According to Ayurveda, plants and herbs can benefit a person's mind, body, and spirit. One herb that has dominated the traditional Ayurvedic system and the spice box of every household is Turmeric, Haldi, or Haridra (Curcuma longa). Indian saffron, as many call it, Turmeric, has been used by many ayurvedic experts since time immemorial as a spice and medicine. Turmeric is integral to many Ayurvedic formulations for making the skin glow, fighting inflammation, purifying blood, etc.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric1 is one of the most popular spices in any Indian household; it is a rhizome (underground root) of the native Curcuma longa plant. The perennial plant has a vibrant color and is leafy. The roots of the plant are collected annually and either consumed fresh by people or converted into fine golden dust by drying and crushing it. Over 100 ingredients have already been discovered in Turmeric, including vital oils, natural antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents2 like Curcumin, etc.
Nutritional analysis shows that 100 g of Turmeric contains 390 kcal, .35 oz fat, .15 oz saturated fat, 2.5 oz carbohydrates, .74 oz dietary fiber, .15 oz sugars, .28 oz protein, .35 oz sodium, etc.
What does Ayurveda say about Turmeric?
There is an undeniable connection between herbs, plants, and human beings. Since ancient times, people believed that plants and herbs carry cosmic wisdom in their parts, and the same enriches our bodies once we consume them. Ayurvedic remedies dating back to 4000 years highlight various medicinal properties of Turmeric, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial properties, etc.
According to Ayurveda, Turmeric is bitter(katu), dry(rooksha), and hot(ushna), suggesting that it has the power to balance Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. According to Ayurveda, this makes Turmeric a Tridoshic as it can balance Pitta with its bitter taste, and Vata and Kapha with its heating quality.
Thus, not only is Turmeric a quintessential spice, it is the golden herb of Ayurveda. Turmeric is integral to countless powders, pastes, oils, and other medicinal decoctions. Various Ayurvedic treatises mention how Turmeric can be used for various diseases. The Charaka Samhita talks about Turmeric extensively.
Read More: Ayurvedic benefits of Turmeric
8 unique ways Turmeric can enhance your skin and hair
Glowing and clear skin: Ignored, damaged, and dull skin lacks brightness and glow, often due to poor blood circulation. Ayurveda recommends using Turmeric's blood purifying and circulatory properties to enhance blood flow to our skin and bring back the natural luster and glow.
In India, women apply a blend of Turmeric to their faces and body to get a golden glow3 and evening skin tone. Turmeric can also reduce dark patches and hyperpigmentation by helping inhibit melanin production. Therefore, Turmeric can help remove these spots and blemishes naturally. Using Turmeric regularly can boost microcirculation and can be glow-inducing4.
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Acne-free skin: Acne is a common condition that many people struggle with. Since over-the-counter medicines and remedies may irritate and inflame the skin, going the ayurvedic way is recommended. Ayurvedic experts and modern-day research have established that Turmeric's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce acne by stopping the bacteria from spreading further. Additionally, Turmeric can potentially stop the skin cells from clogging and clumping. Thus, combining these properties and their anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe acne5, stop it from spreading, and promote quicker healing.
Treat wounds: Turmeric has been used for a long time to treat wounds, burns, and bruises. So, if you get a cut or any wound on your body, apply a little bit of Turmeric to it. Ayurvedic remedies backed by the latest research have highlighted that Turmeric is loaded with natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties. So, by applying Turmeric to the infected or target area, we can allow the wound to heal faster. Several Ayurvedic remedies for healing cuts, wounds, and burns on the skin involve using Turmeric for better healing. A wound healing salve mixed with olive oil, tee tree oil, beeswax, aloe, Turmeric, and vitamin E can be applied to the infected area to get relief.
Getting rid of early signs of aging: Premature signs of aging are triggered due to excessive exposure to the sun, UV rays, and pollution. As a result, the skin loses its natural balance and elasticity, and signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, sagging skin, etc., appear. Similarly, free radicals can damage our skin cells and speed up aging. Applying turmeric-infused masks can help moisturize skin and boost new skin cells. Curcumin6, an active ingredient found in Turmeric with its antioxidant properties, can boost collagen production, improve skin elasticity and delay signs of aging7.
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Help with psoriasis: Psoriasis8 is a skin condition where cells build up to form itchy and dry scales and patches. These scales and patches may become painful and interfere with regular activities. The skin condition impacts knees, elbows, etc., and has no concrete remedy. However, Ayurvedic records and the latest research have suggested that Turmeric's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can potentially help by controlling flares and other symptoms9. Research has highlighted that Turmeric has the potential to inhibit the activity of PhK, a protein associated with psoriasis.
Reducing Dark circles: Our undereye area is very sensitive. Due to various factors like aging, stress, sleep-related disorders, poor diet, hyperpigmentation, or excessive exposure to computers or mobile phones, it can develop dark patches and puffiness around it. Turmeric can help a person deal with dark circles with its skin-lightening and microcirculation-boosting properties. Regular use of Turmeric can reduce the appearance of dark circles10 and puffiness and lighten the skin around the eyes.
Hair growth: The benefits of Turmeric extend to preventing hair loss and enhancing scalp health. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties can stimulate hair growth and reduce hair thinning. By a reduction in inflammation, a person can inhibit the pattern of hair loss.
Improve scalp : Turmeric's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help maintain our scalp's good health. The anti-inflammatory properties of Turmeric can reduce dandruff, and its antimicrobial properties can stop the growth of microorganisms in an oily scalp. Thus by balancing oil and dryness of the scalp, Turmeric can promote a healthy scalp and reduce instances of scalp irritation as well.
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How to use Turmeric for our skin and hair?
Turmeric mask for glowing and bright skin: Using a mask made with Turmeric, curd, a teaspoon of Fuller's earth, sandalwood, and rose water for 15 minutes on the face and other body parts may enhance its glow and make it brighter.
Turmeric mixed with lemon juice and honey may also brighten the skin and help in lightening pigmentation. Applying a mask made of Turmeric, honey and lemon can ensure fair, even tone and bright skin.
Turmeric for acne: Applying Turmeric mixed with honey or aloe vera may help fight and reduce acne and its scars. Drinking turmeric tea is also beneficial. Keep it on for 15-20 minutes, rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
Turmeric mask for hair: Applying a turmeric mask made using olive oil, honey, and Turmeric for 15 -20 minutes may improve our scalp health, reduce hair fall, and promote healthy hair growth. This mask can be rinsed off using regular shampoo and conditioner.
Turmeric supplements and drinks: Oral intake of Turmeric can ensure the body's overall cleansing and purification. Taking Turmeric in the form of supplements infused in milk, water, honey, etc., can also offer several benefits. Its impact on the liver, digestive, and circulatory systems can ensure healthy skin and hair.
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Turmeric's traditional healing and glow-inducing properties are as relevant for healthy skin and hair as it was 4000 years ago. The latest research backs historical claims, and modern-day products and remedies to deal with a wide range of skin and hair concerns are now centered around Turmeric. Therefore, it is recommended that we incorporate the golden aromatic spice into our everyday routine to experience its potential benefits.
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