Alright, it might be no surprise to you that turmeric is one of those marvellous medicinal spices since the ancient times (4000 years ago).
But did you know this golden spice can be beneficial for your menstrual health?
Curcumin is the active constituent in turmeric that provides the medicinal value it's so widely touted for.
According to one study, "more than 7000 published articles shed light on the various benefits of curcumin." (1)
Curcumin has antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, antitumor, anticancer, antiphlogistic, antidiabetic, antipsoriasis, antithrombotic, and antihepatotoxic effects, among others.
(whoa...that's a mouth full!)
Researchers have been extensively studying this spice and they have made some progress in understanding how turmeric may help support menstrual health.
I've done my research.
Here is some supporting evidence for the benefits of turmeric for your menstrual health.
A double blind, placebo controlled trial revealed the advantageous effects of curcumin in lessening the severity of PMS. (2)
In a small trial of PMS, curcumin at 100 mg/12 h was more effective than placebo. (3)
Curcumin has powerful intestinal repair properties important for the maintenance of a healthy digestive system and for hormonal balance. (4)
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant capable of eliminating free radicals. Research suggests that curcumin has anti-carcinogenic activity by increasing the detoxification of carcinogens. (5)
Curcumin stabilizes blood sugar and therefore can support women with hormonal imbalance and PMS. (5)
A study conducted in China claims that curcumin prevents the growth of endometriosis endometrial cells by reducing the production of hormone estradiol. (6)
Studies have shown that curcumin can be taken as a natural anti-inflammatory agent for PMS pain relief. (7)
Curcumin has diverse neurological effects and a positive effect on mood (3)
Dietary Turmeric
Here's one way I like to use turmeric in my diet. Enjoy this turmeric latte recipe and let me know what you think.
“Turmeric gives the energy of Divine Mother & grants prosperity.”
-Dr. Frawley & Lad
Honey Cardamon Golden Milk
Serves: 1
Ingredients
1 inch of turmeric root, grated
1 cup almond milk
1/2 tsp cardamon powder
pinch of cinnamon for garnish
1 teaspoon sweetener of choice – raw honey or maple syrup
Instructions
Boil ingredients (except the sweetener) together in a pan. Strain to remove turmeric pieces. Blend ingredients in a blender for a minute until frothy. Add a natural sweetener, sip and enjoy!
I'd love to hear from you. Do you suffer from PMS? How do you nurture your menstrual health?
Much love and lady flow care,
Elaine Clark, nutritionist, writer, women's health pioneer, and founder of LADYFLOW. Elaine is creating a movement of women living in sync with their hormonal wisdom and creativity. Elaine works with health conscious women to feel at home in their body and awaken to their creative potential. She offers a variety of tools to support women with her workshop offerings, retreats, and wellness products.
References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26066364
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26051565
3. http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2015-12/curcumin-and-premenstrual-syndrome
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2898551/
5. (4)Michael T Murray, N.D, & Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine Third Edition New York, NY: Atria
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941414/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3011108/
