The Little-Known Skin – Lightening & Anti – Ageing Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, haldi or the golden spice, is one of the most versatile herbs found in nature. In Ayurveda, the ancient science of alternative health and well being, it is regarded as one of the most revered herbs. Belonging to the ginger family, the root of plant of Curcuma longa stands proudly in varied forms on the kitchen shelves of most Indian households. It gives a distinct taste, colour and flavour to the dish, dry or curried. Without turmeric, you are quite likely to find the same food rather boring and bland.
Turmeric for Health & Wellness
However, it is not only its culinary profile that makes it all that popular. Turmeric is extremely curative in nature. Its unparalleled healing properties and high antioxidant content make turmeric the go-to-herb to prevent and treat a host of problems. Besides, this super food boosts our immune system and equips us to fight the everyday as well as extreme health conditions. The benefits of this herb are time tested and science-backed. In this article, we shall read at length about how turmeric benefits skin – the largest human organ.
The Ultimate Herb for Skin Health
One of the most sought after herbs in the realm of beauty and skin care is the good old turmeric. Also known as king of all spices, this herb has a host of benefits to offer when it comes to our skin. It not only makes the skin beautiful and better, but also heals it from deep within, and makes it healthier.
Turmeric has remained a traditional home remedy to treat various skin issues. People have been using the Curcuma longa extract to address acne, wrinkles, dark circles and dry skin. Preventing premature ageing of skin and offering skin lightning benefits are two add-on benefits of turmeric, where it does wonders and gives appreciable results.
What Makes Turmeric So Effective
Turmeric’s potential in offering health, healing and cosmetic benefits can principally be attributed to the presence of Curcumin, which is one of turmeric’s most active ingredient. The anti-inflammatory profile of turmeric is universally known, and so are its anti microbial and anti bacterial properties. These amazing properties help heal wounds, treat skin conditions, and as well prevent scars and breakouts. This herb reduces oil secretion by the sebaceous glands on our skin, which keeps the skin alive and breathing, and actually aids in keeping infections at bay.
Turmeric’s antioxidants prevent oxidation, and help revive and rejuvenate our skin from deep within. These fight the action of free radicals, thus slowing down the damage they cause to our skin. Free radicals are the major culprits behind most skin issues, including wrinkles, fine lines and premature signs of ageing. By causing damage at the cellular level, they cause dullness, dryness and make the skin lack lustre and look malnourished. Thanks to turmeric, the oxidative damage is not entirely stopped but reduced and delayed to a great extent.
Turmeric’s effectiveness has been tried and tested for centuries altogether now. There is no wonder as to why a variety of cosmetic and dermatology products contain turmeric as a star ingredient.
How to Use Turmeric for Skin
☐ You could use turmeric in the form of a facial mask for topical application. Simply add some lemon or cucumber juice to powdered turmeric to make a thick paste, apply it to your face and leave it on for a while. This could help reduce blemishes and skin pigmentation. Your uneven skin tone will witness a great deal of evening if you apply this face mask on daily basis.
☐ Turmeric and lemon is an excellent combination for obtaining a clear and bright skin. For a skin whitening face mask, you could take half a tsp of turmeric powder, half a tsp lemon extract, one tsp curd and two tsp rice flour. Combine the ingredients to form a thick paste, apply it to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before washing it off.
☐ Rubbing some turmeric oil along with a carrier oil onto your skin goes a long way in healing and brightening the skin.
☐ On the other hand, consuming a warm glass of milk with a pinch of turmeric not only helps the skin but the entire body.
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant at Herboveda and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
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Good information.