Turmeric roots and their powder are considered holy and a symbol of purity. Turmeric Health Benefits range from simple anti-septic to anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer properties.
Turmeric is one of the important medicinal plants that has been used for many centuries as a condiment for food preparation.
It was used as a natural cosmetic to protect skin from infections, acne, skin blemishes, etc.
A classical Hindu lady would apply its paste on foot as an indication of holiness on auspicious days. On the other hand, it imparts a glow to the skin due to dye like effect and acts as a natural antiseptic.
As per Ayurveda, turmeric has many skins and other disease-healing properties.
Turmeric Health Benefits in detail
Turmeric skin benefits
- Turmeric has many health benefits and is also used frequently as a cosmetic due to its anti-septic, anti-oxidant, and skin colorant characteristics.
- To decrease skin pigmentation, it is advised to blend turmeric with natural anti-oxidants like lemon juice or cucumber.
- Repeatedly apply on pigmented spots and rinse after a couple of minutes.
- Application of a slurry made of turmeric and sandalwood powder using water decrease the appearance of acne.
- Constant cleansing can minimize excess facial and other region hair growth with turmeric slurry.
It is a good antiseptic for application on burns, cuts, and bruises as it decreases inflammation.
Turmeric cancer benefits
- Turmeric is shown to possess prominent anti-cancer properties in recent scientific & medical research.
- 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.
- Some reports mentioned that paclitaxel, an anti-cancer drug’s effect, was potentiated when administered in combination with curcumin.
- Its ability to inhibit free radical production and enzymes of cancer cells may contribute to its anti-cancer properties.
- In cancer, it has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and also their multiplication.
- It also seems to be limiting the spread of cancer (metastasis) from one region to another in the body.
The likely effects are seen in esophageal, mouth, intestinal, stomach, breast, and skin cancers with fewer side effects.
Turmeric for inflammation
- Turmeric has been indicated for inflammation in Ayurveda.
- Modern science approves this ability of turmeric in inflammation.
- It is thought to be due to its COX-2 enzyme inhibition activity during inflammation.
- COX-I and COX-II are enzymes involved in the synthesis of inflammatory factors or mediators in the body.
- COX-II, in particular, is exaggerated in the production of these inflammatory mediators during an injury or infection, leading to intense pain.
- Inhibition of this COX-II decreases inflammation and associated pain.
- This anti-inflammatory activity may also be attributed to its anti-microbial property since microbial infections are also a causative factor for inflammation.
- 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.
Turmeric is prescribed to relieve inflammations in rheumatism, arthritis, muscle sprains, injuries, and surgical incisions.
Turmeric uses
- Turmeric overall has been used in medicine, food, cosmetics, dyeing, and coloring industry.
Turmeric milk / Turmeric drink
- A combination of warm milk or water 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 as its effects stay only till the stomach and intestine and rarely enter the blood.
- So it’s a good candidate for all types of localized gut infections.
Besides, turmeric is shown to improve memory and also act as an anti-oxidant.
Turmeric side effects
- Turmeric was rarely reported for side effects by regular users; perhaps this may be due to its low or limited food consumption.
- 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.