First, what is Turmeric? Turmeric or Curcumin is a spice inherent of India but used for raising crops in Asia. It also goes by the name Curcumin because that is the yellow colored component from which it comes and in which it contains the majority benefits.

It is used in curry, many Asian foods, medicines, and used to color certain foods and also used in cosmetics. Used internally or externally turmeric is an amazing asset to your well-being.

Now down to business, how can turmeric or curcumin benefit you?

Joint Pain

If you suffer from arthritis, bursitis, or looking for muscle recovery after a workout, then turmeric can be your solution. Research has shown by ingesting turmeric; it can work just as well as ibuprofen. It is a natural anti-inflammatory.

If you have achy joints, you can make a paste and place it over the body part that is bothering you. Here is a quick recipe.

Ingredients

• Organic ground turmeric
• Coconut Oil (can also substitute with olive oil or water)

What to do

• Mix until a thick paste forms
• Place on a joint that is hurting you
• Leave on for 20-30 minutes
• Rinse with lukewarm water

Try to apply the turmeric paste neatly as it will stain.

If DIY turmeric paste isn’t your thing, opt for a supplement. You can find these supplements in many health food stores, some grocery stores and of course on Amazon.

Cancer Prevention and Healing

A clinical trial was done involving 62 participants that had cancerous lesions on their bodies. Topically applying the curcumin produced less itching, pain, and size of the patient’s lesions. This clinical trial was one of the first trials conducted back in 1987.

As of today, even more, evidence has shown that curcumin alone or combined with other components can prevent and fight against other cancers such as multiple myeloma, lung cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.

Start by incorporating turmeric into your lifestyle. You can do this by seasoning more of your foods with it, making golden milk, making a tonic I talked about in my previous post about Apple Cider Vinegar, or just taking a supplement. Living a well and happy life should be a priority.

Anti-aging

Pollution in the air, smoking, and poor diet can all contribute to how your skin looks. Because turmeric has lots of antioxidants, it can stop the oxidative stress that happens to your skin.

UV rays are another downfall to the skin. What turmeric does is manage the formation of age spots and free radical damage that happens to the surface of the skin when exposed to it. Turmeric is strongly comparable to Vitamin C and E.

Reaping the benefits of turmeric can be made by making a face mask. Here’s my recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp organic ground turmeric
• Aztec Indian Healing Clay
• 2-3 Tsp rose water

What to do

• Mix rose water and turmeric in a bowl until smooth, thick consistency forms.
• Apply to face with fingers or facial brush and leave on for 20 minutes.
• Rinse with cool water then pat dry.

Relieve Itchy Scalp and Dandruff

Turmeric has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. If your scalp continually itches, you have dandruff, eczema or dermatitis, doing a turmeric treatment on your scalp before washing your hair can be a big help.

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is what treats all these scalp conditions. It will soothe and calm your inflamed skin while killing any fungal infections at the source.

What to do

Mix organic ground turmeric with olive oil. Apply to scalp before washing your hair. Cover hair with plastic bag or plastic shower cap. Leave on for 30 minutes. Then shampoo as normally would.

Not only will your scalp feel better but you will also stop any hair loss or thinning hair due to an overly irritated scalp.

Detox

If you take advantage of turmeric regularly, it can boost your liver function by processing waste and toxins more efficiently. Your gallbladder will become more stimulated from the turmeric. In return, this will improve bile flow which keeps your liver cleansed.

Keeping your liver functioning the proper way is what blocks toxins from being changed into damaging compounds. Your liver is a crucial component of your body’s detox process.

Turmeric can also fight the free radicals in your body due to its antioxidant properties and therefore assisting the liver in detoxing. The curcumin in turmeric protects your body from these radicals by blocking them directly and by boosting your own natural occurring antioxidant enzymes.

Recap

Turmeric can be taken internally or used externally to reap its benefits. It is an excellent anti-inflammatory, can slow aging, prevent and stop a sensitive scalp, and can also be used as a natural detox.

Even if you consume turmeric at low levels, but regularly and over time, it will have beneficial effects on your body inside and out.

Let me know if you use turmeric and how you used it down below.

Talk to you soon!

Andie 🙂