Is Turmeric Good for Colds?

The last 18 months have been very unpredictable, but the one thing you can always count on is the arrival of cold & flu season. Turmeric is arguably the most powerful natural supplement in the world, but is it good for combating seasonal flu?

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It’s been proven to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong antioxidant. Researchers have also discovered that turmeric may also be helpful for those who suffer from cold and flu symptoms. Curcumin has the potential to reduce inflammation in the body linked to excessive coughing and sneezing, whilst increasing antioxidant capacity to boost your immunity. Some research also shows that curcumin exhibits protective effects on the body’s antioxidant status, and also helps cleanse and detoxify the body.

How to Take Turmeric for a Cold

The curcumin content of turmeric isn’t that high at all, around 3% by weight. It also has weak bioavailability, which means it is poorly absorbed into your bloodstream. It helps to consume it with black pepper, which contains piperine. Piperine is a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2,000%. We’d recommend incorporating one of our Turmeric Super Shots as part of your daily routine! They contain black pepper to aid absorption of turmeric and flaxseed oil which is a rich source of omega 3 to help prevent heart disease and strokes. Our Turmeric Immunity shot also contains Vitamin D which can help boost your immunity, find out more about the benefits of Vitamin D here.

You could also swap your daily cup of tea for a healthy turmeric tea, check out this BBC Good Food recipe!

Final Thoughts

So, does turmeric help with colds and flu symptoms? The answer is yes. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant with an incredible immune system boosting properties. If you’re considering using turmeric for the common cold or flu, consult with your GP first just to make sure it’s right for you.