Turmeric roots and its powder are considered holy and a symbol of purity.
It is one of the important medicinal plants that has been used for many centuries as a condiment in food and for health and skin care benefits.
It imparts a glow to the skin due to its dye property and acts as a natural antiseptic.
As per Ayurveda, turmeric has many skins and other disease-healing properties.
Turmeric Health Benefits in detail
For skin
- On skin it acts as a natural cosmetic and protects skin from infections, acne, blemishes, etc.
- These effects are due to its anti-septic, anti-oxidant, and skin colorant characteristics.
- One can decrease skin pigmentation, by applying a blend turmeric with natural anti-oxidants like lemon juice or cucumber.
- Just apply on pigmented spots and rinse after a couple of minutes.
- Further, application of a slurry made of turmeric and sandalwood powder in water decreases the acne scars.
- Constant cleansing with turmeric slurry can minimize excess hair growth on face and other regions.
- It is a good antiseptic for application on burns, cuts, and bruises as it decreases inflammation.
Other combination Benefits
| Turmeric + | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Honey | Anti-acne, Anti-inflammatory & moisturizer |
| Gram flour | It helps is exfoliation, oil control and removal of skin tan. |
| Almond Oil / olive oil | helps mositurize the skin, ehance radiance. |
| Saffron | Brightens Skin complexion and aids de-tanning |
👉 With Sandalwood
| For | Turmeric | Sandalwood | Combined Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acne & Bacteria | Fights bacteria, soothes | Calms, prevents infections | Prevents and treats acne, soothes skin |
| Brightening | Evens skin tone, fades spots | Reduces pigmentation, hydrates | Brighter, more even texture |
| Healing | Promotes scar healing | Fades marks, soothes irritation | Reduces scars and blemishes |
| Anti-Aging/Soothing | Antioxidant, reduces wrinkles | Moisturizes, relieves inflammation | Reduces aging signs, nourishes skin |
Turmeric for inflammation (for Arthritis and Joint Pain)
- Turmeric has been indicated for inflammation in Ayurveda.
- Modern science approves this ability of turmeric in treatment of inflammation.
- It is thought to inhibit COX-2 enzyme activity during inflammation.
- COX-I and COX-II are enzymes involved in the synthesis of inflammatory substances in the body.
- COX-II, in particular, is exaggerated during an injury or infection, leading to intense pain.
- Inhibition of this COX-II decreases inflammation and associated pain.
- Regularly used anti-inflammatory agents like non-steroidal have side effects like gastritis, chances of ulcer, and heart problems.
- In that case, turmeric, a herbal remedy, is a safe alternative due to fewer side effects as a pain reliever. Further, it said to heal gastric irritation caused due to NSAIDs.
- Turmeric is prescribed to relieve inflammations in rheumatism, arthritis, muscle sprains, injuries, and surgical incisions.
Antioxidant effect (For Skin health and anti-aging effects)
- Our body generates a lots of free radicals as part of repiratory metabolism in the cells.
- These free radicals when excess can harm the cells and organs especially the brain, skin and strengthens immunity.
- Curcumin taken with food helps to minimize these free radicals levels and act as potential antioxidant susbtance relieving cellular stress in the body.
- It helps enhance memory and decrease the age related decline in the brain function and mood.
Antimicrobial Effect
- Turmeric has potent antimicrobial property against wide range of bacteria.
- Scientific studies have found it to be an alternative to antibiotics as it acts antimicrobial as well as boosting immunoty.
- It helps in body defense against microbes and helps in overcome infection.
- Hence, it can be helpful in treatment of fevers with infections.
Turmeric for cancer
- Turmeric is shown to possess prominent anti-cancer properties in recent scientific & medical research.
- It has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, their multiplication and even the spread of cancer (metastasis) from one region to another in the body.
- As per reports, the effect of paclitaxel, an anti-cancer drug, was potentiated when combined with curcumin.
- Its ability to inhibit free radical production and enzymes of cancer cells may contribute to its anti-cancer properties.
- It is under process to see if it can be used as a conventional safe anti-cancer drug for treatment in humans.
- The disadvantages of present anti-cancer drugs are the extreme side effects due to their use.
- Curcumin, the active constituent of turmeric, appears to be an alternative with less or no side effects in cancer therapy.
- The likely effects are seen in esophageal, mouth, intestinal, stomach, breast, and skin cancers with fewer side effects.
How to use Turmeric for health
Turmeric + milk (Turmeric drink)
- A combination of warm milk with a spoon of turmeric and sugar is considered a proper remedy for a sore throat, cough, colds, and sinusitis.
- The warmness of the fluid relieves congestion while turmeric combats infection.
- Moreover, this mode and dose of turmeric consumption are safer.
- So it’s a good candidate for all types of localized gut infections.
Besides, turmeric is shown to support heart, liver and brain health.
Turmeric and sandalwood
In combination with sandalwood, turmeric can be used for
- Treatment of acne.
- Fades dark spots and scars.
- Enhances complexion
- Cleans skin pores and retains moisture.
👉 Both turmeric and sandalwood can be mixed with milk, yogurt, honey or rosewater and applied on to the skin twice or thrice a week.
If your skin is sensitive, perform a patch test.
Mixing with honey or yogurt can minimize this problem.
Turmeric Side effects
- Turmeric is relatively safe with no side effects at normal doses.
- But it is believed that consuming in large amounts may result in stomach pain and other digestive disturbances.
- For those who are allergic to turmeric, the chances of reactions are more like skin rashes.
- Some studies in humans reported changes in the metabolism of oxalate by curcumin.
- This tends to form kidney stones due to calcium oxalate crystal deposition, especially among those susceptible to kidney stones.
When taken together, one should consult their doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects and possible drug interaction with curcumin.
Where to buy Turmeric
- The FDA approves turmeric root under herbs for food, and hence it is available as-as a spice in powdered form in standard grocery stores.
- But be careful with the adultered products.
- It can be easily cultivated in your garden for prolonged and sufficient supply as the plant is a perennial herb.
- Like tulsi, you can also make a tea (from its powder) for consumption, add it into your foodstuff or make a paste made of turmeric for application on the skin.
There appears to be no fixed dose of turmeric, but practitioners recommend taking a teaspoon with each meal.
References:
- Turmeric Benefits–John Hopkins
- Specific inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression by dietary curcumin
- Â Benefits of Drinking Turmeric Milk
- Curcumin, a Natural Antimicrobial Agent with Strain-Specific Activity
