100 Amazing Health Benefits Of Turmeric

Introduction

Available in all Indian kitchens, turmeric is a light source of healthy living and helps you to fight many diseases. Here are some amazing hundred health benefits of turmeric!

Turmeric is used in many Indian cuisines as a colouring and flavoring agent. It tastes warm, bitter, and pepper-like, and has an earthy, mustard-like aroma. From health to beauty, it has many applications in Ayurvedic medicine and is growing into one of the most popular spices in the world. You can easily buy it in the market and consume it both as a whole root, or the yellow powdered spice used in Indian cooking.

Avertisement

Turmeric has the following medicinal properties:

• Carminative
• Cholagogue
• Diuretic
• Stimulant
• Vulnerary
• Antioxidant
• Antiseptic
• Alternative
• Analgesic
• Antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-tumour
• Cardiovascular
• Anti-allergic
• Digestive
• Antispasmodic
• Appetizer
• Astringent

Avertisement

Traditional Uses of Turmeric in Ayurveda:

1. According to Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, the right application of turmeric or Haldi or Haridra can balance the three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. But overuse can worsen pitta and vata related conditions.
2. It cleanses the circulatory system known as Rasa and Rakta Dhatu and can aid the digestive system by aiding Agni and reducing Kapha and Ama.
3. Many Indians believe that including turmeric in religious rituals helps in overcoming obstacles, achieving success and gaining prosperity.
4. And people who practice traditional Yoga uses the herb to open subtle channels and chakras and strengthen bones, joints, and ligaments.
5. When used as a spice in cooking, turmeric:

• Detoxes the liver
• Stimulates digestion
• Balances cholesterol levels
• Boosts immunity
• Enhances the complexion
• Prevents and cures allergies

Research also suggests that turmeric in many cases works better than steroids and protects people from the side effects of drugs. So, based on Ayurveda, latest scientific researches and findings, here are 100 amazing turmeric powder benefits that many of us don’t know about:

Avertisement

A natural ingredient for good health

1. An anti-inflammatory agent

2. A natural painkiller

3. A potent antioxidant

4. Prevents DNA from damage

5. Removes a heavy metal deposit from the body

6. Heals wound fast

7.  Improves digestion

8.  Minimizes GERD and acid reflux

9.  Cures inflammatory bowel diseases

10. Cures irritable bowel syndrome

11. Promotes healthy pancreas

12. Gives relief from arthritic pain

13. Prevents osteoarthritis

14. Heals bone fractures

15. Treats muscle disorders

Avertisement

Prevents and cures Hematologic system/ Blood-related disorders

16. Supports treatment of thalassemia

17. Helps in tackling anaemia

18. Has antiplatelet property

19. Improves spleen health

Avertisement

Beneficial for Brain and Nervous System

20. Helps in dealing with depression

21. Beneficial in treating post-traumatic stress disorder

22. Good for patients suffering from bipolar disorder

23. Boosts memory and treats learning disorders

24. Prevents Alzheimer’s disease

25. Helpful for patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease

26. Helps in recovery after stroke

27. Controls epilepsy and seizures

28. Reduces morphine tolerance/dependence

Avertisement

Helps in treating Eye and Ear Related Disorders

29. Helps in uveitis

30. Helps patients suffering from glaucoma and cataract

31. May support tinnitus treatment

Avertisement

Good for Oral Health

32. A potent cure for gingivitis

33. Removes plaque

34. Cures periodontitis

35. Treats oral lichen planus

36. Cures oral ulcers

Avertisement

Promotes A Healthy Respiratory System

37. Cures cough and cold

38. A potent anti-asthma agent

39. Prevents nicotine smoke-induced damage

40. Used traditionally to treat COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Avertisement

Prevents and cures Liver & Gallbladder Diseases

41. Prevents liver infection

42. Protects from alcohol-induced toxicity

43. Cures non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

44. Used traditionally to treat in liver fibrosis

45. Helps in treating hepatitis

46. Prevents gallstone formation

47. Good for people undergoing a weight loss program

48. Reduces cholesterol levels

49. Works an antidiabetic agent

50. Reverses prediabetes

51. Lowers blood pressure

Avertisement

Good for Endocrine System and Hormonal Disorders

52. Improves thyroid health

53. May minimize hirsutism or abnormal growth of hair on a person’s face and body

Avertisement

Good for the Heart and Cardiovascular System

54. Prevents Heart Diseases

55. Minimizes risk of heart attacks

56. Prevents atherosclerosis

57. Good for dealing with thrombosis

Avertisement

Boosts Reproductive Health

58. Alleviates pre-menstrual syndrome

59. Good for women experiencing menopause

60. Good medicine for endometriosis

61. Therapeutic in uterine fibroids

62. Beneficial in PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

63. Good medicine for vaginitis and leucorrhoea

64. Good medicine for toxicity-induced male infertility

65. Therapeutic in prostatitis and benign prostate enlargement

Avertisement

Strengthens Urinary System

66. Cures urinary infections

67. Prevents kidney disorders and toxicity

Avertisement

A Great Remedy For Skin!

68. Cures Acne

69. Heals minor cuts and wounds

70. Prevents sunburns and offers photoprotection

71. Soothes eczema

72. Cures psoriasis

73. Reduces signs of ageing

Avertisement

Treats Autoimmune Conditions

74. Promotes immunity

75. Beneficial in treating lupus

76. Alleviates allergic reactions

77. Good medicine for ulcerative colitis

Avertisement

Helps Fight Infections

78. Has strong anti-microbial properties

79. Good for HIV patients

80. Prevents HPV from progressing to cancer

81. Therapeutic in herpes

82. Helps treat influenza

83. An anti-Candida agent

Avertisement

Turmeric for cancer

84. Turmeric kills cancer cells

85. An anti-angiogenic agent

86. Prevents metastasis

87. Boosts chemosensitivity and radiosensitivity

88. Good for patients suffering from cancer and the side effect of related treatments

89. Seems to have chemopreventive potential

90. The topical application improves the health of cancer patients

91. Helps treat over 50 types of cancer!

Avertisement

Prevents age-related health hazards

92. Strengthens healthy heart

93. Prevents age-related bone loss

94. Prevents age-related memory loss and improves memory functions

95. Boosts immunity

96. Promotes longevity

Avertisement

Power-packed with essential nutrients

97. Reduces oxidation of cooking oils

98. Reduces oxidation of meat items

99. Protects food items from carcinogens

100. Kills food pathogens

Avertisement

How To Use Tips, Precautions and Side-Effects of Turmeric

Now, you know what turmeric can do for your health and wellness, let’s see how to use turmeric in your daily life according to Ayurveda. In every sense, turmeric is a magic herb that can cure or alleviate many health-related issues. But, just like any other drug, turmeric, although a natural substance, shows some side-effects if overused. Many people are allergic to turmeric, especially if applied topically (in the form of a mild, itchy rash) or nausea after eating it raw.

High doses of turmeric can cause:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Increased menstrual flow
• Increased risk of bleeding
• Increased liver function tests
• Hyperactive gallbladder contractions
• Uterine contractions in pregnant women

Also, you should be careful while having turmeric with your food or having turmeric as a supplement, especially if you are under medication or have a condition:

• If you suffer from Pitta Dosha, it may cause bleeding disorders,
• It may interfere with anticoagulants like aspirin, clopidogrel, and warfarin,
• It can affect some medication, such as non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Therefore, follow the advice of your physician or follow the instruction on dosage while having turmeric with food or having as a dietary supplement.

Avertisement

How to use turmeric as a remedy for common ailments?

The health benefits of turmeric with milk are endless. Mix 1 tsp of turmeric to 1 cup of warm milk, boil and drink before bed.

• Anaemia: Have 1 tsp of turmeric juice mixed with honey daily.
• Asthma: Boil 1 cup of milk with 1 tsp of turmeric powder and drink warm.
• Burns: Mix 1 tsp of turmeric with 1 tsp of aloe gel and apply the ointment on the burnt area.
• Conjunctivitis: Mix 1 tbsp of crushed, raw turmeric with 1/3 cup of water. Boil and sieve. Put 2-3 drops of this mixture in each eye up to 3 times per day.
• Complexion: Ancient people discovered the benefits of turmeric for the skin. Prepare a paste using raw turmeric. Apply the paste on the skin before going to bed, leave it on for a few minutes and wash off with water. In the morning, wash off the remaining yellow tinge with a paste of chickpea flour (besan) and oil.
• Dental problems: Mix 1 tsp of powdered turmeric with 1 tsp of salt and add mustard oil to make a paste. Brush with this paste twice daily.
• Diabetes: Have 1 tsp of turmeric 3 times a day.
• Diarrhoea: Mix 1 tsp of turmeric powder or juice in water, and drink the solution 3 times per day.
• Pain: Mix 1 tsp of turmeric, 2 tsp of ginger and a little water to make a paste. Cover the affected area with the paste and wrap with a bandage.
• Ear Infection: Turmeric dust, mixed with alum 1:20, is blown into the ear to treat chronic otorrhea.
• Piles: Directly apply a mixture of mustard oil, turmeric, and onion juice. Take a 2 – 3 tablespoons of turmeric every half hour until the rectal bleeding stops. In most cases, bleeding stops in an hour.

Avertisement

Other uses of Turmeric

1.    Colouring Agent

2.    A mandatory ingredient for many sacred Hindu rituals

3.    Improves skin complexion

4.    Burning turmeric works as an insect repellant.

5.    Inhaling the smoke clears coughs, asthma, and congested nasal passages.

Avertisement

A word of caution:

• Although generally considered safe, pregnant women should use yellow spice only after consulting with their doctor.
• Ask your doctor if you should use turmeric if you are under blood-thinning and platelet-inhibiting medications.
• Ask your doctor if you should take turmeric supplements in case you are suffering from diseases like acute hepatitis, jaundice, gallstones, bile duct obstruction, ulcers, or hyperacidity.