Evidence supporting the use of: Turmeric
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used in traditional medicine systems, especially Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, to help treat coughs, colds, and other respiratory ailments. Its primary active ingredient, curcumin, is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and purported antimicrobial properties. Traditionally, turmeric is consumed as a warm drink, often combined with milk and black pepper, or used as part of herbal mixtures intended to alleviate symptoms of the common cold, such as sore throat and cough. The underlying rationale is that turmeric helps to reduce inflammation and may support the immune system’s ability to fight infections.

However, scientific evidence specifically demonstrating antiviral activity of turmeric or curcumin against cold viruses (such as rhinoviruses or coronaviruses that cause the common cold) in humans is limited. Some laboratory (in vitro) studies have shown curcumin can inhibit replication of certain viruses and modulate immune responses, but these findings have not translated into robust clinical trials showing clear benefit for treating or preventing the common cold. A few small studies suggest turmeric preparations may help reduce the severity or duration of symptoms, but results are inconsistent and often confounded by use of combination remedies.

In summary, the use of turmeric for colds is largely supported by traditional practices, with limited low-quality scientific evidence. It is considered safe when used as a spice or in moderate supplemental doses, but it should not replace evidence-based therapies for viral respiratory infections.

More about turmeric
More about Colds (antiviral)

Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)

allspice
aloe vera
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
waterhyssop
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
blueberry
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
catechins
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
luteolin
mastic gum
monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
papaya
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
commiphora
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
Ash
Agastache
Autumn elaeagnus
Alpha-terpineol
Apigenin
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Atractylone
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriolus mushroom
Carrageenan
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Chondrus
Deoxyandrographolides
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Sandalwood

Other health conditions supported by turmeric

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Adenitis
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Blood in Stool
Body Odor
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Bursitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Carbuncles
Cartilage Damage
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Chicken Pox
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Convulsions
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cradle Cap
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cysts
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diaper Rash
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diphtheria
Dislocation
Diverticulitis
Duodenal Ulcers
Dyspepsia
Edema
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Fibroids (uterine)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gangrene
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Giardia
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Glaucoma
Goiter
Gonorrhea
Gout
Halitosis
Hangover
Hashimoto's Disease
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hemochromatosis
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernias
Herpes
Impetigo
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Jaundice (adults)
Jaundice (infants)
Jock Itch
Kidney Infection
Knees (weak)
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Leukemia
Lice
Ligaments (torn or injured)
Liver Detoxification
Lupus
Lyme Disease
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Lymphoma
Macular Degeneration
Malaria
Mastitis
Measles
Melanoma
Memory and Brain Function
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Mood Swings
Multiple Sclerosis
Mumps
Muscular Dystrophy
Nephritis
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Oral Surgery
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pain (general remedies for)
Paralysis
Parasites (general)
Pets (supplements for)
Phlebitis
Pleurisy
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pneumonia
Polyps
Psoriasis
Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Sciatica
Scratches and Abrasions
Senility
Skin (infections)
Slivers
Snake Bite
Sprains
Staph Infections
Stiff Neck
Stye
Tendonitis

Products containing turmeric

Pure Encapsulations AI Formula
Designs For Health ArthroSoothe™
Metagenics Axis Endo™ Mango
Douglas Laboratories Ayur-Curcumin (Turmeric)
Pure Encapsulations Balanced Immune
Integrative Therapeutics Clinical Nutrients HP
Metagenics CoQ10 ST®-100 mg
Metagenics CoQ10 ST-100 mg
Metagenics CoQ10 ST-200 mg
Integrative Therapeutics Curalieve
Integrative Therapeutics Curalieve
Designs For Health Curcum-Evail® 400
Designs For Health Curcum-Evail® 400
Pure Encapsulations CurcumaSorb
Pure Encapsulations CurcumaSorb Mind
Integrative Therapeutics Curcumax Pro
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin 500 with Bioperine
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin 500 with Bioperine
Designs For Health Detox Antiox™
Integrative Therapeutics Detoxication Factors
Integrative Therapeutics Detoxication Factors
Designs For Health Detoxification Support Packets
Pure Encapsulations Digestion GB
Pure Encapsulations Digestion GB
Metagenics EstroFactors®
Pure Encapsulations Glucosamine/MSM with Joint Comfort Herbs
Pure Encapsulations Glucosamine/MSM with Joint Comfort Herbs
Integrative Therapeutics Glutamine Forte Drink Mix
Metagenics Golden Fusion®
Pure Encapsulations Heartburn Essentials
Pure Encapsulations Heartburn Essentials
Designs For Health ImmunoMod-A™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Pure Encapsulations Joint Complex
Pure Encapsulations Joint Complex
Vitabase Life's Essentials Plus
Pure Encapsulations Ligament Restore
Pure Encapsulations Ligament Restore
Pure Encapsulations Lipotropic Detox
Pure Encapsulations Liver G.I. Detox
Pure Encapsulations LVR Formula
Pure Encapsulations LVR Formula
Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro
Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro
Designs For Health Migranol™
Pure Encapsulations NeuroMood Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations NeuroPure
Designs For Health OcuForce™
Douglas Laboratories Optimized Curcumin With Neurophenol™
Pure Encapsulations Phyto-4
Pure Encapsulations Phyto UltraComfort
Metagenics PhytoGanix® Tropical Fruit
Integrative Therapeutics Pro.Som
Integrative Therapeutics ProThrivers Wellness Flav Complex
Pure Encapsulations PureDefense Collagen with Bone Broth
Vitabase Quercetin Plus
Metagenics Rapid Relief
Metagenics Rapid Relief
Pure Encapsulations SP Ultimate
Pure Encapsulations SP Ultimate
Vitabase Super Fat Burner
Metagenics Testralin®
Integrative Therapeutics Theracumin HP
Integrative Therapeutics Theracurmin HP
Pure Encapsulations Thyroid Support Complex
Vitabase Turmeric Extract
Douglas Laboratories Turmeric Max-V
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Protein Green
Pure Encapsulations Ultra Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations UltraDetox 10-Day Pure Pack
Metagenics UltraFlora® 3 in 1 Daily Probiotic
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Vitabase Vision Support
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Pure Encapsulations Women's Nutrients