TURMERIC POWDER: Folklore Uses for Skin Therapy

by Maggie Martin, PhD.

Turmeric has been used as an antibacterial agent for generations. This gold-coloured spice has not only been used for medicine, but also as an important part of the Indian cuisine. It contains curcumin, which has strong healing qualities and gives the spice its vibrant colour.

Turmeric has no side effects on our body. Curcumin’s antioxidants protect healthy cells and also protect colon cells from cancer. They help destroy mutated cells of cancer and prevent it from spreading. Turmeric also helps lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease.

In addition to all these benefits, turmeric is an important beauty product. It is an inexpensive and immensely helpful way of alleviating various skin problems. Below are ways you can use turmeric powder to care for your skin.

Treat Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you can mix a pinch of turmeric powder with about 1½ tablespoons of sandalwood powder and approximately three tablespoons of orange juice. After mixing the ingredients properly, apply the paste to your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, then rinse properly with lukewarm water.

Moisturizer

Combine fresh lemon juice, a pinch of turmeric powder, two drops of olive oil, one egg and rose water. Apply on areas that are dry, like knees, face, neck and elbows. Leave the mask on for a maximum of 15 minutes and then rinse properly with lukewarm water.

Anti-aging Factors

Aging skin is soothed by turmeric. Mix raw milk with equal amounts of turmeric powder and garam flour. Use this before you bath and leave it on until it is completely dry. Rinse it without using any soap. The mask exfoliates your skin and you will see an instant glow.

Cure Cracked Heels

Take a pinch of turmeric powder and mix it with coconut oil or castor oil. Apply the mixture to clean, cracked heels before you go to bed. Leave it for the whole night. Repeat the process for a week and you will see a difference.

Control Growth of Facial Hair

If you have thin hair, turmeric powder can slow or stop hair growth. Efficient removal of facial hair using turmeric depends on type and thickness of hair. Therefore, it has no effect on thick men’s facial hair.

To reduce facial hair using turmeric, mix one tablespoon of gram flour with ¼ tablespoon of turmeric powder and then form a paste by adding water. Apply the paste on your face and leave it for about 15 minutes. Remove it with lukewarm water, using a circular motion. You should not scrub it as this would remove fine hair on your face when the mask is dry. Do not overdo it, as it can make your skin very sensitive.

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—– Author Bio —–

Maggie Martin is Ph.D. in Cell Biology graduate. She is very passionate about healthy living and has been writing about Food and Healthy Lifestyles. When she is not busy, she takes interest in a variety of things such as lifestyle, food, health, herbal medicine, and the benefits of turmeric