Tumeric, also known as turmeric, is an herb native to areas of Asia and Africa. Turmeric is related to ginger, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Also known as Indian saffron, the herb is used in cooking to add seasoning and color. Additionally, turmeric has medicinal uses for a variety of ailments, from relief of pain caused by arthritis, to helping balance menstrual cycles, to enhancing liver function and digestive processes. Topically, the herb is also used in many societies for treatment of skin conditions such as eczema and as an aid in the healing of wounds.
Step 1
Blend 1/8 tsp. of turmeric in 1/4 cup of water. You may add 3 cardamom pods if desired, but this is optional. Allow the mixture to simmer for about six minutes and then add 1 cup of milk and 2 tbsp. of almond oil. Reheat almost to boiling. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool, and then add a few drops of honey or maple syrup to enhance taste. This tea is an Ayurvedic remedy for purification of the blood, regulation of menstrual periods and is even used as a preventive against diabetes and cancer, states EarthClinic.com.
Step 2
Cook a turmeric root (available at vitamin or natural health food stores, or ordered through the Internet) and then mash or slice it and add it to foods. Sprinkle about 1 tsp. of turmeric on food to help fight colds or congested lungs. You may also use 1 to 2 tbsp. of turmeric powder mixed with ice water or hot water as a tea to help reduce nasal or lung congestion caused by colds or asthma, states MedIndia.net in their section about herbal medicine.
Step 3
Apply pastes or ointments containing turmeric to the skin to help treat a variety of bacterial infections or parasites, according to Cancer.org. Turmeric root is on Germany's list of approved herbs and can be taken in doses of 1 tsp. two to three times a day to help treat digestive problems and circulation issues. The active component of turmeric, known as curcumin, is believed to be beneficial in the treatment of menstral pain, colitis, as a blood clotting agent and to protect the liver against disease.
Step 4
Apply a tincture of turmeric blended with cucumber juice or lemon juice as a skin care product that helps reduce the appearance of pigmentation freckles or spots on the skin. Approximately 1 tsp. of tumeric mixed with the juice of a lemon or cucumber and applied to the area may be left on for about 15 minutes and then rinsed. This process can be repeated daily until the freckle or spot fades, states Sharon Supriya of Living.OneIndia.in.
Things You'll Need
- Turmeric
- Water
- Cardamom pods(optional)
- Milk
- Almond oil
- Honey (optional)
- Maple syrup (optional)
