The Health Benefits of Turmeric
The yellow/orange spice of Turmeric has
been in use for over 2,000 years, and is considered one of the most
effective medicinal herbs through its active ingredient - curcumin.
Studies have found that a daily intake of turmeric can greatly benefit
our breathing, digestion, blood flow, heart and even our brains. The
curcumin has strong anti-inflammation and anti-carcinogenic properties.
It's amazing what just a teaspoon of turmeric, mixed with the right
ingredients, can do.
But beyond these uses, old and wise men and women, through the centuries, have come up with great home remedies using turmeric.
Here are 15 uses for this wonderful spice that will bring you relief, healing and better living:
1. Treat ulcers and digestion problems: Mix
one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a cup of boiling water, let it cool
and then drink (you can sweeten with sugar or honey).
2. To relieve problems of digestion and acidity in the stomach: Mix half
a teaspoon of turmeric with 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper and a 1/4
teaspoon of cardamom. Swallow after your meal.
3. To relieve a sore throat: Mix a teaspoonful of honey with a teaspoon
of turmeric and swallow about 4 times a day.
A second option: mix 1/2 a teaspoon of turmeric and 1/2 a teaspoon of
salt in a glass of warm water and gurgle in the throat.
4. To treat fungus on feet and nails: Mix turmeric powder with lemon
juice until an ointment is created. Smear the ointment on the
problematic area for a week. Recommendation: apply before bed time and
wear socks.
5. Treating acne: Smear a salve made of a tablespoon of milk and a bit
of turmeric. It may stain your face, so best to put it on at night and
wash your face well in the morning.
6. To stop bleeding caused by cuts or
scrapes: Dab generously with turmeric powder for its anti-bacterial and
anti-inflammatory effects.
7. For quick healing of wounds: Make a thick mixture of turmeric with a
bit of water. Smear on the wound and bandage it for at least 24 hours.
8. To treat arthritis: Boil a glass of milk with a teaspoon and a half
of turmeric powder. Wait till it cools and drink.
9. To relieve asthma attacks: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a
glass of hot water and drink in small sips.
10. To stop your gums from bleeding: Massage the teeth and gums with a
mixture made of equal parts turmeric powder, mustard, oil and salt.
11. To treat mouth wounds: Mix a 1/4
teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of hot water and wait till it cools.
Gargle several times a day.
12. Treating stubborn calluses:
Prepare a thick mix of 50 grams of
turmeric powder with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well to receive the
salve and then smear it on the callus.
13. To treat insect bites: Make a mixture of turmeric and lemon and
smear over the injured area. This will help stop the bleeding and remove
any poison left behind which may irritate the skin.
14. For harsh PMS and cramps: Mix a teaspoon and a half of turmeric in a
glass of hot milk.
15. To ease labor:
It is recommended for women that are 9 months
pregnant to swallow 1/2 a teaspoon of turmeric with hot milk every day.
This combination, taken late in the pregnancy, should make giving birth a
little easier.