How to Use Turmeric for Pets with Cancer: Oral and Topical Applications

Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antineoplastic. Research has shown that Turmeric inhibits cancer through multiple cellular and metabolic pathways. Turmeric prevents cancer cell growth, proliferation, and metastasis. Turmeric can be used as an oral supplement or topically on minor skin tumors, growths and cysts.

Most dogs and some cats don’t mind the taste of Turmeric in their food as Golden Paste. An alternative oral product is a concentrated alcohol extract of Turmeric. Alcohol extracts taste terrible, but only require a very small dose that can be disguised in the food. For Golden Paste, the coconut oil (or linseed oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil) enhances the absorption of Turmeric and the Black Pepper enhances the bioavailability of Turmeric’s medicinal constituents. Combining Turmeric with Black Pepper, Pippali Long Pepper, and/or Ginger results in herbal synergy and an increase in Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects. Cooking Turmeric with milk, coconut milk or ghee (Golden Milk) will also enhance the absorption and availability of the active constituents of Turmeric.

Golden Paste Recipe

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Organic Turmeric Powder (not raw)

• 1 cup filtered water

• ¼ cup Organic Coconut Oil (raw, unrefined, cold-pressed)

• 1 ½ - 3 tsp freshly ground Organic Black Pepper (use a coffee grinder or magic bullet)

Directions:

1. Add the water and Turmeric Powder to a cooking pot.

2. Warm on medium/low heat and stir for 7-10 minutes until it forms a thick paste.

3. Add the ground Black Pepper and Coconut Oil, and mix well.

4. Let the mixture cool.

5. Place cooled mixture in a glass jar with a lid.

6. Store in the refrigerator. (Discard after 2 weeks)

Dosing: ¼ tsp Golden Paste for every 10# of your pet’s body weight added to your pet’s food daily. Start with a lower dose for the first few days. The daily dose can be divided over several meals.

Daily Dose by Weight:

• ¼ tsp for a 10# dog or cat

• ½ tsp for a 20# dog

• ¾ tsp for a 30# dog

• 1 tsp for a 40# dog

• 1 ¼ tsp for a 50# dog

• 1 ½ tsp for a 60# dog

• 1 ¾ tsp for a 70# dog

• 2 tsp for an 80# dog

• 2 ¼ tsp for a 90# dog

• 2 ½ tsp for a 100# dog

Topical Applications for minor growths, cysts and skin tumors

Treating minor skin tumors, cysts and growths with topical Turmeric can be time consuming and messy. Be aware that Turmeric stains everything it comes in contact with! Consult your veterinarian first to make sure the growth you want to treat isn’t anything serious.

Topical Turmeric Recipes:

1) Topical Turmeric Paste with Honey Recipe

• 1 tsp Organic Turmeric Powder (not raw)

• ¼ tsp Bromelain

• 1 tsp Raw Honey (unpasteurized)

2) Topical Turmeric Paste with Coconut Oil Recipe

• 1 tsp Organic Coconut Oil (raw, cold-pressed)

• 1 tsp Organic Turmeric Powder (not raw)

• 1 tsp Organic Lecithin Powder

Directions:

• Mix the 3 ingredients together from one of the recipes.

• Store in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator.

• Apply to the skin tumor or cyst daily and cover with a new bandage daily.

• After 7 days, uncover and let the area air out for 24 hours.

• Repeat until the lump falls off.

• Watch for signs of infection or pain.

• Every pet is different and results may vary.

• See your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

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