Turmeric, it’s not just any spice.

Turmeric is a spice used to add color and flavor to your meal and it has some amazing healing powers. Both the Chinese and Indians use it as medicine. It’s used to treat everything from liver problems, depression, bursitis, inflammation and stiffness related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It’s also used as a cleansing agent and a digestive aid in India. There’s not always much research to back up all it’s alleged benefits. Here’s what we know about the seasoning.

Several recent studies show that it HAS anti-inflammatory properties and that it modifies immune system responses. A study done about eight years ago showed turmeric was more effective at preventing joint inflammation than reducing joint inflammation.

A clinical trial found that a turmeric supplement called Meriva provided long-term improvement in pain and function in a hundred patients with knee osteoarthritis.  On the flip side, high doses of it can act as a blood thinner.

Some Great Ways to take Turmeric

• Turmeric root can be eaten plain. Just wash it,  peel the skin off and you can eat it raw or eat it in your salad.
• The powder can also be added to your salad dressing use it in your soup, make it a creamy dip by mixing it with dried onion, mayonnaise, salt and pepper.
• You can use fresh turmeric root with other fresh fruits and vegetables and make it a delicious and healthy smoothie.
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Turmeric used for cosmetic purposes

•  Turmeric is effective in treating acne because of its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
• Turmeric face mask helps to clear acne scars and inflammation.
• Mix turmeric powder and sandalwood powder and lemon juice. Apply it on your face for 10 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water. For acne scars, apply a mixture of turmeric and plain water on the marks for 15 minutes. For oily skin mix 1 ½ tablespoons of sandalwood powder and a pinch of ground turmeric with 3 tablespoons of orange juice and leave it on your face for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
• For dry skin combine 1 egg white, 2 drops of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, rose water and a pinch of turmeric. Apply it to your face, neck, elbow, knees and let it dry. Wash it off with warm water.
• You can use turmeric to heal your cracked heels. Apply 3 spoons of turmeric with a few drops of coconut oil on your heels for 10 to 15 minutes before taking a bath. If you do it regularly it will help soften your heels..
• Turmeric with milk also treats skin conditions like poison ivy, eczema and soriasis.
• Mix turmeric and olive oil and apply it on your scalp for 15 minutes before taking a shower to treat dandruff and other scalp issues like dermatitis, eczema that can lead to itchy, flaky skin, inflammation and thinning hair.

You can buy Turmeric powder or fresh organic turmeric root.The powder should be kept in tightly sealed container and stored in a cool dry. Fresh turmeric should be placed in the refrigerator.