Turmeric has medicinal properties and is used in many traditional medicines around the world. Does turmeric have a therapeutic effect on depression, a modern and increasingly common disease?

How is turmeric used?

Turmeric is also known as turmeric, turmeric… Scientific name is Rhizoma Curcumae longae.

The part used is the dried or cooked rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), ginger family (Zingiberaceae).

According to traditional medicine, turmeric has a slightly bitter, spicy taste, warm properties, and is classified into the Liver and Spleen meridians; has the effect of promoting qi, breaking blood, relieving pain, and regenerating tissue; treats irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, chest pain, shortness of breath, postpartum abdominal pain in women, abdominal clots, or blood stasis due to trauma; stomach ulcers; slow-healing wounds.

Turmeric has been used as a herbal medicine, colorant, spice, and food additive for thousands of years in many parts of the world, especially in Asian countries.

Turmeric has been used in many traditional medical systems, including traditional Islamic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and Ayurveda. It is used to treat digestive, cardiovascular, liver, and neurological disorders, as well as inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, and to boost the immune system.

Curcumin, a diarylheptanoid derivative found in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties; controls obesity and metabolic problems; improves memory and mood disorders.

Turmeric has many health benefits and is used in many traditional medicines.

Can Turmeric Treat Depression?

Depression is a common mental health problem worldwide today. Millions of people of all ages are facing this disease. Depression affects a person’s mood and thinking.

Depression manifests itself through a variety of symptoms, ranging from psychological symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, lack of concentration to physical symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, sleep disturbances, loss of interest in everything and negative thoughts. This affects the patient’s daily life.

Over the years, trials investigating the effectiveness of turmeric in the field of mental health have continued to increase in both animal models and humans. It has been hypothesized that curcumin may be effective in treating the symptoms of a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression.

Several studies have shown that curcumin may be effective as an adjunctive treatment in depressive disorders. Research by Sanmukhani et al. has highlighted the potential antidepressant effects of curcumin in animal models, similar to conventional antidepressants such as fluoxetine and imipramine. The mechanism of action is related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric.

Inflammation has been linked to the development of depressive symptoms. Curcumin’s properties may help inhibit the production of inflammatory factors, improving inflammatory symptoms in people with depression.

Curcumin has also been found to have a positive effect on anxiety symptoms, which are common in people with depressive disorders. The mechanism that may explain the beneficial effect of this spice on anxiety levels is that curcumin promotes the conversion of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid with sedative-like properties.

Zhu et al.’s 2019 study, which examined the neuroprotective effects of curcumin, reported that regular use of curcumin may be associated with improved cognitive function. Furthermore, depression is a risk factor for dementia, so the diverse neuroprotective effects of curcumin may further support its use in patients with depression.

Curcumin is generally well tolerated by patients and has no side effects. It is conceivable that adding turmeric to standard care may improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with depression.

Many studies have shown that turmeric is effective in treating depression.

Popular and effective ways to use turmeric

• Mix with warm water: This is the simplest way. Mix 1 – 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder with warm water (about 40 degrees Celsius), stir well. Drink daily to aid digestion and increase resistance.
• Combine with honey: Mix turmeric powder with honey to enhance flavor and increase curcumin absorption. You can mix this mixture with warm water or drink it directly.
• Combine with milk: Dissolve turmeric powder with warm milk to create a delicious and nutritious drink.
• Make pills: Mix turmeric powder with coconut oil or olive oil to form a thick mixture. Roll into small balls and store in the refrigerator. This method makes it easy for you to carry and use every day.

In addition, fresh turmeric or dried turmeric can be boiled and drunk, using 6 – 12 g per day.

Notes when using turmeric to treat depression

• Turmeric only supports treatment, not completely replacing other treatment methods.
• You should research and choose a reputable place to buy the product, ensuring safety when using.
• You should use turmeric in moderation, do not overuse this ingredient.
• Patients should consult a doctor before using turmeric or any treatment support measures.