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Turmeric's function in the medical field

Turmeric's function in the medical field

Author: Promkes RSST - RSUP dr. Soeradji Tirtonegoro Klaten

Categories: spices, turmeric, turmeric powder, turmeric curcuma

The turmeric plant originates from Southeast Asia, turmeric is a type of plant that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, which has a pseudo-stem formed from the leaf sheaths. The main part of the turmeric plant is its rhizome, which is where the buds grow. The main compounds contained in turmeric rhizome are curcuminoids and essential oils. Turmeric has properties as a herbal medicine and traditional remedy. The compounds contained in turmeric (curcumin and essential oil) play a role as antioxidants, antitumor, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antitoxic agents. Traditionally, turmeric is used by people in various countries to treat diseases such as those caused by parasitic microbes, insect bites, smallpox, stomach ailments (diarrhea, constipation, bloating), digestive disorders, liver disorders, asthma, to relieve itching, to eliminate skin diseases, and to reduce pain.

Turmeric has been known for its skin care properties and its ability to help heal wounds.

Turmeric has long been recognized as a highly beneficial rhizome and has been used in traditional medicine as a wound remedy. The extract of turmeric rhizome is useful in the wound healing process. Turmeric rhizomes have cooling, cleansing, drying, and anti-itch properties. The main benefits of turmeric plants are as ingredients in traditional medicine, raw materials for herbal medicine and cosmetics industries, cooking spices, livestock feed, and more. The rhizome of the turmeric plant is also beneficial as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, cancer preventive, and anti-tumor agent. The content in turmeric that provides color and functional properties is curcuminoids. This compound is one type of antioxidant and is beneficial, among other things, as hypocholesterolemic, cholagogue, choleretic, bacteriostatic, spasmolytic, anti-hepatotoxic, and anti-inflammatory.

The turmeric we have is the best quality.

Turmeric provides several beneficial compounds for the body.

These include curcumin, sesamethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, resin, starch, carbohydrates, protein, cellulose, fat, vitamin C, antioxidants, bitter substances, iron, phosphorus, calcium, and essential oils. With the presence of beneficial compounds for the body, it can be consumed in moderation.

Let's take a look at the health benefits of turmeric:

  1. Boosting the Immune System Turmeric contains curcumin, which works to enhance the immune system. improves the body's defense system against disease-causing viruses or bacteria.
  2. Treating Inflammation The compound in turmeric called curcumin is an antioxidant that has potent anti-inflammatory effects.
  3. Reducing Nausea The curcumin content in turmeric will be absorbed into the human bloodstream and reduce pressure on the stomach. By consuming turmeric, the pressure on the stomach feels lighter and more relieved, thereby reducing nausea.
  4. Overcoming Bloating Curcumin in turmeric helps reduce gas pressure in the stomach and aids the stomach in stopping excessive acid production.
  5. Reducing Menstrual Pain For women who experience menstruation, sometimes the stomach feels painful and causes discomfort during activities. For women, the turmeric tamarind herbal drink, which is believed to relieve menstrual pain, is certainly not unfamiliar. This is because the curcumin content in turmeric can relax uterine contractions. Turmeric also helps reduce the influx of calcium ions into the uterine epithelial cells, as well as decrease the production of prostaglandins, which are hormones that cause pain.
  6. Treating Cancer Metastasis Considering the existence of several types of turmeric, to treat cancer metastasis, you can use white turmeric. This is due to the presence of curcumin, which can inhibit the growth and spread of cancer.
  7. Allergy Medicine The presence of curcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin in turmeric functions as an anti-allergic compound that can help relieve itching in the body.
  8. Fighting Bacteria Another health benefit of turmeric is its ability to fight bacteria. For those of you who are experiencing a stomach ache, you can drink warm turmeric solution which can help alleviate it.
  9. Treating Stomach Ulcers If you are experiencing stomach ulcer pain, you can try consuming a turmeric solution first and drink it regularly. Turmeric can help reduce the frequency of recurring stomach ulcer symptoms. The curcumin content in turmeric can control the excessive production of stomach acid and bile.
  10. Relieving Intestinal Inflammation Intestinal inflammation or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can cause digestive problems. If intestinal inflammation is left untreated, it will cause intestinal contractions that result in chronic diarrhea. By consuming turmeric, it can reduce the intensity of stomach pain caused by intestinal inflammation. The benefits of turmeric are due to its antioxidant content and curcumin, which smoothens the performance of digestive muscles.
  11. Fighting Infections Another health benefit of turmeric is its ability to combat infections in the body. The content of white turmeric can fight the growth of fungi and bacteria in the body.
  12. Caring for the Liver Research indicates that turmeric extract can prevent liver damage and keep it healthy. It is advisable to always have turmeric at home as a form of anticipation and an initial way to address illnesses. You can also buy herbal medicine containing turmeric so you don't have to bother cooking turmeric anymore.

Reference:

https://yankes.kemkes.go.id/view_artikel/776/si-kuning-kunyit-kaya-manfaat