As science confirms the benefits of herbal ingredients, ayurvedic medicine is regaining more recognition in urban societies. Turmeric powder is one such marvel: benefiting the human body in more ways than one. Got some turmeric left over in your kitchen that you don’t know how to use? Try these creative ways to make the most out of this valuable spice.
Turmeric Powder Face Mask
Mix some gram flour, turmeric, and milk into a bowl together. This DIY face mask is the remedy for almost all skin issues. Whether you have zits, pigmentation, tanning, or uneven skin tone, turmeric makes your skin brighter and makes you look younger.
You can also add other ingredients to this face mask. Rose water, honey, and oats are commonly used options. Create a unique blend using ingredients that target your skin issues. The best part about this is that you’ll find all ingredients in your kitchen, and you can apply this mask as often as you wish. Apply it daily for a week, leaving it on for 20-30 minutes, and you’ll see stunning results without spending a single buck.
Turmeric Milk
Mix one teaspoon of turmeric in one glass of warm milk to heal your body from the inside. Taken at night, it can put you into a good restful sleep. Although doctors recommend avoiding dairy when you have a cough, indigenous cultures use turmeric milk to cure it.
If you’re lactose intolerant, here’s a slightly absurd suggestion: have one spoon of turmeric by itself. Consuming plain dry turmeric powder can be uncomfortable. It is hard to swallow and can make you cough. But sucking on the powder slowly means it has a more concentrated effect.
Tip: Remember to brush your teeth after! You don’t want yellow-stained teeth.
Food Preparations
Turmeric can be used in so many dishes. It is an essential ingredient in many cuisines around the world. Most Indian dishes require, at minimum, a dash of turmeric. Cambodian food such as Amok uses a yellow/orange curry that gets its appetizing colour from this herb. Japanese curry, too, relies heavily on turmeric.
Have you ever heard of pickled turmeric? Yes, it’s surprisingly delicious and beyond wonderful for health. Since turmeric looks exactly like ginger before it is ground up and created into a spice, you can cut turmeric into thin strips and soak them in your favourite flavours. Turmeric will retain its unique flavour and develop a yummy tang that makes it a mouth-watering side to your main dish.
Turmeric for Mental Health
Recent research has also shown that turmeric consumption is associated with reduced depressive symptoms. It also delays the onset and possibly prevents Alzheimer’s disease. This is because turmeric can influence our neurotransmitter levels, namely serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in stress and stress management.
Just imagine, if it can prevent two of the most pressing mental health issues, what else can it do that people haven’t yet discovered?
Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Fungal, Anti-Bacterial
Turmeric can also be applied directly onto the skin. If you fall and scrape your knee, apply turmeric paste to the injured area. Turmeric can prevent infections. Got a nasty boil on your forehead? Solution: turmeric. High in antioxidants, it also boosts your immunity. Incorporate turmeric in your diet at least twice a week, and you’ll start getting sick less often. It might also help with joint pain and improve vision.
While turmeric supplements may have some side effects, consuming the boon naturally only offers advantages.
