Turmeric:-
Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in various cuisines and traditional medicines. It is derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which belongs to the ginger family. Turmeric has a distinctive yellow color and a warm, earthy flavor that can enhance the taste of many dishes.
 |
| Turmeric |
But turmeric is not only a culinary ingredient. It also has many health benefits, thanks to its active compound called curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that can help prevent and treat various diseases and conditions.
Benefits of turmeric :-
Some of the benefits of turmeric include:
- - Improving digestion and liver function
- - Reducing inflammation and pain in arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis
- - Boosting immunity and fighting infections
- - Lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels
- - Preventing and slowing down the progression of Alzheimer's disease
- - Protecting against cancer and enhancing the effects of chemotherapy
- - Improving mood and cognitive function
- - Healing wounds and skin problems
Some other benefits of turmeric
Turmeric has many scientifically proven health benefits. Its main active ingredient, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.
Some of the other benefits of turmeric include:
- Reducing inflammation:
Turmeric may be beneficial for chronic conditions where inflammation starts to affect tissues in your body.
- Improving memory:
A clinical trial showed that curcumin taken twice a day for 18 months helped improve memory performance in adults without dementia.
- Lessening pain:
Research suggests that taking turmeric extract could potentially reduce pain from osteoarthritis.
- Fighting free radicals:
Turmeric has antioxidant properties and may protect your body from free radicals by neutralizing them.
How to use turmeric :-
- Add turmeric powder to your soups, stews, curries, rice, vegetables, eggs, or any other dishes you like. You can also make a turmeric paste by mixing turmeric powder with water, honey, or oil and apply it to your skin or teeth for cosmetic or medicinal purposes.
- Drink turmeric tea by boiling water with turmeric powder, ginger, lemon, honey, or milk. You can also buy ready-made turmeric tea bags or capsules from health food stores or online.
- Take turmeric supplements that contain standardized amounts of curcumin. You can find them in various forms such as tablets, capsules, liquids, or gummies. Make sure to consult your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications.
- Use turmeric oil or essential oil for aromatherapy, massage, or topical application. Turmeric oil has similar properties as curcumin and can help with pain relief, inflammation, skin care, and more.
Turmeric as a inflammation reducer :-
Turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation due to its active component, curcumin. Curcumin is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that curcumin can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory compounds called eicosanoids.
 |
| Inflammation reducer |
For chronic conditions where inflammation starts to affect tissues in your body, taking turmeric may be beneficial. In one study of patients with ulcerative colitis, those who took 2 grams of curcumin a day along with prescription medication were more likely to stay in remission than those who took the medicine alone.
Turmeric powder as a skin care :-
Turmeric has been used for centuries for its healing properties and cosmetic benefits. The bright yellow-orange spice is related to ginger and is available as a ground spice or in supplements and other beauty and dermatology products 1. Turmeric contains a bioactive component called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties 12. These characteristics may provide glow and luster to the skin, and turmeric may also revive your skin by bringing out its natural glow.
One way to use turmeric for your skin is by trying a turmeric face mask at home. You can mix small amounts of Greek yogurt, honey, and turmeric together and apply it to your face. Keep the mask on for 15 minutes and then wash it off with water 1. Turmeric can also help with acne scarring due to its anti-inflammatory qualities that can target your pores and calm the skin.
In addition to its benefits for the skin, turmeric has also been linked to scabies treatment and may help with other dermatological conditions such as eczema, alopecia, lichen planus, etc
Some other ways to use turmeric for skin :-
- You can add turmeric to your homemade face wash or cream cleanser.
- You can apply turmeric topically to affected areas daily as a natural treatment for psoriasis, eczema, or other forms of dermatitis.
- You can mix 1 tablespoon of ground turmeric with 2 cups of water and use it as a facial toner or rinse.
- You can mix turmeric with lemon juice to treat pigmentation.
- You can mix turmeric with milk and apply the paste on your face for younger-looking skin.
- Rinsing your face with turmeric-infused water or drinking turmeric juice may also help you achieve your skin goals.
Method of making face mask using turmeric :-
If you are looking for a natural way to improve your skin's appearance and health, you may want to try a turmeric face mask. Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in Asian cuisine and medicine. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can benefit your skin in various ways.
- Reduce acne and acne scars.
- Brighten your skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation.
- Soothe skin irritation and inflammation.
- Prevent wrinkles and signs of aging.
To make a turmeric face mask, you will need the following ingredients:
- - 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- - 1 teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar
- - 1 1/2 tablespoon of organic honey
- - 1 teaspoon of milk or yogurt
Here are the steps to follow:-
- In a small bowl, mix the turmeric powder, apple cider vinegar, honey and milk or yogurt until you get a smooth paste. You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less liquid as needed.
- Wash your face with warm water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Apply the turmeric paste evenly over your face, avoiding the eye area. You may want to wear an old shirt or use a towel to protect your clothes from staining.
- Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it dries.
- Rinse off the mask with warm water, gently massaging your skin in circular motions. You can also use a soft cloth or cotton pad to remove any residue.
- Apply a moisturizer or facial oil to lock in the hydration and nourishment.
You can use this turmeric face mask once or twice a week for best results. You may notice some yellow tint on your skin after rinsing off the mask, but don't worry, it will fade away in a few hours. You can also use a gentle cleanser or toner to remove any traces of turmeric.
 |
| Making face mask using turmeric |
Turmeric is a natural and effective ingredient for your skin care routine. However, if you have any allergies or sensitivities to turmeric or any of the other ingredients, you should do a patch test before applying the mask to your face. Also, avoid using this mask if you have any open wounds or infections on your skin.
A turmeric face mask can help you achieve glowing and healthy skin with minimal cost and effort. Try it today and see the difference for yourself!
Some precautions you should take when using turmeric on skin :-
Side effects of turmeric :-
- - Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, or gas.
- - Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, or breathing difficulties.
- - Bleeding problems or increased risk of bruising due to turmeric's blood-thinning effect.
- - Interference with blood sugar control or diabetes medications.
- - Interference with blood pressure control or hypertension medications.
- - Interference with liver function or liver damage in rare cases.
- - Interference with hormone balance or hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.
To avoid these side effects or interactions, you should:
- - Start with a low dose of turmeric and gradually increase it as needed
- - Limit your intake of turmeric to no more than 3 grams per day for adults and 1.5 grams per day for children
- - Avoid taking turmeric if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have gallstones, bile duct obstruction, stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, or hormone-sensitive conditions
- - Stop taking turmeric at least two weeks before surgery or dental procedures
- - Inform your doctor about your use of turmeric and any other supplements you are taking