Turmeric, also known as curcuma longa, has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal herb in the treatment of a range of ailments and illnesses. Turmeric may have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used as a natural treatment for arthritis and cystic fibrosis and to prevent cancer, although there is no scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness. These supposed anti-inflammatory properties are what may make it an effective treatment for acne.
How It Works
Turmeric's possible anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce the redness, swelling and irritation that often occur with acne. Turmeric is also thought to have drying properties which, when applied to acne-inflamed skin, may help absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin. Lastly, turmeric is thought to be an antiseptic, so it may help to rid the pores of impurities that might cause acne flare-ups.
How to Use It
It is the stems or roots of the turmeric plant that are normally used. They are dried and then steeped in hot water to make tea, put into capsules to be swallowed, or made into a paste to be applied topically to the skin. To treat acne, make a paste of turmeric and coconut oil and apply to affected areas of the face or body. Gently rub into skin and allow to dry. Apply once or twice daily. Some sources suggest that can turmeric can also be taken internally to increase the effectiveness of its possible anti-inflammatory properties, however there is no evidence to support this.
Research
According to the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, "there is little reliable evidence to support the use of turmeric for any health condition [including acne] because few clinical trials have been conducted." However, some findings from research conducted on animals suggest that the active ingredient in turmeric, called curcumin, has anti-inflammatory properties, which could be helpful in the treatment of acne. These claims have not been tested on humans.
Side Effects
Turmeric is safe for adults, but high doses or extended internal use may cause indigestion. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the normal dosage for adults is 400 to 600 mg of the standardized powder three times per day. Animals given high doses of turmeric have experienced liver problems, but no such problems have been reported in humans. If the skin has open wounds or the acne is bleeding, care should be taken when applying the turmeric paste so as to avoid further irritation.
Contraindications
When taken internally, turmeric may interact with other herbs, supplements or medications, so it is always best to talk to your doctor before beginning a treatment plan. Because turmeric can cause digestion problems at higher doses, individuals with gallstones or obstruction of the bile passages should consult their physicians before using turmeric. Individuals with diabetes should also use caution, as turmeric can lower blood sugar levels and cause problems for people taking medication to lower blood sugar.
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