The benefits of

Turmeric (and 12 practical uses)

1.1K1.8K127 28 43

Turmeric is a powerful spice with an impressive list of uses and benefits. It’s known for its antioxidant

content and ability to work as an anti-inflammatory.

This common culinary spice is prized in many cuisines around the world and with good reason…

What’s so great about Turmeric?

• Fights inflammation• Antioxidant• Protects the heart in

various ways• Helpful for arthritis• Brain boosting• May be helpful for fighting

diabetes and cancer

Benefits of Turmeric

• If you’ve researched Turmeric at all, you may have seen that many supplements and recommendations also include black pepper as well. Black pepper contains piperine, which has been shown to dramatically increase the absorption and effects of turmeric.

• Personally, when I use turmeric for cooking or natural beauty recipes, I make sure to add a little black pepper as well for this reason.

Turmeric and Black Pepper

Practical Uses for Turmeric

• The name is slightly misleading, but this “tea” is a blend of some kind of milk (including almond milk or coconut milk), spices and optional sweetener.

• Currently, I enjoy this with homemade pecan milk for a deep, earthy flavor. We drink these often during winter months as a satisfying warm beverage and to help ward off illness. See the full recipe here.

Turmeric Tea (Golden Milk)

• If you prefer a more savory warm drink, turmeric broth is a great alternative. Instead of a milk or milk alternative, the base of this drink is broth (here’s how to make your own).

Turmeric Broth

• You can add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder to any face mask recipe you love.

• My favorite recipe: Mix 2 tablespoons of unsweetened yogurt with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and 1 teaspoon of honey for a soothing and cooling face mask. I leave it on for about 5 minutes and wash off.

Soothing Face Mask

• This vibrant and earthy spice already has a reputation as a staple in many cuisines and I love cooking with it! 

• One of my favorite ways to incorporate small amounts of this power spice is by making a homemade curry powder. This uses a host of powerful spices and provides awesome flavor to many dishes.

Curry Powder

• To Make: Blend 1 cup of pecan/almond/coconut milk with 1/2 cup frozen pineapple, the juice of one lemon and one orange, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, a tiny pinch of black pepper, and about a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger root. Add a natural sweetener like stevia if desired.

Sunrise Smoothie

• Try this spice externally in poultices to sooth skin and reduce inflammation. It is often used in lotions or preparations for skin with eczema or psoriasis for this reason.

• Here’s what I’ve done.

Potent Poultice

• Just like in the face mask, the anti-inflammatory properties of this unique spice makes it beneficial to help cool and stop acne.

• I make a paste of honey and turmeric (2 parts honey to 1 part turmeric) and dab on to spot treat.

Acne Gel

• I was skeptical about putting turmeric on my teeth since it has such a propensity to stain. I got over my fears pretty quickly after seeing how well it worked for my friend.

Brighten Teeth

• I’ve found that a thin paste of aloe vera gel and turmeric can help calm itchy or burned skin. I’ve used this on bites, poison ivy and even eczema with good results.

Stop the Itch

• This simple spice is great when added alone to many dishes. I like to add it to eggs, roasted veggies, meats, and soups for a wonderful flavor.

As a Plain Ol’ Spice

• If you make your own soap, add turmeric for color and for skin benefits.

• This spice makes a beautiful colored soap that can be especially helpful for soothing irritated skin.

Spice up Your Soap

• Turmeric is such a great remedy and can help soothe a sore throat, but kids don’t love the taste. My solution? Neon yellow cough syrup (at least that is what my kids call it).

• I add 3 tablespoons of powdered turmeric to an 8 ounce mason jar of honey (about 1 cup of honey).

• By definition, this is actually an electuary, but my kids just think of it as a brightly colored honey that helps their throats feel better. This can be made ahead of time and stored for a very long time since both ingredients are shelf stable.

Golden Honey

What to Avoid

• This powerful root has many benefits, but also a few important cautions.

• Some folklore info suggests that it was used as a birth control and it should not be taken by women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (though using it in cooking is fine). When used externally, it will give the skin a light yellow hue for a little while after use and this can easily be washed off.

Where to Find Turmeric

• There can be a tremendous difference among different brands of Turmeric. I purchase Turmeric in powdered form here as it is the best value and I am extremely impressed with its quality.

• You may also be able to find high quality Turmeric locally, just look for organic with bright yellow orange color and no added ingredients.

For more about the Benefits of Turmeric and simple, Creative ways to

use it in your life, Click here.

Looking for More Wellness Information and Inspiration?

https://www.facebook.com/WellnessMama

https://plus.google.com/+Wellnessmamapage

http://instagram.com/wellnessmama

http://pinterest.com/wellnessmama

http://twitter.com/wellnessmama

https://www.youtube.com/user/katiewellnessmama/