Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Curry Lowered High Blood Pressure

Q. I accidentally learned that turmeric could help reduce my high blood pressure. It went from 160/80 to 140/60 after eating an Indian meal of curry.

After I made this discovery, my nutritionist daughter advised me to use 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric daily. I add it to a small clove of garlic and blend it with fruits in a soy shake I make daily. I have now lost weight and my blood pressure runs about 109 to 120/65.

A. What an interesting discovery. We don’t think doctors will prescribe curry, but rodent research suggests that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can lower blood pressure (Journal of Clinical Investigation, March, 2008).

Turmeric is the yellow spice used in curry and yellow mustard. Although yours is the first report on using this spice for hypertension, readers have found a number of other uses for it.

Some people may be allergic to turmeric. In addition, this herb may interact with the blood thinner Coumadin (warfarin) to cause dangerous bleeding.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
3.5- 24 ratings
About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.