An Indian perennial herb part of the ginger family. Turmeric has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses. Because curcumin and other chemicals in turmeric might decrease swelling, it is often used to treat conditions that involve pain and inflammation commonly use turmeric for osteoarthritis. is also used for hay fever, depression, high cholesterol, a type of liver disease, and itching. turmeric can be used internal and external.