Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin (+ 12 Practical Ways to Use It!)

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Benefits and uses of Turmeric
Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Remedies » Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin (+ 12 Practical Ways to Use It!)

Turmeric is a powerful spice with an impressive list of uses and benefits. It’s known for its antioxidant content and ability to work as an anti-inflammatory. This common culinary spice is prized in many cuisines around the world and with good reason.

What’s So Great About Turmeric?

In short…. a lot:

Turmeric Antioxidant and Immune Boosting SpiceThe spice we refer to as Turmeric is actually the dried and ground rhizome of a plant in the same family as ginger. It is used and prized for its color and earthy flavor in culinary traditions around the world. Modern medicine recognizes its health benefits and it has been used extensively in natural and folk medicine for centuries.

Curcumin: Turmeric’s Secret Weapon

The secret of this ancient spice is curcumin, a compound well-studied for its health benefits. Turmeric contains up to 3% curcumin by weight.

Curcumin is believed to halt an enzyme that may be responsible for turning environmental toxins into carcinogens in the body. (This is one reason turmeric has long been a folk remedy for helping protect the body from the affects of smoking or chewing tobacco.)

Curcumin may also improve digestion of fats and sugars and help alleviate inflammation in the digestive system. It is even used in the mouth to help alleviate gum problems!

The benefits attributed to this bright yellow spice are often the result of the curcuminoids it contains. The most common curcuminoid is curcumin, which is now available as a supplement and in many remedies. While turmeric has many benefits, it is only about 3% curcumin by weight, and often more concentrated curcumin supplements are used.

Are Turmeric and Curcumin the Same?

In short, yes and no. Curcumin is the compound contained in turmeric, while the root itself is the bright yellow spice in whole form. In other words, all turmeric contains curcumin but this only makes up about 3% of its weight and it contains many other beneficial compounds as well.

Isolated curcumin is taken from the root and many people often take this as a remedy since it is more potent than turmeric powder.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Largely due to its curcumin content, Turmeric is often credited with these benefits:

  1. Fighting inflammation
  2. As an antioxidant
  3. Protects the heart in various ways
  4. Helpful for arthritis
  5. Brain boosting
  6. May be helpful for fighting diabetes and cancer

How Black Pepper Makes Turmeric More Effective

If you’ve researched this ancient spice at all, you may have seen that many supplements and recommendations also include black pepper as well. Black pepper contains piperine, which has been shown to dramatically increase the absorption and effects of turmeric.

Personally, when I use this spice for cooking or natural beauty recipes, I make sure to add a little black pepper as well for this reason.

Cautions about Turmeric Use

Turmeric is generally considered safe for use in medicinal amounts, but it is important to talk to a doctor before using this or any substance medicinally as it can interact with several medications.

Practical Uses for Turmeric

There are entire websites and books dedicated to the use of “superfoods” like this ancient spice for medicinal use. Personally, I think all of these substances are the most beneficial when they are a small part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle. Rather than taking large quantities of any supplement or spice, I work small amounts into my daily life in these ways:

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1. Turmeric Tea aka Golden Milk

The name is slightly misleading, but this “tea” is a blend of some kind of milk (including almond milk or coconut milk), spices and optional sweetener. Currently, I enjoy this with homemade pecan milk for a deep, earthy flavor. We drink these often during winter months as a satisfying warm beverage and to help ward off illness. See the full recipe here.

TIP: Using a fat soluble base like milk or pecan milk increases the absorption of the turmeric. The addition of a pinch of black pepper increases the absorption of the turmeric. I also like to add some liquid vanilla stevia instead of other sweeteners for a slight sweetness without the sugar.

how-to-make-turmeric-broth

2. Turmeric Broth

If the Golden Milk drink above isn’t your thing or if you prefer a more savory warm drink, turmeric broth is a great alternative. Instead of a milk or milk alternative, the base of this drink is broth (here’s how to make your own).

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Turmeric Broth Recipe

A simple and delicious turmeric broth adds antioxidants and amazing flavor
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Author Katie Wells

Servings

4 cups

Ingredients

Instructions

  • First, place all the ingredient sin a small saucepan.
  • Then, simmer the mixture for about five minutes.
  • Finally, blend with an immersion blender (optional) and enjoy.

Notes

Any herbs or spices work and can change up the flavor of this recipe.

Like this recipe? Check out my new cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!

TIP: This is also a great base for soups or stews. To make a 5-minute nutrient-packed egg drop soup, crack four raw eggs into the broth above as it is simmering while whisking rapidly.

turmeric-face-mask-recipe

3. Soothing Face Mask

Turmeric can also be used on skin! One of my favorite ways to use it is in a face mask. You can add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder to any face mask recipe you love.

My favorite recipe: Mix 2 tablespoons of unsweetened yogurt with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and 1 teaspoon of honey for a soothing and cooling face mask. I leave it on for about 5 minutes and wash off. (I’ve never had problems with it staining skin, but use an old towel just in case.)

how-to-make-curry-powder

4. Curry Powder

This vibrant and earthy spice already has a reputation as a staple in many cuisines and I love cooking with it! One of my favorite ways to incorporate small amounts of this power spice is by making a homemade curry powder. This uses a host of powerful spices and provides awesome flavor to many dishes.

Make your own curry powder with this easy recipe.

5. Sunrise Smoothie

Not all smoothies have to taste like a pina colada. One of my favorite smoothies has a hint of sweet nestled among earthy spices.

To Make: Blend 1 cup of pecan/almond/coconut milk with 1/2 cup frozen pineapple, the juice of one lemon and one orange, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, a tiny pinch of black pepper, and about a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger root. Add a natural sweetener like stevia if desired.

6. Potent Poultice

Try this spice externally in poultices to sooth skin and reduce inflammation. It is often used in lotions or preparations for skin with eczema or psoriasis for this reason. I’ve personally used this when I’ve twisted an ankle or broken a toe (there is nothing doctors can really do for a toe anyway).

What I did: I made a thick paste of castor oil, turmeric and a small amount of black pepper and rubbed over the inflamed area (in this case, my broken toe). I wrapped with a waterproof wrap and a bandage and left on the toe for a few hours. It didn’t help the bone (of course) but seemed to calm some of the inflammation and reduced my pain. This does stain slightly so I wouldn’t recommend it in visible areas (it will fade after a few days).

7. Acne Gel

Just like in the face mask above, the anti-inflammatory properties of this unique spice makes it beneficial to help cool and stop acne. I make a paste of honey and turmeric (2 parts honey to 1 part turmeric) and dab on to spot treat.
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8. Brighten Teeth

I was skeptical about putting turmeric on my teeth since it has such a propensity to stain. I got over my fears pretty quickly after seeing how well it worked for my friend Heather. Here’s how she used it to whiten teeth.

9. Stop the Itch!

I’ve found that a thin paste of aloe vera gel and turmeric can help calm itchy or burned skin. I’ve used this on bites, poison ivy and even eczema with good results. Fair warning… it is messy! For kids, I let them use this right before bathing while they are in the tub to keep the mess down. It only takes a few minutes to help cut the itch/pain so I read them a book and let them finger paint the turmeric salve on themselves.

10. As a Plain ol’ Spice

Sure, we can think of creative ways to use it, but this simple spice is great when added alone to many dishes. I like to add it to eggs, roasted veggies, meats, and soups for a wonderful flavor.

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11. Spice Up Your Soap

If you make your own soap, add turmeric for color and for skin benefits. If you don’t make your own soap, you should give it a try! It’s a lot easier than you’d think (here’s a super simple cold process recipe). This spice makes a beautiful colored soap that can be especially helpful for soothing irritated skin.

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12. Golden Honey

Have trouble getting kids to like this potent spice? It is such a great remedy and can help soothe a sore throat, but kids don’t love the taste. My solution? Neon yellow cough syrup (at least that is what my kids call it). I add 3 tablespoons of powdered turmeric to an 8 ounce mason jar of honey (about 1 cup of honey). By definition, this is actually an electuary, but my kids just think of it as a brightly colored honey that helps their throats feel better. This can be made ahead of time and stored for a very long time since both ingredients are shelf stable.

Or try some of these yummy turmeric bomb supplements!

Turmeric: What to Avoid

This powerful root has many benefits, but also a few important cautions. As I mentioned, it is very important to talk to a doctor before using it as a remedy for those who have any medical condition or who are pregnant or nursing. Culinary use is generally considered safe.

Some folklore info suggests that it was used as a birth control and it should not be taken by women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (though using it in cooking is fine). When used externally, it will give the skin a light yellow hue for a little while after use and this can easily be washed off.

Sources disagree about using turmeric in hair. Some say that it helps improve hair and stop dandruff, while others swear it is a natural way to remove hair. I haven’t found strong enough evidence for the potential benefits in hair to make me brave enough to try it though.

Where to Buy Turmeric

There can be a tremendous difference among different brands of Turmeric. I purchase it in powdered form here as it is a great value and I am extremely impressed with its quality. You may also be able to find high quality Turmeric locally, just look for organic with bright yellow orange color and no added ingredients. Paleovalley has also released a Tumeric Complex with Organic Turmeric and blended superfoods and offers 15% off.

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Do you cook with Turmeric? Ever used it for other uses? Please share below!

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Sources

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Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

167 responses to “Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin (+ 12 Practical Ways to Use It!)”

  1. Anita Avatar

    The last link in the article about the turmeric you purchase is not working. It links to Amazon but the product sold there is mushrooms and not turmeric.

  2. Martin Avatar

    4 stars
    Of interest: to test the Curcumin value of store-bought turmeric is to add a weak borax (like Mule brand laundry borax mixed in water) solution to it. Let it sit a while. The darker it turns, the more curcumin in it.

  3. Myra Avatar

    5 stars
    Love it! Really informative, can also try this link if you want something handy to read more about the benefits and uses of turmeric. Let us all be healthy, thanks!

  4. Carolina Juarez Avatar
    Carolina Juarez

    I am an old lady and Wish there were an option to email. I’d like to email to myself in to some friends .

  5. Becca Avatar

    I use wild or white turmeric in my makeup, face lotion, and deodorant because it clears up acne and keeps skin glowy and clear. The white turmeric does not stain. It may be irritating to some though.

  6. carol Avatar

    HI Katie!
    Do you recommend a brand that I can get tumeric in pill form?

    Thanks!
    Carol

  7. sandra Avatar

    I get my tumeric from wal-mart tumericcurcumin and it seems to be working for me, in capsule form I make sure I get it and know how much everday. otherwise powder form from health food store and now regular grocery stores have allot of bulk spice very inexpensive.

  8. Catherine Avatar
    Catherine

    Have you ever heard of Ginger Elixir? I heard about it when I was taking my Ayurveda Instructor Certification at The Chopra Center in California. They served it at one of the luncheons. Here is MY version (I added turmeric, lemon peel and bee pollen!).

    1/2 C water
    1/2 fresh lemon juice
    1/2 tbsp finely chopped lemon peel
    1/4 C raw honey
    1 Tbsp bee pollen
    40-50 g fresh, peeled ginger (or more!)
    20-30 g fresh, peeled turmeric (or more!)
    1 tsp of freshly ground black pepper

    Put all ingredients in a Vitamix (or similar high powered blender) and mix well, turning the speed up to make sure the ginger and turmeric are pulverized.

    Pour in a clean glass jar. Shake jar and drink one shot (use a 2 oz shot glass, if you have one) every day. (I usually drink mine right before dinner.

    The IF (Inflammatory Factor) for this is 510 PER 2 oz SHOT!

  9. sandra Avatar

    your website is awesome. my niece with a young family needs to know about your website. I tried the arrowroot spice powder,but it was too dry for my older skin. I am better informed and trying to go for vegan alternatives for makeup.Have you read on the website 10 products you will never want to eat again once you know how it is made? Shocking.I went to an Ulta store and the clerk said eyeliner and mascara contain dead black beetles and bat ghuanno or feces? Shocking.I am metal allergic and most makeups contain derivitives of lead and cheap metals mica titannium sulphates etc…I am on supplements that are working great for me and am going to get more.Appreciate the information. you are doing a great service. you would be a great guest on the Hallmark channelHome and Family.You would fit right in.

4.53 from 19 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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