Is Turmeric Safe to Use?

Fun Facts

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• Medical Conditions
• Allergic Reactions

People have safely used turmeric as a spice, food additive, and traditional herbal medicine for thousands of years. Both turmeric and curcumin have GRAS status with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Modern studies confirm it is safe for internal consumption and topical use. These include the following clinical trials, involving adult patients or volunteers: ^{(i.5, 22, 61)}

• A clinical study conducted involving head and neck cancer patients given curcumin doses of up to 12 grams/day for 3 months with no serious adverse side effects.
• A three month Phase I safety study in which healthy volunteers took turmeric oil orally with no negative changes in blood pressure and weight. There were also no toxic effects found in the blood, liver, or kidneys.

As with any biologically active herb, there are possible contraindications to using turmeric and its main compound, curcumin. You should always consult with your health care provider before using any herb, especially if you are on blood thinners or chemotherapy. ^{(i.62, 22, 63)}

Medical Conditions

Experts also advise checking with your healthcare provider before taking turmeric or curcumin if you have any of the following conditions:

• Cancer ^(i.23, 64)
• Gallstones ^(i.65)
• Iron-deficient diet ^(i.66)
• Kidney stones ^(i.67)
• Pregnancy ^(i.68)
• Ulcers ^(i.65)

In general, turmeric and curcumin are considered safe in commonly used dosages. In fact, some studies have demonstrated their benefit even in some of the above-mentioned conditions (i.e., cancer, gallstones, and ulcers). However, medical experts caution against using medicinal levels of turmeric while pregnant and nursing an infant. That's because there isn't enough safety data or research in these situations. ^(i.68)

Reports of Allergic Reactions to Turmeric

Despite studies suggesting that turmeric and its compounds can help regulate the immune system and preventing allergic reactions, there have been rare reports of turmeric or turmeric compounds causing allergic reactions. ^(i.141)

These include:

• 2 cases of hives with skin exposure to curcumin. One of these was work-related and involved a woman who worked in a company preparing nutritional supplements. ^(i.142)
• A worker in a pasta factory developed contact dermatitis handling the food coloring (which contained turmeric). She also reported that the itchy rash worsened after eating the pasta. ^(i.143)
• Turmeric in massage oil was reported as the cause of a case of contact dermatitis. ^(i.144)
• One case of allergic contact dermatitis on the eyelids was reported due to tetrahydrocurcumin. The colorless metabolite of curcumin was an ingredient in an Avon age block cream. ^(i.145)
• 2 cases of allergic contact dermatitis caused by curcumin used in a disinfection solution applied to the skin prior to surgery. ^(i.146)