Expert: Dr. Thomas M.Walter, M.D. - 7/25/2010

Question
Hi,
I have heard that combining turmeric with green tea and ginger root is affective in rheumatoid arthritis and sarcoidosis. If it is what is the best dosage of three? I was thinking of steeping turmeric and ginger in green tea. Is thee any risk or side effect of combining all three? I have heard that turmeric is poorly absorbed which reduces its effectiveness, is there any way to increase its absorption or does the above combination increases turmeric absorption.
thank you, Sincerely shami

Answer
Hi,

    Sorry for my late answer as I was away on official tour.  

    Turmeric, botanically known as Curcuma longa, Linn. has got aromatic, carminative, stimulant and hepatic tonic actions.  According to the Traditional Siddha literatures, it is effective against vomiting, Vatha diseases, headaches, white discharges, sinusitis and rhinitis.  Turmeric is mostly advised for external applications only.  The internal dose ranges from 520 mg to 650 mg and is effective in treating Stomach ache and to strengthen the intestine.

    Ginger (fresh & dry) has carminative, stomachic, sialogogue, digestive, stimulant and rubefacient actions and is effective against cough, Pitha diseases, indigestion etc.  It is a Kayakapla medicine in Siddha & Ayurveda.  Ginger is advised to be taken with Honey, Lemon juice and milk.

    The combination of Turmeric, Ginger and green tea is not a familiar one and its safety and efficacy has no scientific validation in treating rheumatoid arthritis and sarcoidosis.  Care must be taken when taking turmeric internally.  I suggest you to take ginger along with green tea in prescribed combinations, leaving back turmeric.  For further details regarding Ginger and the preparations made out of it, kindly refer the following article by me.

http://www.siddhapapers.org/literary_re.html

Thanks,

Walter.

www.asksiddhadoctor.webs.com