We find the ingredient “Turmeric” make its way into almost every recipe of healthy food items, herbal drinks and even beauty products. What is it that makes turmeric such a special ingredient?
Turmeric, also known as haldi (as the Indians call it), is a common spice found in the kitchen of every household. Turmeric is not just like any other ingredient. It is commonly used and has a range of uses from culinary additions to health benefits. It is scientifically known as ‘Curcuma Longa’ and comes from the family of ginger. The primary and active component of turmeric is ‘Curcumin’ that also gives turmeric its vibrant yellow colour.
Benefits of turmeric:
1. Relief from pain and inflammation:
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties which can help treat wounds. It also has a compound called curcumin, which helps to reduce pain and provides an analgesic effect. It can be used to treat open wounds. Those who suffer from arthritis can use turmeric, as it helps treat inflammation.
2. Helpful for skin allergies, treatment of acne, psoriasis:
Turmeric can help reduce skin allergies as it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which work effectively in reducing the microbes and inhibit fungal activity in the body. The compound curcumin acts as an anti-allergen and prevents allergic reactions. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can calm the skin, reduce scarring and prevent further breakouts and clear the already existing scars.
3. Aids one’s digestion and burns fat:
Many people suffer from digestive problems and heartburn. Turmeric can be the solution for you. It regularizes bowel movements, indigestion, and in turn aiding flatulence. It helps people suffering from constipation, diarrhea or even loss of appetite. Turmeric works as a supportive supplement for improving the body’s health, so it can work to lose weight on its own.
4. Acts as an immunity booster and aids general health:
Turmeric can act as a natural detoxifier and helps detoxify the body (as it has diuretic properties), improve one’s cognitive functioning, decreases the risk of cancer, cures ulcers, helps the skin, acts as a blood purifier, gives menstrual pain relief for women and improves one’s overall health.
Turmeric milk for general health, immunity, weight loss and skin health:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups warm/hot milk
- Dash of pepper powder
- 1 tsp organic turmeric (haldi) powder
- 1 inch piece of cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Method:
Boil one cup of milk and add in the pepper powder with organic turmeric (haldi) powder, ginger powder and cinnamon. Boil it for a minute or so on high flame and then turn off. Strain this into a cup and you can also add in honey (which is optional) to taste. Stir well and it is ready to consume.
Please Note: You can also have this drink with just plain warm water. Follow the same recipe and replace the same quantity of milk with hot water.
Tip: This drink is best had before you sleep at night or on an empty stomach early morning, after which you shouldn’t consume any food or beverage for half an hour.
Turmeric face masks to reduce acne and improve overall skin health:
Recipe 1:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp organic honey
- ½ tsp organic turmeric powder (haldi powder)
Method:
In a mixing bowl add in the honey and turmeric powder and mix well into a fine paste. Wash your face and apply this mix and leave it on your face for 15 minutes and then rinse off with water and dab dry with a towel.
Recipe 2:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp besan flour (gram flour)
- 1 tsp yoghurt/curd
- 1 tsp organic turmeric powder (haldi powder)
- 1 tsp of honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Method:
In a mixing bowl add in the besan flour, yogurt/curd, turmeric powder, honey and lemon juice and mix well into a fine paste. Wash your face and apply this mix and leave it on your face for 15 minutes and then rinse off with water and dab dry with a towel.
Turmeric and honey mix for relief from cold and cough:
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp organic honey
- 1 tbsp organic turmeric (haldi) powder
- ½ to 1 tsp black pepper powder
Method:
In a mixing bowl, add in the honey, turmeric powder and pepper powder and mix into a fine paste. You can consume half a spoon of this mixture even twice a day to provide relief from cough and cold. Do not immediately swallow, but keep it in your mouth for a few minutes and then do not drink or eat anything for 15 to 20 minutes after having this mixture.
The black pepper powder helps activate the curcumin (the compound responsible for the benefits in turmeric) in the turmeric.