Randy,
Thanks for the turmeric information. I also agree, it is so important to check with your doctors before beginning any alternative treatments.
I read this piece and remembered some research I had come across while helping Brad look for something that would work. This is mainly the guidelines one would find in the box with the medicine but I thought it might be of interest so I am sharing it here..
Christine
TURMERIC
What is it? Turmeric is an herbal medicine used to treat inflammation (swelling), upset stomach, and arthritis. It is also used to prevent cancer, clogged arteries, and infections.
Other names for Turmeric include: Curcumin, Curcuma longa, Indian Saffron, Curcuma, and Indian Yellow Root.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.
Before Using: Tell your doctor if you …
are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
are breastfeeding
have liver or gall bladder blockage, gall stones, hyperacidity, or stomach ulcers
have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease
Dosage: Talk with your caregiver about how much Turmeric you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Turmeric. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.
To store this medicine: Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.
Drug and Food Interactions: Do not take Turmeric without talking to your doctor first if you are taking:
Blood thinning medicine (examples: aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix®), ticlopidine (Ticlid®), warfarin (Coumadin®), enoxaparin (Lovenox®))
Warnings:
Before taking Turmeric, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Patients with liver or gall bladder blockage (obstruction), gall stones, hyperacidity, or stomach ulcers should not take Turmeric
Do not take Turmeric if you have a bile passage blockage
Turmeric should be taken on an empty stomach
Side Effects: Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.
Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
Chest pain
Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin
Other Possible Side Effects: You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.
Bitter taste in your mouth after using Turmeric
Can cause stomach ulcers if used for a long time
Skin problems
References:
1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R et al: Botanical Safety Handbook. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL; 1997.
2. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A et al: The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, Austin, TX; 1998.
3. Garg SK: Effect of Curcuma longa (rhizomes) on fertility in experimental animals. Planta Med 1974; 26:201-300.
4. Fetrow CW & Avila JR: Professional's Handbook of Complementary and Alternative Medicines. Springhouse Corporation, Springhouse, PA; 1999: 646-649.
5. Stoner GD & Muktar H: Polyphenols as cancer chemopreventive agents. J Cell Biochem 1995; 22(Suppl):169-180.
6. Srivastava KC, Bordia A & Verma SK: Curcumin, a major component of food spice tumeric (Curcuma longa) inhibits aggregation and alters eicosanoid metabolism in human blood platelets. Prostgland Leukotr Ess Fatty Acids 1995; 52:223-227.
7. Srivastava R, Dikshit M, Srimal RC et al: Anti-thrombotic effect of curcumin. Thromb Res 1985; 40:413-417.
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Copyright © 2006 Thomson MICROMEDEX. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. The information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Additionally, the manufacture and distribution of herbal substances are not regulated in the United States, and no quality standards currently exist. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
