Like many spices, turmeric (Curcuma longa) has a long history of use in traditional medicine. This flavorful spice is grown primarily from the rhizomes, or roots, of a flowering plant in India and other parts of Southeast Asia, and in addition to giving curry its vibrant yellow color, turmeric is also known to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric is one of the best-known spices. Besides its excellent taste, it has other extremely useful qualities. Here is a list of unexpected ways to use turmeric. Thank you to Creativeside for this great list.
Turmeric is one of the best-known spices. Besides its excellent taste, it has other extremely useful qualities. Creativeside put together a selection of unexpected ways to use turmeric.
Health Benefits Of Turmeric
IT GETS RID OF ACNE:
1 tbsp aloe vera juice + 1/4 tsp turmeric Apply to problem areas for 10-15 minutes, then wash off. Frequency: 3 times a week.
IT WHITENS TEETH:
Dip your toothbrush in sunflower or olive oil, then in crushed turmeric root. Clean your teeth for 3 minutes. Frequency: 2-3 times a week.
IT GETS RID OF A COLD:
Mix 1/2 tsp dry turmeric into a glass of linseed oil. Heat up until you get a strong aroma. Inhale for 1-2 minutes. Frequency: 2 times a day.
IT WHITENS TEETH:
Dip your toothbrush in sunflower or olive oil, then in crushed turmeric root. Clean your teeth for 3 minutes. Frequency: 2-3 times a week.
IT GETS RID OF A COLD:
Mix 1/2 tsp dry turmeric into a glass of linseed oil. Heat up until you get a strong aroma. Inhale for 1-2 minutes. Frequency: 2 times a day.
IT IMPROVES HAIR GROWTH:
1 tbsp turmeric powder + 50 ml vegetable oil Apply the paste to your roots for 30 minutes, then wash off. Frequency: 1-3 times a month.
IT IMPROVES YOUR MOOD AND STIMULATES BRAIN FUNCTIONING:
I glass cold water + 1/2 tsp turmeric + 1/2 tsp black pepper + a slice of lemon The effect is instantaneous. Not recommended if you have stomach problems. Frequency: Once a day.
IT REDUCES PAIN IN THE JOINTS:
1 tbsp turmeric powder + 1 tbsp honey + 2-3 crushed garlic cloves Apply the paste to the painful area for 15-20 minutes. Frequency: Daily for 2 week
IT HELPS YOU LOSE WEIGHT:
1 glass milk 1/2 tsp turmeric The drink speeds up metabolism and reduces your appetite. Frequency: Every day in the morning and evening.
IT HEALS WOUNDS, BURNS, AND INFLAMMATION:
1/2 tsp turmeric 1/2 tsp ground ginger a little water Spread the resulting paste on the affected area. Frequency: Once a day.
IT GETS RID OF A SORE THROAT:
1/2 tsp turmeric + 1/2 tsp salt Mix together in a glass of hot water. Gargle. Frequency: 3 times a day.
IT REJUVENATES THE SKIN:
1 tsp turmeric + 1 tsp milk + 1 tsp honey Apply to steam-treated skin on the face and neck for 10-15 minutes. Wash off. Frequency: Every other day for a month. A 2-month gap between courses.
IT PREVENTS INFLAMMATION (Which is the root cause of fatal diseases):
1/4 tsp turmeric + 1/2 tsp olive oil + a pinch of black pepper Add the mixture to soups and salads or eat with green tea. Frequency: As often as possible.
IT STRENGTHENS IMMUNITY:
1/3 cup turmeric + 2/3 cup water Mix together. Heat up in a saucepan for 10 minutes. Store the mixture in a sterilized jar in the refrigerator. Dilute 1-2 tsp of the paste in a glass of warm milk, and add a little honey. Frequency: Once a day. Every 3-4 hours if sick.
Here's to your health! Dr. Linda P.S If you don't want to mess around with all these different recipes you can also take turmeric daily in a capsule form. If you are taking a turmeric supplement it is best to take them with meals or choose a supplement which contains a bioavailability enhancer. You can order it through my Fullscript account Fullscript Link here. If you have an account simply put the name in the search bar to order, otherwise set up your own account to receive a 10% discount and free shipping for $50 or more.
Fun Fact: Like all natural products that you are consuming you can enhance how your body absorbs turmeric by either adding black pepper, heating turmeric such as cooking and if you can easily digest it, adding it too healthy fats such as coconut oil, or mixing a golden latte or smoothie with full fat dairy, almond or coconut milk will optimize the body's absorption of curcumin.