TURMERIC FOR JAUNDICE: FRIEND OR ENEMY

Turmeric the wonderful, versatile herb has been used by many different cultures, to treat a myriad of diseases and ailments. Turmeric has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of sprains, cramps, bruises, and muscle pain. The healing properties of turmeric lie in the golden fingerlike stalk, or rhizome, the same part that is used to flavor, color, and preserve food. Turmeric is commonly found in Indian curries, giving the food a golden orange color. Turmeric has hundreds of molecular constituents, each with a variety of biological activities. Clinical and laboratory research indicates that diets that include turmeric or curcumin "stabilize and protect biomolecules in the body at the molecular level", which is shown in its anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic action. It is a cholagogue, stimulating bile production in the liver and encouraging excretion of bile via the gallbladder. This improves the body's ability to digest fats. For chronic digestive weakness and/or congestion turmeric is recommended. In spring more consumption of herbs and foods can strengthen the liver. It is said to shrink engorged hepatic ducts, so it can be useful to treat liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and jaundice. In Jharkhand jaundice is one of the very common diseases. People here believe that in jaundice one must not take yellow color food, so they use to avoid turmeric in jaundice instead of the fact that turmeric is a traditional remedy for jaundice and other liver ailments. So, keeping this in mind a small survey was carried out in Jharkhand. Our study suggests that most of the people here are firm believer of the myth that Turmeric cannot be given at time of jaundice. 95% does not know that turmeric is a good remedy for liver ailments. 90% of patients refuse to take turmeric when suggested by Dietician. Our study suggested that an awareness program is a must to help people know about goodness of this wonder drug.