Citwer root
Citwer root, also known by the names citwer and white curcuma, as well as the Latin name Curcuma zedoaria, is a plant whose root stem is used to make medicine. Traditional methods for preparing citwer root include rinsing with plenty of water to remove most of the protein and water-soluble nutrients. This rinsing is also intended to remove a toxin that needs to be identified more precisely. Citwer root is used for colic, cramps, loss of appetite and stomach upset. Some people also use citwer root to treat anxiety, stress, exhaustion and inflammatory pain and swelling. Citwer root is sometimes applied directly to the skin to repel mosquitoes.
How does citwer root work?
There is not enough scientific information about how citwer root might work for diseases and other ailments. The effects of citwer root have not yet been sufficiently studied in humans. So far, there have only been studies conducted in test tubes and with animals. Some of these studies suggest that citwer root could act as an antibiotic. It could also repel mosquitoes.ZEDOARY Uses & Effectiveness
How effective is citwer root?
There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of citwer root for colic, cramps, anxiety and stress, inflammation and fatigue, as well as its use to stimulate appetite and digestion and to repel mosquitoes. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of citwer root in these applications.
Safety and side effects
There is not yet enough information on whether the use of citwer root is safe and harmless. So far there are no reports of harmful side effects.
Precautions and warnings
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Citwer root is not safe to use during pregnancy. There are concerns that it could cause a miscarriage. It is also best not to use citwer root while breastfeeding, as there is not enough information on how it might affect the breastfed baby. Heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia): Some experts recommend that citwer root should not be used by women suffering from heavy menstrual periods.
Interactions
At the present time there is no information on interactions of citwer root with medications or supplements.
Dosage
An appropriate dosage of citwer root depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for citwer root products. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.
References
- Champakaew D, Choochote W, Pongpaibul Y, et al. Larvicidal efficacy and biological stability of a botanical natural product, zedoary oil-impregnated sand granules, against Aedes aegypti (Diptera, Culicidae). Parasitol Res 2007;100:729-37. view abstract.
- Gupta SK, Banerjee AB, Achari B. Isolation of Ethyl p-methoxycinnamate, the major antifungal principle of Curcumba zedoaria. Lloydia 1976;39:218-22. view abstract.
- Kim DI, Lee TK, Jang TH, Kim CH. The inhibitory effect of a Korean herbal medicine, Zedoariae rhizoma, on growth of cultured human hepatic myofibroblast cells. Life Sci 2005;77:890-906. view abstract.
- Lai EY, Chyau CC, Mau JL, et al. Antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of the essential oil of Curcuma zedoaria. Am J Chin Med 2004;32:281-90. view abstract.
- Latif MA, Morris TR, Miah AH, et al. Toxicity of shoti (Indian arrowroot: Curcuma zedoaria) for rats and chicks. Br J Nutr 1979;41:57-63. view abstract.
- Matsuda H, Ninomiya K, Morikawa T, et al. Inhibitory effect and action mechanism of sesquiterpenes from Zedoariae Rhizoma on D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 1998;8:339-44. view abstract.
- Pitasawat B, Champakaew D, Choochote W, et al. Aromatic plant-derived essential oil: an alternative larvicide for mosquito control. Fitoterapia 2007;78:205-10. view abstract.
- Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
- Syu WJ, Shen CC, Don MJ, et al. Cytotoxicity of curcuminoids and some novel compounds from Curcuma zedoaria. J Nat Prod 1998;61:1531-4. view abstract.
- Wilson B, Abraham G, Manju VS, et al. Antimicrobial activity of Curcuma zedoaria and Curcuma malabarica tubers. J Ethnopharmacol 2005;99:147-51. view abstract.
- Yoshioka T, Fujii E, Endo M, et al. Antiinflammatory potency of dehydrocurdione, a zedoary-derived sesquiterpene. Inflamm Res 1998;47:476-81. view abstract.