研究發現,薑黃有抗炎與抗氧化功效。
第三次去不丹,今次專程參觀了位於首都亭布(Thimphu)的國家傳統醫學院(National Institute of Traditional Medicine),以及介紹不丹傳統醫療的Sorig Museum。博物館這樣介紹不丹傳統醫療系統:
Traditional medicine was introduced as a part of the national healthcare system in 1968 under the Royal Command of His late Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third King of Bhutan … Today, traditional medicine services are integrated with modern medicine and available in all Districts Hospitals and Basic Health Units in the country. The Bhutanese traditional medicine is known as gSo-ba Rig-pa, and it has originated from Tibet in the 17th century.
源自十七世紀的藏醫,1968年正式被納入國家醫療系統,與現代西方醫療雙軌並行。高地的草本植物,是不丹傳統醫學特色之一。來自喜馬拉雅山的冬蟲草,可能是不丹最矜貴的藥材。今次參觀醫學院博物館,更吸引的的卻是平民得多的薑黃(turmeric)。自古以來,薑黃在亞洲被視為一種重要的草藥和調味品,皆因其獨特的薑黃素成分,擁有多種健康功效。時至今日,研究普遍認為薑黃有坑炎與抗氧化功效,改善血脂、治療關節炎、增強記憶、提升情緒等,都可能是適當地攝取薑黃素帶來的健康好處。當地朋友Dechen跟我說,他是有定期服用一款當地出產的薑黃補充劑的。這款薑黃補充劑特點是每膠囊400mg含有369mg薑黃素和4mg角果胡椒。換句話,淨土出產的薑黃,加上能提升吸收20倍的角果胡椒,便再沒有其他添加物。