turmeric for radiant skin and optimal health

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By: Trudy Collings
Trudy was born in England but raised in Vero Beach, Florida. In 2008, she graduated cum laude from the University of Florida with a double major in British Literature & Anthropology. In 2009, her ...
Edited date: March 5, 2024Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used for over 4,000 years in Asia as a helpful ally to radiant skin.

From the dyeing of clothes to Hindu wedding ceremonies, to healing digestive and skin ailments, turmeric has served humankind in a myriad of ways.

Today, turmeric is a buzz word among alternative healers, herbalists, and yogis alike. People are, once again, recognizing the healing properties of this powerful herb.

The healing substance in turmeric is known as curcumin. Curcumin is what gives the spice its golden yellow color and what provides the medicinal effect.

Curcumin has a Prabhava, or special effect, on the large intestine and, when combined with Pippali, or long pepper, can help protect the body from colon cancer.

Also, it provides turmeric with its strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving actions. That’s why many medical practitioners recommend turmeric for patients dealing with joint pain and/or arthritis.

Turmeric and Ayurveda

Ayurveda, India’s traditional wellness system that dates back over 5,000 years, calls turmeric “the Golden Goddess.” Throughout its medical texts, Ayurveda reveres turmeric as one of the most powerful herbs for use on a multitude of ailments.

Turmeric supports digestive health; it reduces indigestion and the excess heat that can accumulate in the digestive tract (which can lead to heartburn, GERD, and diarrhea).

For instance, it clears ama (toxins) in the digestive system and works in the Rakta, or blood channel, as a circulatory stimulant (blood tonic), supporting the production of red blood cells.

Surprisingly, turmeric has a whitening effect on teeth and its antibacterial properties help promote oral health.

In addition, Ayurveda indicates turmeric for external application, for wounds, bruises, and skin ailments.

Is there anything this super herb can’t do?

Turmeric for your skin

In recent years, the Golden Goddess has gained wide popularity in the skincare and beauty industry. Known to even skin tone, Turmeric also soothes and smooths the skin while lightening excess skin pigmentation.

Turmeric helps fight free radical damage, thanks to its antioxidant effects, and can improve skin elasticity. It’s also garnering praise for its ability to heal and prevent acne.

In essence, turmeric is one of the greatest allies for anyone in search of organic, earth-based, chemical-free skincare.

Recipe – A turmeric face mask

Want to give turmeric a try?

Here’s a simple exfoliating face mask you can make at home to introduce turmeric into your skincare and beauty ritual.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp Organic Turmeric
• 1 tsp Organic Chickpea Flour
• ¼ tsp Himalayan salt
• ¼ tsp Organic Almond, Rice or Coconut Milk
• ¼ tsp Organic Olive, Sunflower or Almond Oil

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl to make a paste.

Apply the paste evenly to the skin of the face and neck. Be sure to apply in gentle, circular, upward strokes. Let sit for 2-5 minutes. Gently rinse away the mask with tepid water.

The addition of the non-dairy milk, salt, and chickpea flour will help prevent any temporary staining of the skin that might result from turmeric’s golden hue.

If you want to be extra careful, look for Kasturi Turmeric (Curcuma aromatic) a non-staining version of the spice, or follow up with a gentle salt or sugar scrub combined with some olive, sunflower or almond oil, after the mask treatment to remove any golden residue from the skin.

Conclusion

Turmeric is an ancient herb with many modern-day applications. Both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine recognized the healing properties of this herb early on.

To this day, these two traditional medicines still honor turmeric as one of the most versatile healing plants.

To determine how turmeric can best enhance your life, speak with a certified Ayurvedic or Chinese practitioner or herbalist.

When implementing turmeric into your daily skincare ritual, begin with a small patch test to ensure that no irritation occurs.

From there, you can start to apply in larger portions for radiant, smooth, supple skin.