Do you want curry with that?
Curcumin, also known as turmeric, is extracted from the root of the plant Curcuma longa, which belongs to the same family as ginger. Well, that’s not exactly how it works, but turmeric, also known as curcumin. It is possible that this is a herb that you could give to your pet. The color of turmeric root is somewhere between rust and a very deep orange. The cuisines of India and other countries in the East all make extensive use of this seasoning ingredient. It should come as no surprise that India is responsible for almost all of the world’s turmeric production. They also have the lowest rate of Alzheimer’s disease in the world despite consuming approximately 80 percent of it themselves.
Poultices, liquid extracts, and powdered forms of turmeric are all viable application methods. After drying, the roots are typically ground into a powder before being used. There are a variety of applications for turmeric, ranging from seasonings to dyes for fabric. The pigment found in the root can be used to make a wonderful colorful dye.
Curcumin, also known as the “essence” or “oil” of turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its antioxidant capacities. It is also shown to have a protective effect on the liver in addition to lowering blood cholesterol levels and preventing blood from clotting. Additionally, turmeric has been shown to have positive effects on the gastrointestinal tract, such as a reduction in gastrointestinal spasms and gas. In addition to that, it has antimicrobial properties. The antioxidant effects are on par with those of BHA and BHT, as well as vitamins C and E.
Recent research into the effects of this time-tested remedy on HIV has revealed encouraging results. In HIV/AIDS patients, it has been hypothesized that antioxidants found in plants might provide some degree of protection against the replication of viruses and the death of cells caused by oxidative stress (Immunology Today 15:209-213, 1994). Turmerin, which is a water-soluble component of turmeric and an antioxidant, was shown in pilot studies to inhibit the growth of human CEM-T cell lines that had been infected with HIV. In a separate piece of research, the combination of turmerin and AZT led to a noticable decrease in the amount of p-24 antigen that was released, but more importantly, it led to a significant increase in the amount of cell viability. Therefore, using turmerin in conjunction with AZT offers increased protection while simultaneously reducing the drug’s toxicity. (Hari H.P. Cohly, Sabah Asad, Suman Das, Michael F. Angel, Rajeswara Rao, and Stan Reed, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5G 1X8, Canada)
How exactly will all of this information benefit your four-legged companions?
In addition to its use as a liver tonic, turmeric is frequently administered to animals suffering from a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, cancer, inflammatory diseases, kennel cough, feline respiratory infections, liver disease, pain management, dental issues, and a variety of infections. Turmeric is also sometimes employed as a treatment for various infections.
This potent herb has the potential to offer your pet a wide variety of beneficial effects to their health.
It is recommended that you do not use it in pets that have gallbladder stones or bile duct obstructions. Additionally, prior to the administration of any herb or supplement, it is always best to consult with your local veterinarian.