Turmeric Is a Wonder Spice!
We sought out ancient wisdom and modern innovation to discover internal and external applications of turmeric. Raw turmeric, powdered turmeric and turmeric leaf. All three parts of the plant are multi-purpose.
Apart from the health benefits of ingesting, turmeric has many external applications as well? So, what are the various uses of turmeric? Some of these uses might surprise you. Let’s find out.
21 Turmeric Uses - External and Internal
External Turmeric Uses:
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Toothpaste: Teeth whitening products can cost us and it is not affordable to all of us. Stop looking for that branded product and head straight to the pantry and find an ingredient that whitens teeth naturally. Organic Turmeric powder is not only safe to use but it is affordable too.
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Face mask: Use organic turmeric paste to fight pimples and breakouts. Regular use can also clear acne, scars and inflammation. It is a great exfoliator and gives a youthful glow to the skin.
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- Makeup foundation: Turmeric has always been used in Hindu weddings. No wonder the bride and bridegroom’s face glow on their big day. Mix a pinch of turmeric to your moisturizer or foundation or concealer. Make sure it matches your skin tone. Your skin will also glow with health.
- Soaps and shampoos: If you are a health-conscious fellow, turmeric soap can be interesting to make. You can add turmeric and other natural ingredients like calendula, coconut, lemon grass, amla and others. These are beneficial for the hair and cleanses your skin.
- Turmeric Mehendi: Get some turmeric from the store and decorate your hand with mehendi. Create a golden color to an extant henna tattoos for your bridal ceremonies or any other celebrations. It's more interesting when the mehndi and turmeric last in your body for more than two days.
- Ease itchy scalp: Turmeric could ease the irritated scalp because it contains high anti-inflammatory properties. A mixture of coconut oil and turmeric can calm your scalp issue.
- Heal bruises: If you have a black eye, bruises or swelling apply a very basic turmeric paste to your eye. Notice a big difference within an hour, especially in the swelling. I did this once to my cousin who fell with his face on the floor. My mother used turmeric whenever I met such minor accidents at home.
- Pests repellent: Turmeric is a super food for us, but ants and other pests hate it. They will go around it. To repel pests, especially ants, simply sprinkle turmeric powder around the corner, or anywhere near the ant traces.
- Keep plants healthy: Get rid of powdery mildew from your plants in your house by sprinkling turmeric powder and wood ash over your plants every morning. Please don't do this on a windy day!
- Heal insect bites: If a bug bit you, you can use turmeric mixed with water to make a paste and apply it on the area the bug bit and it will get absorbed into the skin quickly. This paste reduces the itchiness and cures the inflammation. You will feel a lot better and heal a lot faster.
- Coloring Agent: Turmeric stains fabric. This means you can dye our old discolored fabrics. Try it on an old T-shirt. You'll look good without a doubt. Be creative together with the happy color of nature.
- Dye Easter Eggs: If you want to dye yellow eggs for Easter with your kids and friends, you can add turmeric in boiling water and with a little bit of vinegar for 15 minutes and strain the liquid into the container for dipping. Add other natural dyes to color other eggs. A collection of these can add joy to your home. Creative, natural and eco-friendly.
- Indicator: Turmeric paper is used as a natural indicator. Also known as Curcumapapier in German, this paper is used in chemical analysis to check if the nature of the substance is acidic and alkaline. Next time, instead of a synthetic indicator, you can use turmeric.
Download the Top 6 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric.
As Food: Internal Turmeric Uses
- Golden honey: Turmeric is used to avoid certain kinds of sickness like the flu. Add dried turmeric powder into the raw honey and you have Golden Honey. Well, golden honey not only cures sickness but it also maintains your health.
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Golden milk: Infuse turmeric in boiling milk along with other spices like cinnamon, black pepper to extract the goodness of curcumin in the turmeric. Golden milk has been used since ancient time for various health benefits.
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- Turmeric tea: If you do not like milk, you can infuse turmeric along with black pepper, ginger, cinnamon in warm water or coconut water or lemon juice and have it as a turmeric shot or turmeric tea. Did you know that Japanese people in Okinawa drink turmeric tea every day? One of the reasons attributed to their long life is turmeric tea.
- Smoothies and latte: Do you know Starbucks introduced turmeric latte which is one of the most loved latte? Aromatic turmeric spice is poured over Espresso to form the much sought-after Turmeric Latte. People also make smoothies from turmeric. Mix turmeric with fruits like pineapple, strawberries or nuts or carrots. Delicious turmeric smoothies and packed with good health.
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Turmeric cake: If you love baking, you should try baking turmeric cake. It is a simple and delicious cake to bake especially if you are a vegan. You should try this out and surprise yourself. Make turmeric leaf cakes by steaming rice with grated coconut, rice and jaggery wrapped in turmeric leaves!
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- Hangover relief: Do you know a bit of turmeric mixed with other ingredients (lemonade), becomes a hangover remedy. Don't forget this, it will prevent you from missing out your daily routines.
- First aid for pets: Organic turmeric not only cures humans it also can be used to cure your pets of sickness. If you love your pets and they need medical attention for cuts or gastrointestinal disorder, feed them with this medicinal spice. It will cure your pet until you reach the vet.
- Golden Rice: Turmeric rice is common in many cultures. Add turmeric, beans, and other spices to rice and savor your dish. Here is a recipe you might want to try.
There you have it. The 21 ways you can use turmeric. Try these out and tell us how it works for you. How else do you use turmeric? Are there any other examples you would like to share with us? Don't keep it a secret, post your comments below.
We at Zizira procure a turmeric variety called Lakadong turmeric which is a speciality of Meghalaya and has very high curcumin content. We source them directly from a network of farmers we work with. And we process it under our supervision. So, we can guarantee quality and authenticity of the Lakadong turmeric powder we sell.
Explore our stories about Lakadong turmeric farmers and more.