Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian and Asian dishes. It is made from the ground roots of the Curcuma longa plant, which is a tropical plant that bears small yellow flowers and leaves that resemble those of the lily, according to Dr. James Duke, author of "Dr. Duke's Essential Herbs." Although it is primarily known for its culinary uses, it may also help heal wounds, reduce skin inflammation and clear acne lesions.
Step 1
Mix 1 tbsp. turmeric powder in 1 cup of warm milk or soy milk. Drink up to three cups of the mixture per day to help reduce skin inflammation and acne breakouts, advises Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs."
Step 2
Add 1 tbsp. turmeric to 1 cup coconut milk, and add the mixture to 2 cups of cooked lentils to make a simple curry. Add 1/3 tbsp. ground chili pepper, 1/4 tbsp. peppercorns and 1 tbsp. garam masala to add heat and flavor to this dish. Garam masala is a mixture of spices common in Indian cuisine. Include diced garlic and ginger, black pepper, and fresh coriander to taste.
Step 3
Mix 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar and 1/2 tbsp. ground turmeric. Add the mixture to stir-fried chicken, beef or vegetables. Add fresh chilis, soy sauce, diced garlic, ground black pepper and fresh ginger to taste.
Step 4
Take nutritional supplements containing turmeric. These supplements are available in health food stores, drugstores and some supermarkets. Limit dosage to 250 mg per day, according to Duke.
Tips and Warnings
- Mix turmeric and ground black pepper in entrees and side dishes whenever possible. Ground black pepper may enhance your body's ability to use curcumin, the active chemical compound in turmeric, to help alleviate skin problems, according to Duke. Sprinkle ground turmeric in a soft cloth and apply it to acne lesions or inflamed skin. Turmeric may be as effective when applied topically as it is when taken internally.
- Do not take turmeric if you have a clotting disorder, advises Castleman. This spice may impair your body's ability to clot blood.
References
- "Dr. Duke's Essential Herbs"; James A. Duke, Ph.D.; 2001
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1991
