Quick facts
| Botanical name | Curcuma longa |
|---|---|
| Other names | Haldi |
| Part used | Rhizome (root) |
| Common forms | Powder in food; turmeric milk; Haridrakhanda; curcumin capsules; pastes for skin. |
Ayurvedic properties
Ayurveda describes every herb by its taste (rasa), qualities (guna), potency (virya), post-digestive effect (vipaka) and effect on the doshas.
| Taste (rasa) | Bitter, pungent |
|---|---|
| Qualities (guna) | Dry, light |
| Potency (virya) | Heating |
| After digestion (vipaka) | Pungent |
| Effect on doshas | Balances all three; especially Kapha |
Traditional uses
- Skin conditions and wound healing
- Joint pain and inflammation
- Cough, cold and allergies (Haridrakhanda)
- Blood sugar (Prameha)
These are uses described in Ayurvedic practice; they are not all supported by clinical research.
What research shows
Very limited
Limited
Moderate
Strong
Curcumin, turmeric's main active compound, has modest evidence for osteoarthritis knee pain in several trials. Evidence for other uses is limited. Curcumin is poorly absorbed, so supplements are often combined with black pepper (piperine) or special formulations.
Safety
Avoid or ask a doctor first if you have:
- Gallstones or blocked bile ducts (supplements)
- Pregnancy — food amounts are fine; avoid supplements
- Before surgery — stop supplements 2 weeks ahead
Possible interactions
- Blood thinners and antiplatelet medicines — higher bleeding risk with supplements
- Diabetes medicines
- Piperine-boosted products increase absorption of many other medicines
Side effects
Culinary amounts are safe. High-dose curcumin supplements, especially with piperine, have been linked to liver injury. Loose turmeric powder has sometimes been adulterated with lead chromate to brighten colour — buy from reputable brands.
Stop and seek medical advice if you develop yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, a rash, or feel unwell after starting any herbal product.
Buying safely
- Buy licensed products whose label shows the manufacturer's name and address, an AYUSH licence number, batch number and expiry date.
- Prefer products that name the botanical species and the part used.
- Be wary of products promising cures, “no side effects”, or rapid results — some have been found to contain hidden steroids or other drugs.
- Tell every doctor and pharmacist about all the herbal products you take.
- Report side effects through the Ministry of Ayush pharmacovigilance programme. See our Ayurvedic medicine safety guide.
Related conditions
Turmeric (Haridra) is discussed on these condition pages:
Other herbs
Ashwagandha Triphala Tulsi (Holy Basil) Guduchi (Giloy) Brahmi Shatavari Amalaki (Amla) Neem Guggulu Kapikacchu Yashtimadhu (Liquorice)
Please note: this page is general education, not medical advice. Take herbal medicines only on the advice of a qualified practitioner who knows your health and your other medicines.