Turmeric Health Benefits

Turmeric, known by the name of haldi in India, is a member of the ginger family. It is scientifically known by the name of ‘Curcuma Longa’ and has been accorded to impart a number of health benefits to its users. Infact, it has been in existence as a healing factor in Ayurveda, since ages. Turmeric extract has been known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic properties, mainly present in curcumin – one of its active ingredients. In the following lines, we have mentioned the health benefits arising from the use of turmeric.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

* Turmeric has antiseptic properties. Putting its powder over cuts, bruises, or scrapes helps in stopping blood loss as well as healing the wounds.
* Drinking boiled milk, with a little turmeric powder in it, helps in the strengthening of bones.
* The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric powder help in alleviating the pain associated with arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
* Taking turmeric on a regular basis helps in the reduction of fats, thus aiding in weight loss.
* Turmeric powder, when consumed regularly, helps improve blood circulation and also purifies blood.
* Studies have shown that turmeric helps in prevention and blockage of the growth of melanoma tumor cells, breast cancer, colon cancer and other cancers.
* Turmeric extract is believed to cure liver problems as well as prevent bad cholesterol.
* Turmeric has been said to help reduce the risk of childhood leukemia.
* Turmeric powder aids the healing process and remodeling of damaged skin.
* Turmeric has been known to be helpful in treating psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
* Turmeric is said to be very good for digestion.
* Turmeric powder, when mixed with cucumber lemon or juice, helps in the reduction of pigmentation.
* Paste of turmeric and milk cream or turmeric and curd, when applied on stomach, helps in lightening of stretch marks.
* Applying a paste of turmeric, gram flour and milk cream is believed to help in giving a glow to the skin.


Here are just a few of the various benefits of turmeric:

Reduces Pigmentation

Plagued with pigmentation? Turmeric can help even out your skin tone and colour. Simply apply a little turmeric mixed with cucumber juice or lemon to the affected area. Leave on for fifteen minutes or more, and wash off. Do this everyday, and gradually you will notice your skin colour returning to normal.


Strengthens Bones

Drink a quarter glass turmeric juice every night, with milk. The best way to have this is to take a ½ inch piece of turmeric and boil it with half a glass of milk. Once the milk has turned yellow, remove from fire, let it cool slightly, and sip this. This will cure numerous ailments. Women especially should drink this every night, as it strengthens bones and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis.


Softens the Body

Turmeric is a wonderful body scrub, which is why Indian brides apply a turmeric and gram flour (besan) mix to their entire body, the morning of the wedding. It leaves your skin soft, smooth and glowing. Of course, a single application will not really make that much of a difference. Do this regularly, and watch your skin change for the better - much better.


Makes the Skin Supple

If you are planning a pregnancy, apply a mixture of turmeric and malai or turmeric and curd to your stomach and waist before going for a bath. Leave it on for fifteen minutes, and wash off. If desired, you could even apply this mixture after bathing. After you have washed off the soap, apply the malai and haldi mixture, leave it on for five minutes, and wash off only with water. Gently, wipe your stomach with the towel. The sooner you start this routine, the more supple and elastic your skin will become, and after giving birth, you will not be left with unsightly stretch marks.


Inhibits Cell Damage

Turmeric is an excellent anti-oxidant, which essentially means that it stabilizes unstable oxygen molecules. These are known as free radicals, and are what cause damage to cells, leading to ageing and various other diseases such as cancer.


Fights Diarrhoea

Turmeric fights the bacteria that causes diarrhoea, so the next time your stomach starts 'running', reach for some haldi. German health authorities have officially declared turmeric herbal tea to be a cure for loose stools.


All around the world you can now avail of turmeric in the form of teas, capsules, tinctures, lotions, ointments and powder. However, here, you have access to turmeric in its purest form, so make the most use of it.