The Turmeric and Health Newsletter for May 2026
- Alison Carroll
- May 1
- 5 min read
Welcome to my May Newsletter.
I hope that you had a good Easter. Hopefully the chocolate Gods were kind to you. I know that both Nan and I had a busy month, which is great fun, getting to meet lots of new people, plus the weather has been kind to us. Even on those days that we were due to have rain, it was mostly dry and not too windy, which is the best we can hope for.
I’m rather excited about May. Nan and Graham are off on their well-deserved travels and I have just booked flights for Mike and I to go down to Melbourne to see Lexi and Darcy. They came up for Christmas, and although we talk constantly on the phone, it’s not the same as being able to give her a big hug. Though I had to laugh, when I told her we were coming down, she also asked if I could bring some of my turmeric tablets with me!! To which I said “of course”, I will bring plenty as I still have my phone orders to do. 😊
I have to say that of all the capital cities of Australia, Melbourne is one of my favourites. They all have their different “vibes” and are good in their own way, but Melbourne is a top one, and not just because Lexi is there. In fact, my friend Cherie (The Coffs Turmeric Lady) will be going up to Brisbane for a few days at the end of August, as that is one of the cities that I haven’t explored, Adelaide being the other. I will have to add that to my “to do” list. 😊
With autumn well upon us and winter just round the corner, this month’s article is about how turmeric can help ward off colds and flu. Plus, my recipe, is another of my favourites, a good pumpkin soup. In fact, I have roast pumpkin in my fridge as we speak ready to make a lentil and pumpkin soup for tomorrow – with turmeric, of course.
I hope that I get to see you at some time over the coming few weeks and let me know if you live in Melbourne and I can bring you some turmeric as well! Take care.
Curcumin for Colds and Sore Throats
With winter fast approaching and family and friends already suffering from the symptoms of colds etc I thought that this month I would look at how turmeric could help you get through the winter as well as possible.
Turmeric is well known for its antiseptic and antispasmodic properties. Known as a powerful antioxidant, curcumin, present in turmeric helps to fight infections and reduce inflammation, preventing the onset of respiratory ailments. A mixture of turmeric and milk (especially with some good honey) works wonders on the throat and helps eliminate any pathogens in the body, thanks to its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Gargling with turmeric, salt and hot water also helps to ease a sore throat.
In a Japanese study to investigate the effects of 12-week consumption of highly bioavailable curcumin on common cold symptoms, immune function, and inflammatory markers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted from November 2021 to May 2022 on 99 healthy Japanese adults. The cumulative number of days for which common cold symptoms persisted was set as the primary outcome. Immunity parameters, inflammatory parameters, liver function parameters, and physical examination results were additional outcomes. A safety assessment was also performed. 94 subjects completed the study, and the protocol set included 30 subjects in the placebo group, The cumulative number of days for which common cold symptoms persisted was significantly lower in the group taking the high dose curcumin than that in the placebo group. No adverse effects were observed.
In India, practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine have used turmeric to treat inflammatory diseases for hundreds of years. Curcumin helps reduce inflammation in the body by controlling certain communication pathways that trigger inflammation. It, may also block the creation of substances that promote inflammation, known as inflammatory mediators.
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways that occurs in response to a viral or, or less commonly a bacterial infection. The body’s immune response causes swelling and inflammation in the airways, leading to obstructed and difficult breathing. By reducing inflammation, turmeric might soothe the effects of bronchitis.
One of the main compounds in turmeric might help people with bronchitis breathe more easily. A small study looked at the effects of curcumin on people with bronchial asthma, a different condition involving airway inflammation. The researchers tested the breathing efficiency of 77 people and found that those taking the curcumin showed FEV1 results that were significantly higher than those just receiving standard bronchial asthma treatment. So don’t forget your turmeric over the coming months.
THIS MONTH’S MARKETS AND EVENTS
Nan and Graham are off this month for a well-deserved holiday, travelling wherever life takes them. So, it’s back to just me this month. 😊 Hope to see you around at some time.
Saturday 2nd May – Taste Fest - Taree – 10am – 7pm. Held down by the river in the beautiful Queen Victoria Gardens. Not sure where I will be but look out for my signature bright orange gazebo. Food, wine and so much more. A great day out for all the family.
Sunday 3rd May – Blackhead Bazaar – 8am – 1pm. Held in the Wylie Breckenridge Park. Fingers crossed that we get another lovely day. I’m back this month, so look out for my orange gazebo, I’m easy to find. 😊 😊
Saturday 9th May - Gloucester Farmers Market – Note – there is No Gloucester market until further notice. ☹. Hopefully, it will be back soon.
Saturday 9th May – Port Macquarie Foreshore Market – 8am – 1pm. Held down by the river at Westport Park. I back to this market, I’m not sure where I will be but look out for the signature orange gazebo.
Sunday 10th May – Forster Town Market – 8am – 1pm – Held on the green off Head Street. Great little market. Something for everyone.
Saturday 16th May - 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.
Sunday 17th May – Laurieton Market - 8am – 1pm down by the river on Short Street. With the new layout my site number is 153, which means that I’m in the same row that I used to be but at the other end. As usual, if lost look for the orange gazebo or ring me. 😊
Saturday 23rd May – 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.
Sunday 24th May – Town Square Market – 10am – 2pm Held in the Town Square, Port Macquarie. I will be here to help you, as usual look for the orange gazebo.
Saturday 30th May – no markets today as it's a 5th Saturday plus, I’m down in Melbourne visiting my daughter Lexi.
Sunday 31st May – Pacific Palms Market - 8am – 1pm. At Elizabeth Beach. You can’t keep me away for long so I’m back today, with the help of my son Mike. Another great market for all the family and dog friendly, so come along for a fun day out.
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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