Pill box Why take... TURMERIC

This is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant and a common ingredient in Asian cooking. The root is used to make medicine.

PROS Turmeric contains the chemical curcumin, which helps reduce inflammation – a factor in a range of conditions. Studies show it may help with osteoarthritis, high cholesterol and itching.

CONS There is insufficient evidence on benefits to illnesses such as IBS, Alzheimer’s and Crohn’s.