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Fertility Nutrition

The Benefits of Turmeric for Fertility Health



Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Do you suffer from a fertility health condition that causes you pain? Consider adding turmeric to your nutritional supplement program or easier yet, add this gentle, yet powerful medicinal herb to your fertility diet.

Turmeric, the golden spice, is a component of Indian curry, is used in Asian cooking and gives color to yellow mustard, a popular American condiment. It is the golden to orange-colored rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant, a close relative of Ginger.

Why Turmeric is a Fertility Powerhouse

The polyphenol curcumin is turmeric’s active constituent that provides the medicinal value it is touted for – most notably as an herbal anti-inflammatory. Turmeric enhances the body’s ability to suppress inflammation by depleting the neurotransmitter responsible for pain, technically named neuropeptide substance P (polyphenols are known to do this as well as increase resistance to disease), and is analgesic or pain-relieving.

Turmeric is also a powerful antioxidant that has the ability to help the body fight free radicals, which hinders tissue degeneration and inhibits pro-inflammatory molecules.

“In vitro testing has found that this compound scavenges free radicals and protects DNA from oxidative damage. Interestingly, not only does curcumin have its own antioxidant properties, it also appears to enhance the strength of other antioxidants,” shares Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM, for Global Healing Center.

This potent antioxidant protects the liver, may even regenerate liver cells and, in part, stimulates the enzymes within the body that are responsible for flushing toxins from the body. This is important because, as the master detoxifier, the liver and liver health are critical for hormonal balance.

Research shows that turmeric has medicinal benefits for treating inflammatory conditions of the joints, muscles and nerves, autoimmune inflammation, autoimmune fertility health conditionss and may be helpful for those dealing with fertility health conditions like:

  • PCOS
  • endometriosis
  • uterine fibroids
  • ovarian cysts
  • premenstrual pain
  • amenorrhea due to lack of blood flow or blood stagnation

Research has also proven turmeric instrumental as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health (Nutrition & Herbs for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain), as a digestive stimulant and an antimicrobial when used topically. Studies have been conducted to evaluate the benefit of turmeric and curcumin use for arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV, HPV, and for inhibiting carcinogenesis (cancer formation) and tumor promotion (Current Pharmaceutical Design).

Recommended use of turmeric:

Capsule: 400 to 600 mg three times a day

1:1 Liquid Extract: 5-14 ml per day taken in 4-5 equal doses throughout the day

Powdered rhizome: 1 teaspoon (approx. 4 g) 1-2 times a day added to your fertility diet.

Note:

Planta Medica

Turmeric Recipes


Here are four easy, tasty ways to incorporate turmeric into one’s Fertility Diet. Make a basic Turmeric Tea that can then be transformed into Turmeric Chai, a dairy-free Turmeric Latte and/or a Turmeric Fertility Smoothie.

Turmeric Tea

Ingredients
3 cups water (24 ounces)
2 teaspoons ground turmeric or 6 teaspoons freshly grated turmeric
1 teaspoon ground ginger or 2-3 teaspoons freshly grated ginger

  • Brew – place water, turmeric, and ginger in a non-reactive stainless steel or ceramic pot, bring to a gentle rolling boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Strain the tea through a fine strainer or cheesecloth-lined strainer.
  • Let cool and drink!
  • If you wish add a splash of fresh-squeezed lemon juice or raw honey to taste.

Turmeric Chai

Ingredients – to the above Turmeric Tea recipe, before bringing to a boil add…
1 cinnamon stick*
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
5 cracked cardamom pods
3-5 whole cloves
a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

  • Brew – place water spices in a non-reactive stainless steel or ceramic pot, bring to a gentle rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Strain the tea through a fine strainer or cheesecloth lined strainer.
  • Let cool and add 1 cup of fresh homemade almond milk or coconut milk, plus sweetener of your choice like real maple syrup, 1 teaspoon local raw honey or Active Bee Power Royal Jelly** (either are my personal choice) or stevia.

*Ground cinnamon should not be substituted for a cinnamon stick. It becomes mucilaginous and bitter when cooked, making this tea gritty and hard to strain.

Turmeric Latte/Turmeric Milk

Dairy-free

Ingredients
1 cup Turmeric Chai
1 cup fresh homemade almond or coconut milk
1 teaspoon sweetener of choice – local raw honey or Active Bee Power Royal Jelly**

When cooled a bit (no longer steaming), blend ingredients in a blender for several minutes until frothy (please don’t blend the mixture when hot). Pour in your favorite mug and enjoy!

Tropical Turmeric Fertility Smoothie

Dairy-free

Ingredients
1/2 cup Turmeric Chai
1/2 cup almond milk
1/4 cup fresh frozen Pineapple
1/4 cup fresh frozen Papaya
1 Tablespoon chia seeds
1 Tablespoon hemp seeds
1 Tablespoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon Active Bee Power Royal Jelly
1 Tablespoon Fertilica Maca Powder

Combine, blend and enjoy!

Pineapple, mango, and turmeric have anti-inflammatory benefits, while chia and hemp seeds add fiber and provide essential fatty acids. Royal Jelly and Maca are nourishing fertility superfoods that provide a variety of nutrients, support endocrine system function and, in turn, hormone balance, egg health, and healthy estrogen levels.

**Do not add raw honey or Active Bee Power Royal Jelly to hot or boiling liquid. Do not use if you have a known bee allergy.

Contraindications:
There is a mild potential for allergic reaction to turmeric, although rare. According to the German Commission E, turmeric is contraindicated for persons with gallstones who should consult their healthcare provider before using turmeric, as should those with ulcers, hepatitis or jaundice, who are having surgery, and who have clotting disorders, or are taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Is Turmeric Safe for Pregnancy?
Turmeric used in preparation for pregnancy at the recommended dose has no known side effects. Each resource I examined had a differing view on its use in pregnancy. Many referred to its ability to help stretch ligaments making it cautioned in pregnancy. Please make a personal, educated decision on the use of turmeric during your pregnancy.

The Golden Spice

Turmeric stands up to its name as the golden spice. It is listed as far back as 600 BC in an Assyrian herbal monograph and mentioned in the writings of Dioscorides, the Greek physician who wrote the book that is said to have inspired modern research into medicines, called De Materia Medica. In the 19th century it was even used as a hair dye. Beyond this, turmeric is one of the more extensively studied medicinal, culinary herbs readily available to herbalists today.

“Turmeric gives the energy of the Divine Mother and grants prosperity.” ~ Dr.’s David Frawley & Vasant Lad

References

About the Author

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist and Lead Educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a BS in Mass Communications (2000) from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Arts degree (MA, 2010) in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Liz has written over 200 articles on women's fertility and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in holistic health and healing to Natural Fertility Info.com