Turmeric Guide

Turmeric is an herb traditionally used for joint discomfort and inflammation and also provides antioxidant support. Learn how turmeric and curcumin differ and what to consider when choosing a supplement.¹

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

What is turmeric used for?

Turmeric is traditionally used to help relieve joint pain associated with inflammation and can also provide antioxidant support.¹

What is curcumin?

Curcumin is one of the naturally occurring compounds in turmeric. Concentrated extracts can provide higher amounts of curcuminoids.¹,²

Why is black pepper added to turmeric?

Some formulas include black pepper, or piperine, to help increase the absorption of curcumin.

Does turmeric support digestion?

Yes. Health Canada recognizes turmeric’s traditional use in herbal medicine as a digestive aid.¹

What is turmeric?

Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a plant in the ginger family. The underground stem, called the rhizome, is the part commonly used in food, traditional herbal medicine, and supplements.¹ 

Turmeric naturally contains compounds called curcuminoids. Curcumin is one of the best-known curcuminoids and is often concentrated in supplements designed for joint and antioxidant support.²

How does turmeric support the body?


Turmeric has traditionally been used as an anti-inflammatory, meaning it may help with joint pain linked to inflammation. It also provides antioxidants that help protect cells from free-radical damage.¹ 

Health Canada also recognizes turmeric for traditional digestive support and as a liver protectant.¹ 

Which health goals can turmeric support?

Joint Support

Turmeric is traditionally used to help relieve joint pain associated with inflammation.¹

Digestive Health

Turmeric is used in herbal medicine to help support digestion and relieve digestive discomfort.¹

Liver Health

Turmeric is traditionally used in herbal medicine as a liver protectant.¹

How can turmeric fit into your routine?

Turmeric is often used as part of a routine focused on joint comfort and everyday wellness. 

  • For stiff or uncomfortable joints: Turmeric may help relieve joint pain associated with inflammation.¹ 
  • For active lifestyles: Joint-support formulas can be useful when movement and mobility are a priority. 
  • In everyday food: Turmeric is also commonly used as a spice in cooking. 
  • Support the bigger picture: Regular movement, balanced nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight also support long-term joint health. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

What should you look for in a turmeric supplement?

Start with your goal, then compare the type of turmeric and the complete formula.

  • Check whether it’s turmeric or concentrated curcumin: They can provide different amounts of curcuminoids.¹,² 
  • Look at standardization: Jamieson Curcumin Turmeric is standardized to 95% curcuminoids. 
  • Consider black pepper: Some formulas include piperine to enhance absorption. 
  • Review combination ingredients: Turmeric may be paired with omega-3s, collagen, glucosamine, tart cherry, or other joint-support ingredients. 
  • Choose a format: Jamieson offers capsules, gummies, and combination formulas. 
  • Look for an NPN: Choose a licensed natural health product with an eight-digit NPN. 
  • Look for quality: Jamieson products are backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine.  

FAQs

What’s the difference between turmeric and curcumin?

Turmeric is the whole plant ingredient, while curcumin is one of the compounds naturally found in turmeric. Some supplements use concentrated extracts containing higher levels of curcuminoids.¹,²

Does turmeric help with joint pain?

Health Canada recognizes turmeric’s traditional use in herbal medicine for helping relieve joint pain associated with inflammation.¹

Why is black pepper added to turmeric supplements?

Black pepper contains piperine, which can help increase curcumin absorption. Jamieson’s Turmeric with Black Pepper contains 5 mg of black pepper standardized to 95% piperine.

Sources

1. Health Canada. Turmeric — Curcuma longa Oral Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate. Updated September 26, 2025.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/dbImages/mono_turmeric--oral_english.pdf 

2. Health Canada. Concentrated Turmeric Extracts and Isolates (Curcuminoids/Curcumin) Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate. Updated September 26, 2025.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq?atid=curcumin.curcumine2&lang=eng