Ingredients

Turmeric 

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L)is an orange-golden like spice, this spice is often used in Asian cooking. This spice is ground to a fine powder when used for cooking, but originally it is derived from a root called rhizome

It has also been used as a traditional medicine in many Asian cultures as well. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin, it provides pigment and is a polyphenol (polyphenol -*a group of compounds found in plants that contains antioxidants*)

The Polyphenol structure 

The molecular formula of curcumin is C21H20O6. 

Curcumin is made up of 77% of diferuloylmethane -(chemical name of curcumin) 17% Demothoxycurcumin -(research shows this has therapeutic aspects) and 6% bisdemethoxycurcin (increases the level of SIRT1- is a vital enzyme-(a catalyst that speeds up natural chemical reactions). SIRT1 is crucial for cellular health and metabolism.

Curcumin is a natural compound that isn’t bioavailable (doesn’t absorb easily into the body). This means it shouldn’t be taken on its own, curcumin is normally paired with piperine-(natural compound found in black pepper). Piperine increases the absorption of curcumin by 2,000%.

The complete list of health benefits that turmeric specifically(curcumin) provides are not fully understood but more research is being undergone. 

 It is important to understand in cooking and in medicine more doesn’t always mean beneficial. Turmeric supplements that are found in the medicinal industry aren’t very beneficial and research shows that they can negatively impact your health such as increasing the risk of acquiring kidney stones, they can also lessen the effects of pain relief medications like ibuprofen and aspirin. As well as that those with liver injuries should inquire with a health professional before taking them.

Turmeric and other spices are used for many home remedies though they do not replace traditional medicine, the use of it can be soothing when applied on a sore throat or when having a cold. Traditionally half a teaspoon of turmeric and half a teaspoon of black pepper into a cup of milk will help soothe a sore throat or cold.

Sources: 

Hopkinsmedicine.org

Sciencedirect.com

Healthline.com