Turmeric is a lifelong friend that can help you on the inside (when you cook with it) and outside (when applied on your skin).
It is also called “Sri Kamya” in the 5000 years old scriptures of Ayurveda which means “the one who bestows happiness and prosperity.” As health is a type of wealth, physical wellbeing attracts financial health. Turmeric is a great spice to boost your immunity.
When used regularly in cooking, turmeric supports your digestive system by making your food more appetizing. Its cleansing effect helps free you from toxicity while fighting excess fat and ulcers. After it is digested, it purifies your blood. Small, regular doses of turmeric, therefore, are of real benefit if you suffer from anemia or any other blood-based disease. It also has a fabulous anti-inflammatory effect.
Anytime you need a makeover, turmeric is there to help. This wonder spice is known for enhancing your complexion and is widely used in cosmetics to minimize dark spots and blemishes. It’s great for combating acne and wrinkles, too. Eating turmeric and applying it topically (mix a small amount with water or milk and use as a face wash) can greatly improve your skin’s complexion, tone, and texture. Turmeric arrests bleeding when applied externally and works as a wonderful antiseptic, anti-itch solution. For cuts and bruises, simply make a paste with turmeric powder and a little water and apply directly to the wound.
For those of you dealing with thrush, recurring sore throat, oral herpes, or any other kind of oral infection or throat issue, boil a pinch or two of turmeric in a pot of water and drink hot. Turmeric will help clear your lungs of obstructions. Turmeric is drying. Since Ayurveda believes that obesity and diabetes are both caused by too much of the water element in the body, turmeric’s drying effect helps you lose weight and get diabetes under control. Turmeric also benefits watery nose, eyes, and swelling.
Practical ways to use it:
Cooking with turmeric: Turmeric can be used as a healing spice in almost any recipe you love — from Chicken to Vegetables to Soup. A small amount of turmeric can also be added to Saffron Rice for added benefits.
Turmeric mask: Mix turmeric with either milk or water and apply on the face prior to showering. This external application of turmeric is traditionally used to beautify Indian brides-to-be prior to their marriage ceremony.
Turmeric milk: Boil milk and add ½ tsp. of turmeric powder along with sugar for a delicious wound-healing antidote for swelling and other post-injury physical trauma symptoms.
You can order organic turmeric powder to befriend this divine herb yourself!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ANANTA RIPA AJMERA is founder and CEO of The Ancient Way and Director of Ayurveda at THE WELL, a modern wellness club that brings together world-class doctors and master healers for a more balanced you. She is author of The Ayurveda Way, a compilation of 108 simple, doable practices for better sleep, less stress, optimal digestion and more.
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