--- title: "Turmeric: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Turmeric root is traditionally used for digestive complaints such as fullness, slow digestion and wind; it is not advised with gallbladder disease." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/turmeric/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) # Turmeric Curcuma longa T Traditional use Turmeric root is traditionally used for digestive complaints such as fullness, slow digestion and wind; it is not advised with gallbladder disease. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## At a glance The EMA classes turmeric root as a traditional herbal medicine for digestive complaints such as fullness, slow digestion and wind. Because it may stimulate bile flow, it is not recommended with bile duct or liver disease. The monograph has no indication for joints or inflammation. **Parts used:** rhizome **Key constituents:** Curcuminoids Updated: October 15, 2026 ✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs. ## What is it used for? - T Traditional use Traditionally used to relieve digestive disturbances such as fullness, slow digestion and wind. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Tea Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 0.5–1 g of chopped turmeric. **Amount:** 2–3 times daily **Duration limit:** See a doctor if no better after 2 weeks \[1\] ### Food Powdered turmeric: 0.5–1 g. **Amount:** 2–3 times daily \[1\] ## Safety & interactions Minimum age: 18 years - Not recommended with blocked or inflamed bile ducts, liver disease, gallstones or other bile disease. - Not recommended under 18. Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown. - If symptoms worsen or do not improve within the stated time, see a doctor or pharmacist. \[1\] ### Drug interactions No recorded interactions ### Side effects - Dry mouth, wind, stomach irritation (frequency unknown) #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Did you know? The EMA assesses turmeric for digestive complaints; joint pain is not in the monograph. \[1\] ## Frequently asked questions Does turmeric help joint pain? The EMA monograph has no indication for joint pain or inflammation; the assessment covers digestive complaints. How is turmeric taken? Take 0.5–1 g of powder, or a tea made with that amount, 2–3 times a day. Who should not use turmeric? People with gallstones, bile duct or liver disease, under-18s, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Does this cover turmeric in food? No. The assessment covers medicinal amounts, not turmeric used as a spice in cooking. ## Sources 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Curcuma longa L., rhizoma – Revision 1](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-curcuma-longa-l-rhizoma-revision-1_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2018 ### Cite This Page Turmeric (Curcuma longa). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/turmeric/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [Ginger or Turmeric?](https://herbadex.com/en/compare/ginger-vs-turmeric/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Flaxseed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/flaxseed/) A Strong clinical evidence Linum usitatissimum Taken with plenty of liquid, flaxseed may help soften stools in habitual constipation; drinking enough fluid with it is essential. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Ginger](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ginger/) A Strong clinical evidence Zingiber officinale Powdered ginger root taken before travel may help prevent motion-sickness nausea; it is also traditionally used for mild indigestion. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) +1 [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Peppermint Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/peppermint-oil/) A Strong clinical evidence Mentha × piperita Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) +1 [Essential Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) ### [Psyllium Husk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/psyllium-husk/) A Strong clinical evidence Plantago ovata Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Senna](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/senna/) A Strong clinical evidence Senna alexandrina A stimulant laxative for short-term relief of occasional constipation. No longer than 1 week; not for children under 12, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [St. John's Wort](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/st-johns-wort/) A Strong clinical evidence Hypericum perforatum St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Spice) [Spice →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Red Pepper Flakes](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/red-pepper-flakes/) A Strong clinical evidence Capsicum annuum Made by drying and crushing red chillies. Its capsaicin is used in effective nerve-pain creams; its effect in food is small. [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Saffron](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/saffron/) B Limited clinical evidence Crocus sativus The world's most expensive spice. Meta-analyses found 30 mg of saffron extract daily helped mild-to-moderate depression symptoms. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Black Pepper](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-pepper/) B Limited clinical evidence Piper nigrum The world's most widely used spice. Its piperine markedly increases the absorption of some compounds, such as curcumin from turmeric. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [General Nutrition](https://herbadex.com/en/for/general-nutrition/) [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Sumac](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/sumac/) B Limited clinical evidence Rhus coriaria A sour, red spice. Small clinical studies reported modest improvements in blood sugar and cholesterol in type 2 diabetes. [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.