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The Side Effects of Turmeric Root

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a spice grown in India and other tropical and subtropical countries around the globe. Turmeric "root" (actually a rhizome, a horizontal, underground stem that sends out shoots and roots) is sometimes used raw but is more often dried and powdered. The Western world has long been familiar with turmeric as a food seasoning and food colorant but has only recently become interested in its health benefits. Its lengthy history as a foodstuff might lead some consumers to conclude that turmeric is completely safe to use as a health aid. However, like virtually every other medicinal substance, man-made or natural, turmeric is not free from side effects, especially when taken in excessive doses.

  1. Digestive Effects

    • Practitioners of Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese herbal medicine use turmeric to treat digestive disorders. However, according to MedlinePlus, turmeric at high doses or after prolonged use can itself create digestive problems, including stomach irritation or upset, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea and even ulcers.

    Gallbladder Effects

    • In animal tests during the 1990s, researchers M. S. Hussain and N. Chandrasekhara found that curcumin (turmeric's most biologically active component) inhibited the formation of gallstones (Ravindran et al., eds., 2007, pp. 326--327). According to MedlinePlus, turmeric induces gallbladder contractions. These findings suggest that turmeric could be beneficial for persons with healthy gallbladders. However, it could present problems for those with existing gallstones or bile duct obstructions.

    Uterine Effects

    • Turmeric is a mild uterine stimulant that aids menstrual flow. For this reason, women should avoid using turmeric for medicinal purposes during pregnancy. Turmeric in normal dietary quantities should not pose a problem. (MedlinePlus reports that the Indian population's average dietary turmeric consumption ranges from 2 to 2.5 grams a day.)

    Skin Staining

    • Turmeric was once used as a fabric dye and is still widely employed as a food colorant. Handling turmeric powder or a turmeric rhizome after cutting it open will stain your hands. Eating and drinking preparations made from fresh or dried turmeric can stain the corners of your mouth. For stains on skin, apply a paste of lemon juice and baking soda and rinse it off after a few minutes. The stain may take a few days to disappear. Turmeric's pigment degrades when exposed to sunlight, so moderate sun exposure can help the stain fade faster.

    Considerations

    • To avoid worsening an existing condition or risking an adverse reaction with drugs or supplements you are already taking, talk to your doctor before beginning a course of treatment with turmeric or supplements made from the turmeric compound curcumin. If your physician is not familiar with turmeric, consult a qualified naturopath or a specialist in Ayurvedic or traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Do not take dosages larger than those recommended by your healthcare professional or (in the case of supplements) the manufacturer.

    Clarification

    • The plant goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is sometimes called turmeric root, wild curcuma or Indian turmeric. Like true turmeric, it has a rhizome that is used for a host of medicinal purposes. However, goldenseal is a member of the buttercup family and is distinctly different from Curcuma longa. Unlike turmeric, goldenseal is known to have serious, potentially fatal adverse affects at high doses.

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