Turmeric is an orange-colored spice in the ginger family that has been integrated in ancient Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian lifestyles for centuries. It's also known as nature’s most powerful medicine and has been used to treat a wide range of illnesses. Turmeric's powerful properties can be used as an antiseptic or as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent, among many other things.
Antibacterial
Before the advent of modern pharmaceuticals, turmeric had been used for generations as an antibacterial agent. With a few teaspoons of water and a tablespoon of turmeric powder, you can easily make a turmeric paste that can naturally heal small cuts and burns.
Anti-Inflammatory
Turmeric is also known as nature's “anti-inflammatory” powerhouse. Curcumin, a chemical compound found in turmeric, is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory agents in the world.
Healthy and Glowing Skin
Turmeric has been used for various beauty purposes for thousands of years. You can use turmeric to heal cracks, spot-treat acne, or get that overall natural golden glow. Applying a mixture of coconut oil and a bit of turmeric powder on dry skin helps to moisturize and soften damaged skin. This same mixture can be used as a facial mask to treat pimples and acne.
Balanced Mood
Curcumin increases serotonin and dopamine levels. Studies published by the Government Medical College last year showed that turmeric was just as effective at managing depression as Prozac.
Alzheimer's, Arthritis, and Cancer
Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory compounds, cancer cell inhibitors, and antioxidant triggers that can prevent alzheimer's disease and arthritis.
How To Use It
There are many ways to incorporate turmeric into your daily diet, such as mixing it into scrambled eggs, tossing it in with roasted vegetables, blending it into a smoothie, or making a warm tea.
Turmeric Tea Recipe
A personal favorite, turmeric tea is a delicious and soothing way to end the evening. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil, and achieve a creamy yet refreshingly spicy tonic.
Ingredients
- 2 cups purified or spring water
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric (or 1 inch turmeric root)
- 1 inch fresh ginger root, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- To Serve: sliced grapefruit, honey to taste, juice of 1/2 a grapefruit, 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil, add minced ginger root, turmeric, cinnamon, and sliced grapefruit wedges.
- Simmer for 10 minutes on medium-low heat.
- To Serve: add coconut oil, honey to taste, and fresh grapefruit juice as needed.
Turmeric Tea Health Benefits Breakdown
- Grapefruit: alkalizing
- Turmeric: anti-inflammatory
- Ginger: digestion
- Cinnamon: improved sugar handling
Sources "Turmeric", University of Maryland Medical Center "Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial", The National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence", The National Center for Biotechnology Information.