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Curry for your Furry?
By Lynn Whittaker
Bow Wow U
Well not exactly, but Curcumin, also known as Turmeric is made from the root of the plant Curcuma longa which is in the ginger family. This might be an herb to consider giving your pet. Turmeric root is a really deep orange, rust color. It is a staple seasoning in Indian cooking, as well as other places in the East. It’s not surprising that India produces almost all of the world’s Turmeric. They also consume approximately 80% of it and have the lowest Alzheimer’s rate in the world.
Turmeric can be used in powdered form, liquid, and poultices. The roots are usually dried, ground and then used. There are several ways to use Turmeric from seasonings to dying cloth. The color of the root makes a great colorful pigment dye.
Curcumin, or the "essence" or "oil" of Turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory, properties as well as antioxidants. It can lower blood cholesterol levels, prevent clumping of blood, and also shows protective effects on the liver. Turmeric also shows beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract including decrease in spasms and gas. It also contains antimicrobial effects. The antioxidant effects are comparable to BHA, BHT, vitamins C as well as E.
Scientific studies are showing great promise for this ancient herb with HIV. It has been suggested that plant antioxidants may offer protection from viral replication and cell death associated with oxidative stress in patients with HIV/AIDS (Immunology Today 15:209-213, 1994). Pilot studies also showed that Turmerin, a water soluble portion of turmeric, an antioxidant, inhibits human CEM-T cell-line infected with HIV. In another study, Turmerin in combination with AZT, caused a noticeable reduction in p-24 antigen release but most importantly caused a significant increase in cell viability. Thus, Turmerin in combination with AZT provides better protection by decreasing the toxicity of AZT. (Hari H.P. Cohly, Sabah Asad, Suman Das, Michael F. Angel, Rajeswara Rao, and Stan Reed, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216-4505, and University of Toronto, Toronto, M5G 1X8 Canada)
How does all of this information help your furry friends?
Turmeric is often used for pets with a number of conditions including arthritis, asthma, cancer, inflammatory diseases, kennel cough, feline respiratory infections, liver disease, pain management, dental issues, various infections as well as being used as a liver tonic.
There are so many health benefits this powerful herb can offer your pet.
It is best not to use in pets with gallbladder stones, bile duct obstructions, and with any herb or supplement, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian before administering.
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