![]() ![]() ![]() Turmeric and curcumin today are most commonly taken as a supplement to combat inflammation and to support joint health. In recent years, there has been much focus on turmeric and one of its active compounds, curcumin, as research investigates herbal practice. Medicinally, it was most commonly used in mustard plasters and mustard ointments as a topical treatment for coughs, chest colds, croup (spasmodic cough), rheumatic pains, and sore joints and muscles. It was readily available in America by 1900 for use in pickling and mustard-making and was featured in recipes printed in women's sections of periodicals. Turmeric was imported from the Indian subcontinent, mainly from what is now India and Sri Lanka. Herbs and spices like turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, and mustard seed were sold in pharmacies in the 18th and 19th century both as seasonings and as medicine. Many plants that we think of as herbs for cooking also have a history of medicinal use. Inspired by the museum's patent and proprietary medicines collections, intern Laura Walsh explores how Americans treated their upset stomachs and aches and pains-with turmeric, Epsom salts, garcinia cambogia, and ginger-and how these substances are used today. While these products may seem novel thanks to popular TV doctors and celebrity blogs, many of these remedies have been used by Americans for centuries to "cure" their ills. We are bombarded daily through print and digital media with information and advertisements about "new" products to help consumers with everything from weight loss to staving off cancer. ![]()
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