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Botanical illustration of Turmeric

Plate XIV · Rhizome

Turmeric

Curcuma longa

The golden rhizome behind curry's colour, used in South Asian cooking and Ayurvedic practice for thousands of years.

Type
Rhizome
Family
Zingiberaceae
Origin
South Asia

Turmeric is a leafy plant in the ginger family, grown for its rhizome: an underground stem with a vivid orange interior. India grows most of the world's supply. Dried and ground, it gives curries, mustards and many traditional dishes their golden colour.

How turmeric is prepared

The rhizomes are boiled, dried and ground into the familiar powder, or extracted for supplements. In ASPHODEL Soursop Bitters, turmeric is paired with its botanical cousin, ginger.

Tradition, research, and what is established

We keep these three things separate, because they are not the same.

Traditional use

Turmeric has a long place in Ayurveda and other South Asian traditions, where it is used in cooking, in ceremonies and in traditional remedies, including as a warming digestive spice.

Preliminary research

Turmeric's best-known compounds are curcuminoids, especially curcumin. They are widely studied, although curcumin is poorly absorbed on its own and results vary with preparation and study design.

Established

Turmeric is a common food spice. Concentrated turmeric supplements may interact with blood thinners and some other medications, and they are not recommended for people with gallbladder problems. Rare cases of liver injury have been reported with turmeric supplements, so speak with a healthcare professional before use if you take medication or have a medical condition.

Reading a supplement label

On a supplement label, look for three things: the scientific name (Curcuma longa), the part used (typically the rhizome), and the amount per serving listed in the Supplement Facts panel. Those details, taken from the supplier's documentation, tell you more about a product than any marketing claim.

Turmeric in the ASPHODEL collection

In the ASPHODEL collection, you will find this ingredient in ASPHODEL Soursop Bitters. Each product page lists its ingredients and label details from verified supplier documentation, and the Botanical Journal explores the history and research behind the plants we work with.

Further reading on turmeric

Botanical reference: Curcuma longa on Wikipedia

This page is educational and describes the history and characteristics of a botanical. It is not medical advice and does not describe the effects of any ASPHODEL product.

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Products with Turmeric

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