Yes, turmeric is considered an herb.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It's native to South Asia and is widely cultivated throughout the world. The main use of turmeric is as a spice, but it also has a long history of use in traditional medicine.
Turmeric's Herbal Uses
As stated in Dixit, Jain, and Joshi (1988), turmeric is used as an herbal medicine for a variety of conditions, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic anterior uveitis
- Conjunctivitis
- Skin cancer
- Smallpox
- Chickenpox
- Wound healing
- Urinary tract infections
- Liver ailments
This extensive use in traditional medicine further supports its classification as an herb. The plant itself is used to create a powder which is utilized for culinary and medicinal purposes. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is often extracted and used in supplements.
Conclusion
Turmeric's classification as an herb is well-established due to its usage in both cooking and traditional medicine. It is a rhizome, the underground stem, that is dried and ground to be used as a spice and herbal remedy.
