Table of Contents

Turmeric has been shown to increase Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, fight depression, improve cognition, focus and libido, and protect the brain from inflammation. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is one of the most studied herbs in Ayurvedic , Siddha, Unani and Chinese healing. Turmeric has remarkable nootropic properties . And stands far above many modern medicines used to treat neurodegenerative diseases like depression, Alzheimer’s and stroke. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Turmeric is a perennial shrub native to southern Asia. It is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). And the Chinese name, jianghuang , literally means “yellow ginger.”

Most of the turmeric we get is grown in India. But turmeric is also cultivated in China, Taiwan, Japan, Myanmar (Burma), Indonesia and throughout Africa.

The primary chemical component in turmeric are a group of compounds called curcuminoids , which include curcumin (diferuloylmethane), desmethoxycurcumin , and bisdemethoxycurcumin. The best studied is curcumin which I’ll make reference to throughout this post on turmeric.

Turmeric also contains other important volatile oils including a- and b-turmerone, ar-turmerone , a-curcumen, and zingiberene. Some of which will also be referenced in this post.

Turmeric works on a molecular level to enhance neurogenesis . It boosts the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine . And is a powerful antioxidant helping to protect your brain from chronic, excess inflammation.

Turmeric is also used to treat digestive disorders, skin conditions, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, liver function, protect from damage to DNA, and treat chest and abdominal pain.

Here we’re going to explore how Turmeric benefits your brain.

Turmeric helps: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) : Research shows that the curcumin in turmeric boosts neurogenesis . The production of new neurons in your hippocampus is essential for learning, memory and mood. Low BDNF can lead to major depression, OCD, schizophrenia, and dementia. Neurotransmitters : The curcumin in turmeric boosts the feel good neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine . These neurotransmitters are critical for mood, cognition , libido and focus . Curcumin functions very much like antidepressant MAOI’s and SSRI’s used to treat depression and Alzheimer’s Disease. Curcumin can actually enhance the effect of antidepressants like Prozac and Effexor. Neuroprotection : The […]

Turmeric