Turmeric – The Magical Herb with a Variety of Benefits
Turmeric, a spice that belongs to the ginger family, is commonly used in most Asian households. The spice not only adds color and taste to food items but has several inherent qualities. The main component in turmeric, Curcumin, is a wonderful element that has potential healing properties. Turmeric, when used in moderation, is known to improve overall physical and mental wellbeing. Turmeric benefits are now being realized by several people across the world who have begun incorporating it in some form or the other in their daily life. Here are a few turmeric benefits that you should know.
The benefits of turmeric for the skin
Turmeric can be applied to the face and body in the form of a paste to cure potent skin conditions. The magic concoction of turmeric paste, gram flour, and milk seems to work wonders on dull and lifeless skin. Listed below are some of the superpowers of turmeric:
- Antiseptic: Turmeric is a popular ingredient used to cure the skin. It has anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties that help heal cuts, burns, and small wounds rather quickly. Many people apply turmeric paste to the affected area to prevent bacterial infections.
- Anti-aging properties: Turmeric also helps aging skin and can be used as a facial scrub to get a flawless and glowing skin.
- Facial hair control: Hormonal imbalances often lead to facial hair growth in women. Turmeric powder, when it is scrubbed on the skin in the form of a paste, can defer the growth of facial hair and eventually stop re-growth.
- Restores skin elasticity: Turmeric has antioxidant properties that help stimulate the growth of new cells in the skin. Regular application of turmeric paste can help maintain and restore the elasticity of the skin giving you fresh, younger-looking, and supple skin.
- Reduces pigmentation: Several natural skin products use turmeric as their key ingredient to improving skin pigmentation, discoloration, and other skin issues. Turmeric is also known to even out skin tone.
- Treats acne: Pimples, spots, tough acne stains, and other skin problem can be treated, and permanently cured with the regular application of turmeric paste, sandalwood, and rosewater. Turmeric’s antioxidant property helps calm pores, control psoriasis flares, and prevent allergic reactions.
Acts as an efficient anticoagulants/antiplatelet
Turmeric benefits are not restricted to aesthetics, turmeric has several medicinal properties. Turmeric works wonderfully well in vascular thrombosis and blood clotting. While many drugs that treat clotting are known to have long-term side effects, several studies show that turmeric cures all kinds of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and the like without any side effects.
Works as a great antidepressant
Laboratory tests and sundry studies prove that the curcumin in turmeric benefits people suffering from depression. It is an effective anti-depressant that can help correct and manage depression effectively. Curcumin not only efficiently manages depression but also helps boost BNDF levels, neurotransmitters, serotonin, dopamine, etc.
Turmeric has superb anti-inflammatory properties
Turmeric is known to fight inflammation better than most drugs. According to many studies, Curcumin that is found in turmeric is known to have tremendous potential in combating inflammation and diseases that stem out of inflammation. Many medical practitioners compare the goodness of turmeric to steroids in treating pain and inflammation. The herb also works as an effective treatment for gastrointestinal diseases like IBD, ulcerative colitis, etc.
Helps manage arthritis
Since curcumin has anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing characteristics, it helps treat leaky gut, heart diseases, and inflammation in joints quite effectively. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and all other types of arthritis are seen to show improved symptoms on consuming turmeric.
Prevents and treats Alzheimer’s
Turmeric benefits are not merely limited to treating diseases, turmeric also boosts resistance, and immunity against several diseases. Turmeric is also known to work well against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Curcumin has been shown to clear amyloid plaques that cause Alzheimer’s. People already suffering from the disease also seem to benefit from turmeric as the treatment helps reverse the progression of the disease.
Prevents and controls diabetes
A regular supplement of curcumin can prevent type 2 diabetes in those who are at a threat of getting the disease. Several other studies and research are being conducted on the treatment of diabetes by curcumin to help more and more people manage the disease better.
Cures liver damage
According to many studies, turmeric supplements that contain curcumin are known to defer the onset of cirrhosis and fight against liver damage.
Prevents cancer
Cancer which is a disease caused by uncontrolled growth of cells can be prevented by curcumin supplements. Turmeric is proven to work wonders as a beneficial herb in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Many studies have been conducted on the effects of turmeric on cancer. The results prove that curcumin helps reduce the growth of vessels in tumors and prevents the spread of cancer. The powerful herb not only controls angiogenesis and metastasis but also helps in destroying cancerous cells altogether.