Turmeric, Curcumin , Theracumin and Saffron

Turmeric is a root called a curcuma longa which is in the ginger family.

Turmeric contains curcumin which is the active ingredient found in the turmeric. It has been found that when used with black pepper and ginger you can increase the anti inflammatory action. Then to complicate things further the theracurcumin (Theracurmin is a curcumin supplement that has been designed to increase its bioavailability) 

Theracurcumin has 

• Exceptional healthy inflammatory response 
• Superior antioxidant functions
• Pain relief associated with exercise/overuse
• Supports  cardiovascular, heart and arterial health

Saffron is from the stigma and styles of crocus flowers. It is  a very expensive spice and very useful  for moods and emotions. This has a lighter flavour than turmeric. 90% of saffron is produced in Iran. The reason it is so expensive is that each saffron crocus flower produces only three threads of saffron, and it blooms for only one week each year. They have to be plucked by hand and dried to make the saffron spice.  It takes about a thousand flowers to produce just one ounce of saffron. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world.

Both Saffron and theracurmin can also help lift moods and help treat inflammation in cases of cancer.

One little caution for turmeric is it can interfer with the metabolism of certain drugs that are metabolised via the CYP3A4 pathway. If in doubt check with your practitioner.