What's the big deal about turmeric?
Turmeric has powerful health benefits. It is arguably best known for its use in Ayurvedic medicine and delicious curry. The benefits have been extensively researched and the jury is in – Turmeric is simply amazing for health. What is becoming better known in the West is that it is also great for natural skin care. Turmeric natural skin care has been known about for hundreds of years in India! Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, both internally and with topical use. In India it is traditionally applied to the bride and groom before the wedding for its beauty and health benefits.
What does it contain?
The better question would be what doesn't it contain? Turmeric contains curcuminoids and volatile oils that have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, so much so that it can aid arthritis treatment and help prevent diabetes. It also contains antioxidants, fibre and a number of vitamins and minerals in good amounts such as:
- Manganese
- Iron
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Vitamins C, D, E, K, B12, B6, folate
- Choline
- Betaine
- Zinc
- Copper
- Selenium
The nutrient profile is a veritable cocktail of goodness for the human body, but luckily it translates to topical use as well.
What's the skinny on turmeric for the skin?
Due to its unsurpassed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties it is especially powerful for eczema, psoriasis and acne as well as anti-ageing.
Psoriasis and eczema
Since these skin conditions are inflammatory and in the case of psoriasis, an overreaction of the immune system, turmeric is a great remedy. Taken internally in a tea or smoothie or applied topically, turmeric inhibits cytokines which increase cell inflammation in psoriasis. Thanks to Stylecraze, we have a lovely turmeric paste recipe for topical application:
- Take half a teaspoon of powdered turmeric and slowly add water to it.
- Keep stirring until you get a paste.
- Apply a thin layer of this ointment to psoriasis lesions. Cover with some breathable fabric and leave it on overnight.
- Remove the fabric and rinse skin with warm water the next morning.
For a good internal hit of turmeric try Pukka Turmeric Tea >
Acne
Whatever the cause, be it hormonal or otherwise, bacteria that builds in the sebaceous glands causes acne. Acne manifests as unsightly ‘eruptions' on the skin. A beautiful combination of potent bacteria fighters includes turmeric, tea tree oil and ginger root. The anti-inflammatory action also reduces pore nastiness and enhances wound healing. The good folks at Cocokind have developed a handy spot treatment stick with these awesome ingredients.
Shop the Cocokind Turmeric Treatment stick > Dusk By Adele's healing mask for acne may also provide relief. Rich in Australian pink clay, turmeric, 24k gold flakes and Zeolite minerals for powerful detoxification and anti-inflammatory effects, this mask helps to support troublesome clean by deeply cleaning and healing.
Shop Dusk By Adele's healing mask here >
Wrinkles, stretch marks, skin pigmentation and cracked feet
Turmeric is also said to be an all-rounder for these conditions. Make a scrub for the feet including turmeric and apple cider vinegar.
A lovely soap which could minimise stretch marks and skin pigmentation is the
Urthly Organics Lemon Myrtle, Turmeric and Poppy Seed soap bar > Turmeric can also be used for cleaning, polish and whitening teeth.
See our turmeric tooth products here > So, treat yourself to Turmeric and let us know what you think in the comments below.
