Overview
Turmeric is connected to the sun due to its golden hue and is deeply ingrained in Indian tradition as a sacred medicine. Additionally, it has great significance because it stands for riches, prosperity, and purity. Who wouldn't love turmeric, especially since it appears to cure practically anything? Turmeric is always regarded as a universal healer in the practice of Ayurvedic medicine since it has qualities that can boost
various bodily functions and provides a variety of skin benefits.
Turmeric
Turmeric, commonly known as the "golden spice," has gained significant popularity for its remarkable health benefits. This ancient spice, derived from the Curcuma longa plant, has been an integral part of traditional medicine for centuries.
Packed with powerful compounds like curcumin, turmeric offers a myriad of health benefits that contribute to overall well-being. One of the key advantages of turmeric is its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, helps block certain enzymes and molecules by reducing inflammation in the body. This makes it a valuable ally in managing chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and even inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is hailed for its antioxidant prowess. Oxidative stress, due to free radicals, can lead to cell damage and increase the risk of chronic diseases. The antioxidants in turmeric help neutralise these harmful free radicals, providing protection against oxidative damage.
Regular consumption of turmeric can aid in maintaining a healthy immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's.
Turmeric also supports optimal digestion and gut health. Additionally, turmeric possesses antibacterial properties that can help combat harmful bacteria in the digestive tract, promoting a healthy balance of gut flora. Studies have also suggested that turmeric may have potential benefits for mental health.
Turmeric has been found to enhance brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that plays a vital role in promoting brain health and function. By increasing BDNF levels, turmeric may potentially improve cognitive abilities and memory and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Incorporating turmeric into your daily routine is relatively simple. It can be added to various dishes and smoothies are consumed as a supplement. However, it's important to note that the absorption of curcumin is enhanced when consumed with black pepper or fats, so including these in your meals can maximise its benefits.
Benefits of turmeric for skin
Glowing skin
The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory present in turmeric might provide glow and lustre to the skin which helps in reviving your skin by bringing out its natural glow.
To find out if turmeric has any advantageous benefits on your skin, you might wish to attempt a face mask at home. You can apply Greek yoghurt, honey, and turmeric on your face by combining small amounts of each. After 15 minutes, remove the mask by washing it off with water.
Boosts healing
Inflammation results from your body's normal response to an injury, which is to send white blood cells and healing enzymes to the wound to fend off infection. That may sound fantastic, but it also results in unpleasant side effects like heat, redness, and pain.
This reaction is countered with turmeric, which fights oxidation and inflammation to reduce swelling and soothe irritated wounds. The production of new, healthy skin tissue is also accelerated by turmeric. Additionally, it increases collagen formation, resulting in quicker wound healing and fewer scars.
Helps treat psoriasis
Inflammation in the autoimmune disease psoriasis causes skin cells to pile up on top of one another, resulting in scaly patches that are prone to bleeding and splitting. The key active ingredient in turmeric has anti-inflammatory enzymes that can stop the growth of new cells and lessen these unpleasant skin patches. Studies have shown that oral and topical curcumin can both reduce plaque psoriasis symptoms in 9 to 12 weeks.
Helps acne scarring
One of the most prevalent problems that everyone deals with at some point in their lives is acne. Your skin may become irritated or inflamed as a result of over-the-counter medications, skincare products, or skin treatments.
Therefore, natural or ayurvedic substances may be your best bet. One of the miraculous spices that combat acne is turmeric. Turmeric's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics aid in preventing the bacteria's growth. It lessens the blemish's redness and puffiness.
May treat scabies
Turmeric is unbeatable, even by bugs. The mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrows under your skin and can lay eggs if left untreated, is the source of scabies. Your skin will become irritated, itchy, and rash-like as a result.
A 2011 study from India found that the combination of turmeric and neem (the extract from a native Indian tree) was 97% successful in eradicating scabies. Scabies is normally treated with a prescription cream and corticosteroid lotion.
Turmeric for parasite removal
- Before attempting any new supplements or if you have any questions regarding potential parasites, speak with your doctor.
- Add turmeric to your food frequently, and take one 500 mg turmeric tablet per day.
- Use turmeric that contains piperine or black pepper extract to avoid side effects. This improves curcumin's ability to be absorbed. It may help other skin conditions.
The extent of turmeric's health advantages is still being investigated, but its anti-inflammatory and free-radical-fighting qualities have made it a topic of investigation for a variety of skin ailments. Studies suggest that in addition to the conditions listed above, turmeric may also be helpful in treating stretch marks, Scleroderma, skin cancer, vitiligo and dry skin.
How to Use Turmeric
Including turmeric in your diet in the form of turmeric milk or turmeric tea is one of the finest methods to reap the advantages of turmeric for skin. For better digestion, think about using turmeric powder in your curries and other meal preparations. One of the best methods to keep a clear, healthy complexion is to have a healthy, toxin-free gut.
Turmeric can be used as a face mask with a banana for clear skin. The skin needs a variety of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and hydration, all of which are abundant in bananas. Lectin, a substance found in bananas, destroys the bacteria that cause acne, while amino acids nourish the skin and increase its suppleness.
Honey's antioxidants aid in protecting the skin from oxidative and environmental deterioration. It also aids in the elimination of blackheads. This mask can be used thrice weekly to prevent blackheads and pimples.
Ingredients to add
∙½ teaspoon of honey
∙One teaspoon of turmeric powder
∙⅓ ripe banana
Method
Step 1:
Add honey and turmeric after smashing the banana. A smooth paste will result from thorough mixing.
Step 2:
Apply the paste all over your face and neck, then give it 20 minutes to dry.
Step 3:
After that, wash it off with lukewarm water and wipe it out with a cloth.
Whatever DIY mask you decide to use, be sure to rinse it off completely with water before applying your usual toner, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen.
Turmeric can stain your skin, so don't leave the mask on your face overnight (especially if you have lighter skin). Try washing your face with milk if there is some staining due to this yellow spice.
Is Turmeric Safe? Does It Cause Side Effects?
Turmeric use carries several hazards. You must be cautious when using turmeric, paying attention to the sort of substance you use, the dosage, and potential interactions with other medications you may be taking.
A small amount of turmeric is bioavailable. This indicates that your body doesn't absorb much of it and that your metabolism swiftly burns it off.
To avoid overdosing on turmeric, wait to observe how your body responds before taking more. Talk to your doctor about using turmeric if you take other medications.
Turmeric can temporarily colour the skin or leave a yellow residue after being applied to it. That is typical. Direct skin contact, however, can irritate an allergic person and produce redness, swelling, and irritation.
Before using turmeric on your face, test it by applying a certain amount on your forearm and wait for atleast 24 to 48 hours to see whether you react. If you have an allergy to turmeric, avoid using it topically.
Summary
In conclusion, turmeric is a versatile spice that offers a plethora of health benefits. Turmeric proves to be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle. Embrace the power of turmeric and unlock its potential to enhance your overall health and vitality.
