If you haven’t heard about turmeric by now, you definitely have to read this. If you have heard about it, but you still aren’t taking it, you need to start now!
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin and it is curcumin that has all the benefits. Just a few of the benefits that curcumin contains are:
- Inflammation fighter
- Super antioxidant
- Improves brain function
- Inhibits Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia
- Might help fight cancer and diabetes
- Protects the heart
Although turmeric and curcumin supplements are considered safe at all but extreme doses, the most common side effect is nausea. Speak to your doctor before consuming any supplement, no matter how safe it is presumed to be.
Since curcumin is a fat soluble substance, it can be difficult for the body to absorb. This is why it needs to be consumed with a fatty meal, or added to milk, or consumed with some black pepper. Black pepper has been shown in numerous studies to improve the absorption of curcumin by as much as 2,000%.
Want to know more? We are going to let you in on 10 of the most practical uses for turmeric that everyone should know about.
- Golden Milk
Sometimes called Turmeric Tea, this can help your body to absorb this important spice. Warm 2 cups of full fat milk on the stove, then add 1 teaspoon of curcumin or turmeric powder. Now add a pinch of black pepper and about a ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Heat until very hot, but not boiling. Pour into cups and enjoy. This is a terrific winter time drink!
- Soothing Turmeric Face Mask
Most people don’t know that you can use turmeric on your skin for super healing power! If you tend to get red blotches or have red pimples, you can get rid of that redness with this soothing mask.
Simply mix 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt with ½ a teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix well, and then apply to your face. Allow it to work for 5 minutes, and rinse. Try this three times a week for clearer, more beautiful skin.
- Super Inflammation Fighting Smoothie
If you are tired of the same old smoothie flavors, try this one! The turmeric and pineapple are super inflammation fighters!
In your blender, mix 1 cup of milk (or you can use almond or coconut milk if you prefer) with a half cup of frozen pineapple, the juice from both one lemon and one orange, ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder, just a pinch of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of either ground ginger or cinnamon, your choice. You can add a bit of honey if this isn’t sweet enough for you. Blend on high for one minute, and enjoy!
- Natural Teeth Whitener
You might think that this cannot possibly work, but it does! Simply wet your regular toothbrush, and then dip it in about 1/8 of a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Brush your teeth, but don’t rinse for 5 minutes. After rinsing with water, brush your teeth again using your regular toothpaste. If you get any of the turmeric on the skin around your mouth, it will come off with some soap and water.
Some people need to repeat this a few days in a row to get the results you want, but it really is amazing. Once you get the results you want, simply repeat this once or twice a week to keep your teeth clean and super white!
- Stops Itchy Bites
While this can be a bit messy, a mixture of aloe vera gel and turmeric, or coconut oiland turmeric, applied to itchy bug bites or plain old itchy skin works wonders! It only takes about 2 minutes for the itch to go away. Try using it just before you shower so once the bite stops itching, you can jump in the shower and wash it off.
- Super Cough Syrup
The combination of turmeric and honey are pretty terrific when it comes to fighting colds, easing sore throats, and fighting those nagging coughs. Simply mix 3 tablespoons of turmeric into 8 ounces (1 cup) of honey. Adults get one tablespoon as needed, children under 12 should take 1 teaspoon as needed to ease coughing fits and sore throats. This will keep in a dark cupboard for about a year, so don’t worry about mixing up a batch in advance!
- Super Acne Fighting Gel
Why do we always get a big zit just before a big event? Try this little trick to help remove the redness and zap that zit as quickly as possible.
Mix 2 parts honey to 1 part turmeric powder. Use a cotton swab to dab it right on that zit. You can use this three times a day to help remove the red and dry up that pimple quickly. Some people have reported that the pimple simply disappeared in 24 hours!
- A Powerful Poultice
Although most people don’t use poultices any longer, they actually are quite effective. Turmeric is a great way to treat irritated skin or for those who suffer with eczema or psoriasis. Some people say that this also helps bruises heal more quickly and that it even reduces swelling on twisted ankles or elbows.
Mix up a thick paste using turmeric powder and olive oil (or castor oil). Rub the mixture over the problem area and then apply a bandage or covering to the area. Leave on for two or three hours, then rinse off.
- Flavorful Broth
If you would like a different kind of drink altogether, try this fantastic recipe.
In a small saucepan, add 4 cups of broth (chicken or vegetable would be best). Add 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (white vinegar will work also) and a half teaspoon of black pepper. Add salt to taste.
Simmer on medium for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is hot, but not boiling. Be sure all ingredients have blended well. Cool for one minute, then enjoy.
- Add Turmeric to Almost Anything
Perhaps the easiest way to get more of this spice into your life is to use it liberally, in almost any dish you can think of.
Turmeric works well when tossed with roasted vegetables, added to rice, and sprinkled over salads. You can also add some in your soup and stew recipes, as well as scrambled eggs or frittatas. It’s also a great way to add flavor to tofu!
You can’t go wrong by adding this spice into your life anyway you can think of!
Do you have some favorite recipes or other ideas for turmeric?
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