The Turmeric and Health Newsletter for February 2026
- Alison Carroll
- Jan 31
- 5 min read
Welcome to my February Newsletter.
I hope you had a great January. Nan and I were both very busy with markets, though sadly both Laurieton and Gladstone were cancelled due to a wind/rain combination. Hopefully, things will be a lot better this month.
For me February is a time to slow down a bit after all the extra markets of last month. I will be at all my usual ones on Saturday and Sunday, just not all the extra mid-week ones. Plus, February throws me a curve ball by starting on a Sunday, which means all my usual pairings are thrown out, so I will also have to check where I am each weekend.
One good piece of news is that Kempsey market will be back on the grass, down by the river starting this month. That’s really an excellent move. It’s so much nicer down on the grass, though I was very grateful that the market could keep going, up in the carpark, whilst the essential work was done on the boat ramp. I’m not sure exactly where I will be, but hopefully, it will be in my old spot. Either way keep a lookout for my distinctive orange gazebo.
This month’s article was once again sparked by a customers query as to whether or not turmeric could be used for bacterial infections. I knew in the back of my mind that curcumin was known to be anti-bacterial, but I wasn’t sure how it worked. So, I was curious to find out. It appears from what I can find out that turmeric can work in several ways to disrupt the bacteria itself as well as helping to enhance the activity of any anti-biotics that have been prescribed. I seem to say this every month, but the more I learn about the versatility of curcumin and its multiple ways of helping us with our health, the more I’m sure that I will be taking it forever. 😊
How Turmeric Helps to Fight Against Bacterial Infections
Turmeric, specifically its active compound curcumin, has demonstrated significant antibacterial properties against a range of bacteria in laboratory and some clinical studies. It works by disrupting bacterial membranes, inhibiting biofilm formation, and acting on multiple cellular targets, making it a promising complementary agent, but not a replacement, for conventional antibiotics.
Antibacterial Mechanisms
Curcumin's effectiveness stems from a multi-target approach that makes it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance.
Cell Membrane Disruption
Curcumin can damage the integrity and permeability of bacterial cell membranes, leading to cell death.
Inhibition of Biofilm Formation: It disrupts bacterial communication systems (quorum sensing) and prevents the formation of biofilms, which are protective layers that make bacteria more resistant to treatment.
Inhibition of Cell Division: Curcumin can interfere with the FtsZ protein, which is essential for bacterial cell division, thereby blocking bacterial proliferation.
Synergistic Effects with Antibiotics: Studies show that combining curcumin with traditional antibiotics often produces a synergistic effect, enhancing the efficacy of the antibiotics, even against multidrug-resistant strains like MRSA.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Beyond its direct antibacterial action, turmeric's potent anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation associated with infections, which aids the healing process and supports the immune system.
Effective Against Which Bacteria?
Laboratory studies have shown that curcumin has a broad spectrum of activity, though it is generally more effective against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria.
Gram-positive bacteria: Shows strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), Bacillus species, and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Gram-negative bacteria: Effective against Escherichia coli and Helicobacter pylori but shows variable or limited effect against some strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Methods of Use
Turmeric can be incorporated into your routine through diet, supplements, or topical applications. Pairing it with black pepper (piperine) or fats significantly increases the absorption of curcumin into the bloodstream, which is why they are already in our Health2all turmeric mix.
Oral Consumption: Incorporate 1 to 2 teaspoons of Health2all turmeric powder into daily meals or prepare "golden milk" with warm milk and honey.
Supplements: With the Health2all turmeric range you can choose from powder, capsules or the fermented elixir. They range in strength from 13,000mg curcumin in the powder and capsules to 4600mg in the elixir.
Topical Application: For minor cuts or skin infections, a paste can be made by mixing one part turmeric powder with two parts water and applied to the affected area, then covered with a sterile bandage.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
Turmeric and Coconut Cream Sorbet
INGREDIENTS:
1 can coconut cream (375ml)
10 tsp castor sugar
1 tsp Health2all Turmeric powder
½ tsp green tea powder – optional as there is green tea in our powder
INSTRUCTIONS:
In small pot combine all ingredients, over a low heat, stir mixture until sugar is dissolved but do not boil. Taking Health2all Turmeric over 80˚C reduces its effectiveness.
Strain into a plastic container & leave on the bench until cooled stirring frequently.
Once cooled, place in fridge to let set, it is important to stir the mixture every hour for the first 3-4 hours & allow to set overnight.
This sorbet doesn’t require an ice cream churner but instead needs to be set in the fridge overnight. It has the velvety texture halfway between a clotted cream & a sorbet. Yummy. Great at any time.
Enjoy. 😊
THIS MONTH’S MARKETS AND EVENTS
Things will begin to slow down for me in February and Nan goes off on a well-deserved holiday. But this month throws me a curve ball in the fact that it starts on a Sunday, which means all my usual market pairings have been thrown out. So, both you and I will need to check to see where I am this month!!
Sunday 1st Feb – Blackhead Bazaar – 8am – 1pm. Held in the Wylie Breckenridge Park. Fingers crossed that we get another lovely day. I will be in my usual spot, and I have an orange gazebo, so easy to find. 😊 😊
Saturday 7th Feb – Kempsey Market - 9am – 1pm. We are now back down on the grass by the river. I’m not sure where I will be, hopefully in my usual spot. So, look out for my familiar orange gazebo.
Sunday 8th Feb – Forster Town Market – 8am – 1pm – Held on the green off Head Street. Great little market. Something for everyone.
Saturday 14th Feb - Gloucester Farmers Market - 9am – 12pm. Held at Billabong Park. Do come along for this lovely market with lots of great local produce and wines, a great place to get that last minute Valentines gift.
Sunday 15th Feb – Laurieton Market - 8am – 1pm down by the river on Short and Tunis Streets. Hopefully this month it will be calm and sunny, though not as hot as it was last month.
Saturday – 21st Feb - Forster Farmers Market – 7am – 12pm Along the river by the Police Station. We are now back in our old spot where the Visitors Centre and the CWA used to be. Getting bigger and better all the time.
Sunday 22nd Feb – Pacific Palms Market - 8am – 1pm. At Elizabeth Beach, another great market for all the family and dog friendly, so come along for a fun day out.
Saturday 28th Feb – Tuncurry Market – 8 am – 1pm See you over the bridge at the John Whiley Park. This is our usual time and place, hope to see you there.
For those of you who can’t get to those markets all you need to do is ring me or Nan - if you ring whilst I'm away, on 0406 036 845 or you can now go to my website – www.achealthysolutions.com.au and order from there, and I will arrange for it to be posted or delivered to you. The cost is the same as at the market and postage/delivery is free on all orders over $100 with a flat rate of $10 below that.
To your happiness & health,
Alison Carroll
aka The Turmeric Lady
AC Healthy Solutions
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