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Herbs & Supplements
Turmeric
Other Names: Curcuma, Curcuma species, Indian Saffron
When should I be careful taking it?
At high doses, turmeric may increase the production of stomach acid, potentially worsening ulcers. Therefore, individuals who have stomach or intestinal ulcers should not take turmeric.
Because turmeric may also increase the body's production of bile (stored in the gallbladder), taking turmeric may aggravate gallbladder conditions. It may also raise the chance that bile ducts may become blocked. Therefore, turmeric should be avoided by individuals with gallbladder or bile-duct conditions.
Traditionally, turmeric has been used to relieve menstrual cramps and start menstrual flow when periods were late. Part of this effect may be due to a tightening of the uterus--an action that could cause a miscarriage for a woman who is pregnant. Amounts of turmeric that are used in cooking are not thought to be a potential hazard, but taking large amounts of turmeric is not advised during pregnancy.
Precautions
Not enough is known about how turmeric might affect an infant to recommend its supplemental use while breast-feeding. Eating the amounts of turmeric ordinarily used in cooking is not believed to present a danger to either the mother or the baby, however.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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When should I be careful taking it? 
