By Dr. Christopher Lepisto

a 2-min read

Sometimes an herb comes up repeatedly in conversations about natural health, and it’s only natural to wonder whether you should be taking it. Turmeric’s active constituent, curcumin, is a good example. It’s widely discussed because of its broad effects on chronic inflammation and its growing body of research support.

Curcumin stands out for its ability to ease osteoarthritis pain, protect tissues from oxidative damage, support cardiovascular function, and interact beneficially with the gut, liver, immune system, and nervous system. It shows up frequently in social media feeds and health articles, and for good reason — its therapeutic potential is well documented. This can make it seem like a simple solution.

So how do you know if curcumin is right for you?

Answering that question requires a deeper look. Curcumin interacts with nearly 200 medications, including blood thinners and diabetes drugs, and it can influence liver enzymes that affect antidepressants, certain antibiotics, and chemotherapy agents. In some people, it may even aggravate inflammatory conditions such as heartburn.

Quality also matters. Because dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness before reaching the market, products can vary widely. Choosing supplements that meet independent standards — such as NSF International, cGMP certification, or Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration — is an important part of using them responsibly.

This is where individualized care is essential. Rather than asking, “Should I take curcumin?” a more useful question is, “What is my body asking for right now, and does this treatment align?” Exploring this often opens a broader conversation aboutjoint health, inflammation, and long-term disease prevention.

If you’re curious about whether curcumin — or any natural therapy — fits into your health picture, you don’t have to sort it out alone. As a naturopathic doctor, I help people navigate these decisions thoughtfully and safely. When you are ready for support, I invite you to reach out and start the conversation.