Curcumin is a naturally occurring chemical compound that is found in the spice turmeric. The two words are sometimes used interchangeably, but the technical difference between the two is that turmeric is the yellowish powder used to flavor foods, while curcumin is a chemical contained within turmeric. In Indian and Asian cultures, turmeric and curcumin have a long history of use as traditional herbal medicine, and Western medicine is beginning to study the potential of turmeric in treating diseases such as cancer and diabetes. As with any health supplement, consult your doctor before taking turmeric or curcumin supplements.