment of periodontitis
Experimental study
reflects that turmeric benefits in periodontitis by suppressing bone loss and acting as anti-inflammatory agent.
It is also
proven to slow down progression of periodontitis.
35. It is effective in treating oral lichen planus
Regular application of turmeric ointment is
found to be effective in treating oral lichen planus completely in 3 months.
36. Turmeric benefits in oral ulcers
Curcumin
enhances healing of mouth lining in oral ulcer. Curcumin gel can help in
reducing number of ulcers as well as pain within 7 days.
Turmeric for Healthy Respiratory System

Turmeric is used traditionally to relieve many respiratory disorders such as cold, asthma and bronchitis.
37. It relieves cough and cold
One age old health benefit of turmeric is that instantly remedies flu. Turmeric Milk is a household
remedy in India for treating cough and cold.
Turmeric oil is found to relieve cough and sputum. Inhalation of fumes of burning turmeric helps relieving nasal congestion. (
Read – Turmeric for flu)
38. It is anti-asthma agent
Turmeric benefits in asthma in various ways.
Curcumin as an add-on therapy in bronchial asthma
reduces airway obstruction and improves breathing capacity. (
Read – Turmeric for asthma)
39. It protects from nicotine smoke induced damage
Curcumin and its related compounds work as antioxidants and help in
reducing oxidative stress caused by nicotine in lungs.
40. It helps in treatment of COPD
Curcumin, by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property, finds its use in various lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.
Turmeric for Liver & Gallbladder Diseases

Turmeric protects liver and gall bladder function from drug induced toxicity and disorders.
41. It protects liver from toxicity
Turmeric’s health benefits in liver health are not limited to anti-inflammatory action.
42. It protects from alcohol induced toxicity
Research shows that curcumin
protects from oxidative stress, gastric inflammation, brain and liver toxicity occurring due to excessive alcohol consumption.
43. It remedies non alcoholic fatty liver disease
44. It aids in liver fibrosis treatment
Curcumin curbs inflammation in liver fibrosis. It causes cell death and suppresses proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, cells that contribute to development of liver fibrosis.
45. It benefits in hepatitis
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory property benefits in hepatitis or liver inflammation. It also exerts anti-viral activity against Hepatitis virus.
It also protects liver from as well as restores liver function in case of drug induced hepatitis. (
Read – Turmeric for hepatitis)
46. It can prevent gallstone formation
Turmeric is found to cause gallbladder contraction which is why it should be
avoided when suffering from gallstones.
Turmeric Promotes Metabolic Health [ Diabetes, BP, Weight Loss]

Turmeric improves metabolic health by improving metabolism, cholesterol levels, causing weight loss etc.
47. Turmeric benefits in weight loss
Turmeric has anti-obesity property- it prevents fat deposit and improves metabolic health.
Curcumin supplementation hastens the outcome of diet and exercise in weight loss. (
Read – Turmeric & weight loss)
48. It reduces cholesterol levels
High dose curcumin supplementation reduces cholesterol levels in 12 weeks.
49. It is an anti-diabetic agent
Turmeric and curcumin work as anti-diabetic agents by reducing blood glucose levels, stimulating insulin secretion and
promotingpancreas function.
50. It reverses prediabetes
A clinical trial was
conducted where 240 individuals with prediabetes were treated with curcumin for 9 months. The dose was 6 capsules of 250mg per day.
After 9 months 16.4% of individuals in placebo group developed diabetes while none in the curcumin group developed diabetes.
Curcumin improved blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity and pancreas related beta cell function. (
Read – Turmeric for prediabetes)
51. It lowers blood pressure
Research shows that curcumin and its derivatives have vasorelaxant property or ability to relax blood vessels which reduces resistance to blood flow and hence reduces hypertension.
Turmeric for Endocrine System and Hormonal Disorders

Limited research has investigated the role of turmeric and curcumin in hormone related diseases and turmeric shows therapeutic potential in these disorders.
52. It benefits thyroid health
Use of turmeric in diet is associated with reduced occurrence of goitre. Curcumin is beneficial in reducing inflammation in thyroiditis.
53. It benefits in hirsutism
Hirsutism or excessive facial hair occurs as a result of hormonal imbalances. Traditionally turmeric is used as a home remedy for hirsutism as its topical application helps lighten facial hair and reduce the growth.
Additionally taking turmeric orally can help in easing out hormonal imbalances causing hirsutism. (
Read – Turmeric for hirsutism)
Turmeric for Cardiovascular System & Heart Diseases

Turmeric is great for heart health which makes it one of the most important reasons to include it in your diet daily.
54. It offers cardioprotection
Curcumin has a cardioprotective effect. It scavenges the free radical species and oxygen free radicals that worsen cardiac damage.
55. It reduces incidence of heart attacks
56. It helps in atherosclerosis
Dietary curcumin exerts antiatherogenic effect and helps in
reducingatherosclerotic lesions by virtue of its anti-inflammatory property.
57. It benefits in thrombosis
Thrombosis is formation of clot in the blood vessels which blocks blood flow and can develop into a serious condition.
Turmeric for Healthy Reproductive System
58. It reduces symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome
Curcumin by virtue of its anti-inflammatory property helps with the pain occurring in PMS and also modulated brain chemicals and thus alleviated mood changes and depression. (
Read – 8 ways Turmeric benefits in Menstruation)
59. Turmeric has multiple benefits in menopause
Turmeric is a phytoestrogen- a plant source of estrogen, a female hormone.
60. It helps in treatment of endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
61. It is therapeutic in uterine fibroids
62. It benefits in PCOS
63. It therapeutic in treatment of vaginitis and leucorrhoea
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial property aids in treatment of conditions like vaginitis and leucorrhoea.
64. It can help in treatment of toxicity induced male infertility
Curcumin protects against drug induced testicular toxicity.
65. It is therapeutic in prostatitis and benign prostate enlargement
Curcumin’s anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory property benefits in prostatitis and benign prostate enlargement. (
Read – Turmeric for male health)
Turmeric Benefits for Urinary System

Turmeric protects the kidney and benefits in condition like urinary infections, diabetic nephropathy etc.
66. It helps in treatment of urinary infections
Indian researchers have found that curcumin can inhibit growth of microbes causing urinary tract infections.
67. It protects kidney from disorders and toxicity
Curcumin’s antioxidant property is beneficial in treatment of various kidney diseases such as diabetic nephropathy, chronic renal failure, ischemia and reperfusion and kidney toxicity
caused medicines such as adriamycin, gentamycin etc.
Kidney inflammation is a common symptom of acute and chronic kidney diseases.
Turmeric Benefits for Skin

Traditionally turmeric is used to protect healthy skin and remedy skin disorders.
68. Turmeric shows potential in reducing aging of skin
Turmeric can
protect skin from wrinkles and sun damage induced aging. Curcumin’s antioxidant property is found to beneficial in managing skin aging.
69. It helps in treatment of psoriasis
Curcumin gel is found to be
effective in treating psoriasis like inflammation and its therapeutic effect is similar to that of clobetasol, a steroid used to treat skin disorders. (
Read – How turmeric can help in psoriasis)
70. It protects from sunburns and offers photoprotection
Curcumin is found to protect the skin from sun rays induced inflammation and is a viable sunscreen agent. (
Read –Turmeric for sunburn)
71. It can soothe eczema
Curcumin is found to
reduce inflammation of the skin under adverse conditions and also reduces radiation dermatitis.
72. It can help in treatment of acne
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory, wound healing and anti-microbial properties can aid in treating acne.
73. It hastens wound healing
Turmeric is traditionally used in wound healing. It speeds up the process and enables skin regeneration. (
Read –Turmeric for wounds)
Turmeric for Autoimmune Conditions
Turmeric regulates immune responses which is highly beneficial in managing symptoms of autoimmune conditions.
74. It has immunomodulatory action
Curcumin has immunomodulatory effects- it can regulate immune responses. This property is extremely beneficial in autoimmune disorders.
75. It helps in treatment of lupus
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are beneficial in lupus treatment.Its immunomodulatory properties help to regulate immune responses in SLE.
76. It ameliorates allergic reactions
Turmeric’s health benefit as anti-allergic agent is due to curcumin’s immunomodulatory property.
Based on this
property curcumin finds its use in treating asthma, skin allergy and food allergy.
However some individuals may be allergic to turmeric itself.
77. It is therapeutic in ulcerative colitis
Curcumin effectively treats inflammatory bowel disease.
Turmeric Helps Fight Infectious Conditions
Turmeric’s anti-microbial action helps in terminating infections.
78. It is a strong anti-microbial agent
Turmeric has been used traditionally to heal wounds because of it’s antiseptic property. Curcumin inhibits the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi.
79. It benefits in HIV in multiple ways
Curcumin is one of the natural lead compounds
recommended for treatment of HIV infection. It inhibits the replication of HIV virus in multiple ways.
80. It prevents HPV from progressing to cancer
Curcumin inhibits HPV and clears the infection. It also
prevents HPV infection from progressing into cancer. (
Read –Turmeric for HPV)
81. It is therapeutic in herpes
Curcumin inhibits the replication of HSV-1. Turmeric’s wound healing properties can help in treating warts and sores occurring in herpes. (
Read – Turmeric for herpes)
82. It can help in treatment of influenza
Very low concentrations of curcumin are
required to deactivate influenza virus. Curcuminoids display anti-viral activity against H1N1 and drug resistant H1N1 strain.
83. It is anti-Candida agent
Curcumin has anti-fungal activity against 14 strains of Candida. These findings are beneficial in treatment of Candidiasis, leucorrhea and oral thrush. (
Read – Turmeric benefits for Candida)
Turmeric for Cancer

Turmeric and its bioactive ingredient, curcumin are potent anti-cancer agents and work in multiple to prevent and treat cancer.
84. Turmeric kills cancer cells
Curcumin exerts strong anti-cancer property. It terminates the growth of cancer cells, prevents them proliferating and causes cancer cell death.
85. It is anti-angiogenic agent
Angiogenesis is development of new blood vessels and this is not beneficial in terms of cancer.
86. It prevents metastasis
Apart from preventing growth of cancer cells, turmeric benefits by preventing metastasis or spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
87. It increases chemosensitivity and radiosensitivity
Resistance to cancer therapy is one of the emerging problems in cancer treatment.
Curcumin is found to
increase sensitivity of various cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents and potentiate their anti-cancer effect.
88. It protects from toxicity of cancer treatment
Unlike chemotherapeutic agents, curcumin exerts anti-cancer effect only on cancer cells and protects normal cells.
89. It has chemopreventive potential
Turmeric benefits in cancer by
preventing cancer in the first place. Curcumin is
found to exert chemopreventive potential in oral malignant lesions, breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer.
90. Topical application of turmeric benefits in cancer
91. Turmeric benefits in 50+ types of cancer
Experimental and clinical studies demonstrate that curcumin can benefit in 56 types of cancer.
Turmeric Promotes Healthy Aging
92. It protects heart function from ageing related changes
Research shows that curcumin
protects from age associated stiffening of blood vessels. Curcumin consumption is as good as exercise in
improving blood vessel function.
93. It protects from age related bone loss
Curcumin
balances the rate of bone formation and bone absorption thereby protecting from loss of bone mass. It also protects post menopausal bone loss.
94. It protects brain from age related changes and boosts memory
Curcumin
protects the brain from age related cerebrovascular (blood flow in brain) function and also boosts mood and memory.
Its neuroprotective activity also reduces the chances of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
95. Turmeric boosts immunity and promotes longevity
Curcumin’s antioxidant property and ability to regulate aging associated genes can help promote longevity and
reduceoccurrence of age related disorders.
Turmeric also boosts immunity to protect from infections.
Turmeric & Nutrition
96. It reduces oxidation of cooking oils
Cooking with oils at high temperatures leads to oxidation of oils which forms compounds that on long term could lead to cancer and fibrosis.
Cooking fried foods after
dipping them in turmeric marination helps reduce oxidation of cooking oils.
97. It reduces oxidation of meat items and protects from carcinogens
Dietary turmeric
reduces the risk of cancer.
98. It protects from food pathogens
Turmeric vs. Conventional Medications
Turmeric’s multi-action mechanism and safety profile makes it a viable alternative and add-on therapy versus many conventional drugs.
99. It is better than steroids
One of the best health benefits of turmeric is the lack of side effects in comparison to steroids despite of similar pharmacological action. Curcumin is as
effective as steroids in managing chronic anterior uveitis.
100. It protects from side effects of drugs
Apart from its multi-action phenomenon in most conditions, turmeric is preferred over conventional medications because it does not cause side effects and also reduces the side effects of other medications.
Turmeric Dosage For Health Benefits
Simply including turmeric in diet makes a lot of difference to your health. 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder can be included daily in diet. You can find turmeric recipes here.
Start with low doses of Golden Paste say 1/4 to 1/2 tsp per day and follow for a week. If no side effects such as gastric discomfort are observed then increase the dose gradually per week. The suggested dose is 1-2 tsp Golden Paste 2-3 times a day (precisely 1 tsp 3 times a day).
If opting for turmeric supplements consult a health practitioner prior.
Precautions
Turmeric in dietary quantities does not pose any risk. Doses up to 8g have found to be safe but high doses can cause gastric side effects in real life. Avoid taking turmeric on an empty stomach. (
Does Turmeric cause acid reflux?)
Turmeric supplements should be opted for only after consulting a doctor. In conditions like gout or if you are at high risk of developing kidney stones it is advisable to opt for curcumin supplements because turmeric is moderately high in oxalates. ( Read
Is Turmeric safe in gout? Does turmeric cause kidney stones?)
Turmeric supplements should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation. Discontinue use of turmeric supplements 2 weeks prior to surgery. Avoid supplements if you are suffering from bile duct obstruction. (
Can you take turmeric in gallstones?)
When on blood thinners, it is safe to occasionally introduce turmeric in diet and take in small doses in diet but do not use curcumin supplements. In such a condition it is best to discuss this with your doctor.
Curcumin in turmeric interferes in drug metabolism and hence must not be taken concomitantly with any medication. A 3-4 hour gap must be maintained.
Conclusion
Now that you know about 100 health benefits of turmeric for general health as well as for particular conditions, you would definitely start with your daily turmeric dose.