OVERVIEW: Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years as both a spice and medicinal herb. Recently, science has started to back up traditional claims that turmeric contains compounds with medicinal properties. BENEFITS: Curcumin, turmerics main compound, may help reduce inflammation, is a powerful antioxidant and may improve heart and brain health. Ginger is full of antioxidants and is the perfect side kick to its close cousin turmeric.