EVERYTHING! Turmeric is a staple in my home, and I use it in many different ways, for many different things. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can replace many pharmaceuticals/OTC medications. It helps with headaches, arthritis, digestion, sore throats, acid reflux, skin problems, and SO much more. And guess what?!? I happen to know a few simple and effective ways to make turmeric a staple in your everyday life… And I’m going to share those ways with you! And if you don’t like curry, it’s all good, because I have plenty of ideas for you.
When I was about 16, my mom read an article about turmeric helping her sun spots on her skin. She came into the kitchen, grabbed the bottle of turmeric powder and rubbed it all over her face and arms and legs. We laughed about how orange she was, and then a little while later, she decided to wash it off. The only problem was, it didn’t come off! She was tinted orange for days. Later, after discovering some better (and less extreme) ways to use this powerful spice, it has come to be a staple in her home, as it is in mine. So, moral of the story is… before you get all excited about using Turmeric, read over some of these practical ways to mix it into your daily lifestyle.
First, what is turmeric? Well, it’s the spice that makes the curry that bright orange-yellow color. Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and has been used for color, flavor, and medicine in Indian and Chinese cultures. The root has a tough brown skin and a deep orange flesh. It’s flavor/aroma isn’t particularly strong, but it is very distinct. It is a bit peppery, and has some subtle hints of orange and ginger. It’s anti-inflammatory health benefits are truly incredible, and here are some fun facts about what turmeric can really do:
– reduces pain from headaches, back/neck problems, joint aches, arthritis, toothaches, and more!
– helps treat IBS/Chron’s/ulcerative colitis
– can help treat cystic fibrosis
– prevents and treats many different kinds of cancer
– helps to improve liver function
– prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
– helps lower cholesterol
– has powerful antiseptic and antibacterial properties
– treats acne, rosacia, and other skin issues
– prevents and treats sore throats and other cold symptoms
Check out http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=78 for more details how turmeric works with each one of the aforementioned problems/diseases.
You can buy Turmeric in many forms: powders, supplements, oils, serums, or the fresh roots right in your produce section of many grocery stores. There’s so much hype on this stuff, that you can almost find it everywhere! However, you must choose wisely and consciously, because as you probably know, not all products are what they are cracked up to be. Choose from trusted retailers, and make whatever you can from scratch. Here are some simple options:
– Supplements: I suppose this is the easiest choice. Like I mentioned, it is very important that you buy ALL of your supplements, including Turmeric from trusted companies. Another big thing to look for is black pepper, which can up to double nutrient absorption. This is true for many other nutrients, but is especially important when using Turmeric for extreme illnesses like cancer or cystic fibrosis. I have found a couple of brands that put the black pepper in the supplement, but not many. If you can’t find one, then feel free to take your supplement with a peppery snack of some sort, in order to experience the maximum benefits. Pictured below is a brand that you can find in most health food stores that has the black pepper in it:
– Tea: This one is super simple, but feel free to spice it up with some creativity! All you have to do to make turmeric tea is add some turmeric powder of sliced roots to a pot of water. I like to toss in some cloves, a cinnamon stick, some nutmeg, and even some fresh ginger! When it’s done, I strain it, then add a little bit of honey and coconut milk. Play with this one, and drink it as often as possible, because it is just so unbelievably beneficial to your health. You will notice the difference quickly, I promise!
– Curry Powder: I make my own curry powder, to use in coconut curry soup, dressing, or traditional stewed curry. My curry blend starts with turmeric, then I add some garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Sometimes I like it spicy and add a bit of cayenne. Other variations include cardamom, white pepper, or chili powder. You can add this powder to just about anything! Sprinkle it on your salad, fish, or you can mix with oil and vinegar to make a curry dressing! Get creative with this!
– Turmeric Skin Mask: Mix together 1 tbsp of flour, 1 tsp of turmeric powder, 2 tbsp of milk, and a little honey until it forms a paste. You can use this on problems spots, or rub it all over for improved overall skin quality. I have it on my face as we speak! I love using this mask, and it doesn’t stain unless you leave it on for more than 30 minutes. Usually you do have to use some soap to get the yellow to go away.
I hope you test out turmeric for yourself and your loved ones. Remember, if you are using turmeric to treat a chronic illnes, that it’s best to use it very often, and in different applications. Combine the modalities, so that your body is getting this wonder-herb thrown at it from every direction. Maybe you can drink some tea in the morning, take a supplement during the day, and have a curry dish at night. Keep testing and trying until you find what works best for you. Good luck!
Source: New feed
