Turmeric has been used in Asia for thousands of years and is a major part of Siddha medicine. It was first used as a dye, then later for its medicinal properties. In India, turmeric has been used as a remedy for stomach and liver ailments, as well as topically to heal sores, basically for its supposed antimicrobial property.
The active compound curcumin is believed to have a wide range of biological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, antibacterial, and antiviral activities.