People use turmeric root, a ginger relative, in food and traditional remedies. Its curcuminoids deliver antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
People take turmeric to help joints stay comfortable and flexible, aid digestion, protect the heart, and reinforce immune defenses. Some also use it for clearer skin and quicker muscle recovery after workouts.
You can get turmeric from the spice in food, or in supplement capsules, tablets, and powders. For better absorption, take turmeric with a meal that contains fat, or choose a supplement that includes piperine from black pepper.
High doses may cause stomach upset. Turmeric may interact with blood-thinning drugs, so talk to your doctor before using it if you take these medications. People with gallbladder conditions should avoid turmeric. Taking it alongside iron-rich meals might reduce how much iron your body absorbs.