culinary, medicinal & skin care uses of turmeric
Top tip:
- Due to it's vibrant colour, turmeric preparations, when applied topically, can temporarily tinge the skin yellow. Avoid this temporary tint by including turmeric in small amounts or as a part of a blend with other ingredients.
culinary
Turmeric is used extensively in traditional Eastern cuisine, and is a main ingredient in curry powder. Turmeric adds flavour and colour to savoury curries, soups, stews, rice dishes, sauces, and also healthy juices and smoothies. Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, provides its yellow colour, and contributes valuable medicinal and skin care benefits due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
medicinal / remedies
Turmeric has been used medicinally and in home remedies for thousands of years. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, so drinking turmeric tea regularly can be beneficial for a number of inflammatory conditions. A turmeric infusion is antiseptic and can be applied cool as a cleansing wash for cuts, burns and bites. Turmeric macerated oil or balms can ease stiff joints, muscular pain, sprains, and swellings.
skin care
Dry turmeric powder is a beneficial ingredient to add to soothing, rejuvenating facial steams and masks. An antibacterial diluted turmeric vinegar cleanses and tones oily skin. Anti-inflammatory turmeric, macerated in carrier oils or balms, calms and soothes red, irritated skin conditions. Turmeric can be macerated in carrier oils to create antioxidant anti-aging facial serums.
folklore
Turmeric has a long folkloric tradition in Indian and Eastern Asian cultures. Considered a substance of purity, turmeric has a long history of being used in offerings and ceremonies. As a dye, it has also been used to colour food, cosmetics, artwork, clothing and other woven materials, and ceremonial masks.
Important considerations & cautions:
Although botanicals (herbs, spices, plants) are considered safe for most people when used in cooking or in small amounts, inappropriate use of some of these botanicals could be dangerous. The content on this site shares our own personal use of botanical ingredients, is for information only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Prior to using any botanicals in recipes or remedies, you should always do your own research, and consult with a medical professional, your GP, or a qualified herbalist
Although botanicals (herbs, spices, plants) are considered safe for most people when used in cooking or in small amounts, inappropriate use of some of these botanicals could be dangerous. The content on this site shares our own personal use of botanical ingredients, is for information only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Prior to using any botanicals in recipes or remedies, you should always do your own research, and consult with a medical professional, your GP, or a qualified herbalist