From turmeric lattes to turmeric facials - the super spice which has been used in Ayurveda for 5000 years is now becoming recognised for its potent healing powers across the western world.
Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is the most well-known, widely researched and commonly used Ayurvedic spice in the world because of the enormous health benefits it holds.
In Ayurveda, turmeric is used to balance all three of the dominant body types - vata, pitta and kapha - it is powerful at stimulating rasa (plasma/ lymph) and raktu dhata (blood/ the circulatory system), it kindles agni (life force) and reduces ama (toxins that are undigested).
The golden spice is also widely used for supporting the blood, liver, joints, immune system and digestive tract.
Just in case you needed another reason to bring more turmeric into your life, here are five:
1. Food for the brain
The compound found in turmeric helps prevent age-related cognitive decline because of the spices’ ability to decrease inflammation, lower cholesterol and powerfully reduce oxidative stress.
It may also boost brain proliferation, or the brain’s ability to repair itself, according to new research published in the Stem Cell Research and Therapy journal.
Turmeric has also been attributed to increasing memory and delaying the onset of dementia.
2. Eases muscle pain
With its potent anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helps to relieve joint pain, arthritis and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
In a study printed in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, curcumin supplementation caused a decrease in DOMS-related leg-muscle pain symptoms. It also lowered blood markers for muscle damage and reduced inflammation.
Turmeric is one of those kitchen cupboard medicines and it’s helping many of our clients who suffer with arthritis - by changing their diet, incorporating more turmeric, detoxing and eating right for their body type, they are able to naturally dissolve these toxins in the joints and the pain disappears.
3. Diabetes management
Turmeric consumption is great in the management of diabetes. Some of the ways it helps include: repairing and regenerating pancreas cells, lowering blood-sugar levels, decreasing inflammation and lowering cholesterol.
It also helps control weight - in particular the fatty tissues around the waste which can increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
4. Fights infection
The golden spice has been attributed with the power to boost the body’s immune system so it can better fight colds, coughs and chest congestion.
Thanks to its potent antibacterial and anti-parasitic qualities, it has also been linked with the ability to prevent stomach ulcers, reduce infection in the gut, relieve stomach pain and ease symptoms of IBS and Crohn’s disease.
For symptoms of a throat infection, a home remedy of turmeric can help. Just mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder with one teaspoon of salt in a cup of water; gargle and repeat 2-3 -times a day to clear up the infection and bacteria.
5. Improves skin
Beyond the physical and mental benefits of turmeric, it has a powerful effect on the skin as well.
Turmeric has been widely used to help clear up acne and other types of scarring, it’s also regularly used in facials to open the pores and calm the skin.
Studies show the curcumin found in turmeric also improves collagen and can keep psoriasis flare ups under control.
How to use turmeric
Turmeric comes in powder, tablet or liquid forms. You’ll notice that most Indian, and Ayurvedic, dishes use turmeric and it’s versatile and easy to use. When cooking with it, just start slow - it burns easily when directly added to hot oil. If the pan is too hot it’s easy to burn.
The best way to get your daily dose of turmeric is when it’s prepared with a fat - for example ghee, milk or avocado to help carry it across the brain blood barrier. It’s fat soluble so this helps. Try our delicious Golden Milk for a tasty and healthy dose on this divine golden spice. Don’t wait to see the visible signs of aging before you incorporate turmeric into your diet.
We use turmeric in our detox program and body and facial treatments at the clinic, click here to book or find out more.
If you’d like a bit more personal support with this, and to transform your health in just four weeks, you might like to consider our 28 Day Detox and Restoration Program.
Alternatively, try our seven day detox, you can buy it here, it’s all online with videos and live chats, so you can do it from anywhere. After just seven days, you will have gone a long way to improving your body’s metabolism, and igniting your own body’s innate intelligence to self-regulate.