Turmeric Health Benefits: 19 Practical Remedies For Medicinal Use

Turmeric beckons the world to an earthy aroma, sweet bitter taste, and a color riot on your dinner table.

A staple in Indian cooking, turmeric gives your soups and curries a bright yellow tinge and delectable flavor. This incredible spice, apart from being a culinary delight, has also been coined as a “super herb.” The active compound curcumin, found in turmeric, is the source of its strong anti-inflammatory properties.

In fact, turmeric has been a panacea for Indians to cater to a number of health issues. This very fact is now backed by science that turmeric is as powerful as any other anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs.

According to a 2014 Review article, published in BioMed Research International, a number of studies vouch for the efficacy of turmeric against a broad range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. (2)

Curcumin is also a strong antioxidant. It has also shown promising results for the treatment of different kinds of cancers.

Natural Treatment Options with Turmeric

To share some health benefits of turmeric, we have compiled a list of 19 health conditions and diseases that can be effectively treated and controlled using this humble spice. Read on to learn how you can incorporate turmeric into your daily lives and reap its multiple health benefits.

Turmeric can leave a bright yellow stain on your skin and clothes. While we do have remedies to get rid of the stains, it is better to take necessary precautions to avoid soiling your clothes.

Method 1: Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a condition in which hair follicles get inflamed and infected with bacteria, virus, or fungi. Turmeric along with olive oil kills the infection in the follicles and heals skin by providing essential fatty acids and antioxidants. (3) The olive oil will also make the spice stick to your skin for faster healing.

Things you’ll need:

• Olive oil (nourishes skin)
• Turmeric powder (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory)

Single-Step Treatment: Mix turmeric with olive oil and apply

• Take 1 or 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder in a bowl.
• Add to it an equal quantity of olive oil.
• Mix the two well to form a runny paste.
• Use a clean Q tip to apply the paste to the inflamed follicles. You can store the remaining paste for future use.
• Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Since, turmeric can stain clothes, better to cover the area with a bandage.
• Rinse the area with water and pat your skin dry.

Repeat the treatment once or twice daily to treat folliculitis in 1 week.

Method 2: Psoriasis

Psoriasis refers to a chronic autoimmune disease marked by red patches on the skin with silvery scales.  The affected skin burns and turns itchy, becoming prone to bleeding. Turmeric can help to reduce the inflammation and also promote regeneration of new and healthy skin.

According to an article published in 2018 in Journal of Medical Sciences, among the other health benefits of turmeric, it also helps to regulate the cytokines in immune cells and thus improve the condition in psoriasis. (1)

Step 1. Prepare a paste of turmeric with water

• Take 1 or 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder in a bowl.
• Add to it just enough warm water to make a thick paste.
• Mix the two well.

Step 2. Apply the paste to the affected skin

• Spread a thick layer of the turmeric paste over the inflamed skin.
• Place a sterile cotton ball over it and secure it with a bandage.
• You can either apply it at bedtime and leave it on overnight, or use it throughout the day by leaving it on for 4 to 6 hours.
• Discard the bandage and wipe the area clean.

Repeat application once daily to notice an improvement in just 1 week. Continue using it until your skin is completely healed.

Method 3: Arthritis Pain/Knee Pain

Turmeric is quite popular as an effective home remedy for arthritis or knee pain. (4) The spice is easily absorbed through the skin and shows an immediate anti-inflammatory effect on the aching joints. In addition to topical application, consuming turmeric orally can also aid in the healing.

Step 1. Cook turmeric in water for 5 to 10 minutes

• Pour ½ cup of water into a heated pan.
• Add ¼ cup of turmeric powder to it.
• Cook the mixture over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, until it becomes a thick paste.
• Stir continuously to avoid burning the turmeric.

Step 2. Store the mixture in a jar and use it on painful joints

• Transfer the paste to an airtight jar.
• Apply the turmeric paste over sore joints. Cover the area to avoid staining your clothes.
• Let it sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

Repeat twice every day to relieve pain and inflammation. You should notice a significant improvement within 1 week.

The paste can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Method 4: Bronchiectasis

While bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the walls of bronchi and bronchioles, bronchiectasis refers to the irreversible widening of these air passages. This causes recurrent infection and blockages in the airways.

While there is no permanent cure for bronchiectasis, it can be managed with herbal medicines such as turmeric. The spice works as an antibacterial agent to keep the infection in check. (5)

Single-Step Treatment: Mix turmeric in water and consume daily

• Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder to 1 cup of warm water.
• Stir well and consume the water.

Consume the drink 3 times daily for long-term management of your bronchiectasis.

Method 5: Cold & Cough

The therapeutic spice can be used multiple ways to treat cold and cough. It works well as a decongestant, and its antibacterial and antiviral properties help kill the invading pathogens. (6) One tasty remedy is to mix turmeric with warm milk and consume daily until recovery.

Things you’ll need:

• Turmeric powder (antibacterial) – 1 teaspoon
• Warm milk – 1 cup

Single-Step Treatment: Mix turmeric with milk and drink it up

• Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to 1 cup of warm milk. You can also add honey for sweetness.
• Stir well and consume the drink in the morning and at bedtime.

Drinking this tasty drink twice daily will bring you immense relief and will treat the cold and cough in just 2 to 3 days.

Method 6: Sore Throat

Those who have it know it how irritating it can be to carry on with your normal life if you have a sore throat. A sore throat can be caused by an infection, an allergic reaction, or any trauma or injury to the throat.

Irrespective of the cause, one of the major health benefits of turmeric is that it can help you recoup faster by fighting the infection and soothing the inflammation. (7)

This sore throat remedy involves other potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic ingredients such as black pepper, garlic, and honey, concocted into a power-packed drink.

Things you’ll need:

• Grated ginger (analgesic) – 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper powder (anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Honey (soothes inflamed throat) – 1 tablespoon
• Turmeric powder (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 tablespoon
• Water – 1¼ cups

Step 1. Cook the ingredients in water

• Take 1¼ cups of water in a pan.
• Add to it 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder.
• Add 1 teaspoon each of grated ginger and black pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, and then remove from heat.

Step 2. Add honey to the drink and consume

• Strain out the drink in a glass.
• Add 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Give it a final stir and consume the drink slowly while it is still hot.

Consume this drink 1 or 2 times for 3 to 4 days to heal a sore throat completely.

Method 7: Phlegm

Phlegm is a sign that your body is trying to fight off an infection. The mucous membranes in our body produce phlegm to trap the foreign particles trying to enter our body and expectorate it through coughing.

Turmeric helps to assist the body in fighting the infection and reduce the formation of phlegm in the process. The remedy also uses salt that also helps clear out your throat.

 Things you’ll need:

• Turmeric powder (antibacterial) – 1 tablespoon
• Salt (decongestant) – ¼ teaspoon
• Warm water – 1 cup

Single-Step Treatment: Gargle with a turmeric and salt solution

• Add 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder to 1 cup of warm water.
• Add to it a ½ teaspoon of salt.
• Stir well until the salt dissolves in water.
• Use the solution to gargle.

Gargle with this solution 2 to 3 times daily until your sore throat is healed.

Method 8: Boil

A boil is a small red bump on the skin, often filled with white or yellow pus. A boil can result from a clogged or damaged follicle, a bacterial infection, or a weak immune system.

While not serious, boils can be painful and tender to touch. Turmeric, being an antiseptic, will help draw infection out of the boil. (8) The other ingredients used will help reduce pain and also help in faster skin healing.

Things you’ll need:

• Turmeric powder (antiseptic, anti-inflammatory) – 1 tablespoon
• Coconut oil (nourishes skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Salt (disinfects the boil) – 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper (acts as an analgesic) – 1 teaspoon
• Water

Step 1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl

• Pour 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder in a mixing bowl.
• Add to it 1 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper powder.
• Also, add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.

Step 2. Blend the ingredients and dilute it with water to make a paste

• Using a spoon, mix all the ingredients.
• Add enough water to form a thick and smooth paste.

Step 3. Apply the paste to the boil and cover with a bandage

• Apply a thick layer of the paste to the boil.
• Cover it with a clean cotton ball.
• Secure the cotton over the boil with a bandage or duct tape (if in a pinch).
• Leave it on overnight.
• In the morning, remove the bandage and rinse the area.

Repeat application for 2 to 3 days until the boil heals completely.

Method 9: Stomach Ulcer

Stomach ulcers can give you a shooting pain in your stomach, often leaving you bloated and nauseated.

Stomach ulcers can result from an infection, consuming spicy food, consuming alcohol or smoking, which can erode the stomach lining. Oral consumption of turmeric has proven to be an effective remedy to get rid of stomach ulcers naturally. (9)

Single-Step Treatment: Consume turmeric powder daily

• Consume 1 teaspoon of turmeric every day until you get relief from the pain and burning in your stomach. You can add it to your soups or curries, or consume it in milk.

Method 10: Back Pain

Turmeric can be incorporated into your diet if you suffer from frequent back pain. The anti-inflammatory quality of turmeric helps bring down the pain and inflammation, especially in arthritic pain.

Things you’ll need:

• Turmeric powder(anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Warm milk – 1 cup

Single-Step Treatment: Consume turmeric milk to relieve back pain

• Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to 1 cup of warm milk. You can also add honey or stevia for sweetness.
• Stir well and consume the tasty drink.

Consume this drink daily before bedtime and you should notice an improvement in just 1 week. Continue taking it until the pain is manageable or is gone for good.

Method 11: Diarrhea/IBS/Diverticulitis

Turmeric serves as an excellent and safe remedy for a number of gastrointestinal diseases. Its antimicrobial properties help kill the infection in diarrhea. Turmeric, being anti-inflammatory, helps relieve the digestive tract and cure diverticulitis, as well as control symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. (10)

Single-Step Treatment: Mix turmeric in warm water and consume

• Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to 1 glass of warm water.
• Mix well and consume the concoction.

Consume this drink once daily to keep your digestive system running smooth.

Method 12: Asthma (for prevention)

Turmeric can be consumed as a preventive measure if you suffer from asthma. The anti-inflammatory spice helps break through the phlegm and also heal the inflammation in the lungs. Lesser blockage in the respiratory tract, slighter the chances of an asthma attack. (11)

Single-Step Treatment: Consume turmeric as a preventive measure for asthma

• Consume a ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder daily especially during the pollen season or whenever you are around the irritants that can trigger your asthma.

Method 13: Bunions

Massaging your bunion growth with a mix of turmeric and olive oil (both anti-inflammatory agents) can bring immense relief in the pain and make walking less painful. The oil will help increase blood circulation, while the turmeric will block the pain signals.

Things you’ll need:

• Olive oil (helps increase blood circulation) – 1 tablespoon
• Turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory) – 1 tablespoon

Single-Step Treatment: Massage the bunion with turmeric-olive oil paste

• Mix 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and turmeric powder.
• Mix well and use the paste to massage the bunion growth for a few minutes.
• Leave the paste on for 20 minutes, and then rinse with cold water.

Repeat the remedy 2 to 3 times daily to shrink the bunion in 4 weeks.

Method 14: Corn & Callus

Constant pressure and friction on your feet can give way to unsightly corns and calluses. Turmeric along with honey can help soften the skin and eventually heal the corns or calluses. However, this further requires scientific research to support the claims.

Things you’ll need:

• Honey (moisturizes skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Turmeric (accelerates healing) – 1 tablespoon
  

Step 1. Make a paste of honey and turmeric

• Take 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
• Add to it 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Mix well to form a thick paste.

Step 2. Apply the paste to the corn/callus and cover with a bandage

• Apply the turmeric paste to the corn/callus growth. Place a cotton ball over it and cover it with a bandage/duct tape.
• Leave it on for 2 to 3 hours. Remove the bandage and rinse with water.

Repeat application 2 or 3 times daily for 1 week to heal the growth completely.

Method 15: Shoe Bites

Did your favorite shoe give you a painful shoe bite? Don’t worry; this turmeric remedy will heal it in no time. Turmeric, along with Indian lilacs, works as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent to protect and heal the wound.

 Things you’ll need:

• Indian lilac paste (antibacterial) – 1 tablespoon
• Turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Make a paste of turmeric and Indian lilac

• Pour 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
• Add to it 1 tablespoon of Indian lilac paste.
• Mix the two thoroughly.

Step 2. Apply the paste to the bruised skin

• Apply the paste to the sore bite.
• Let it sit for 20 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water.

Do this twice a day for 3 to 4 days to get rid of shoe bite.

Method 16: Wounds

Turmeric can also help heal small wounds faster. The antimicrobial properties of turmeric prevent the wound from infection, and its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants support faster healing of the skin. (12)

Single-Step Treatment: Make a paste of turmeric and water and apply

• Take 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
• Add just enough water to make a paste.
• Mix it well and apply it to the wound.
• Cover it with a bandage and leave it on for 12 to 24 hours.
• Clean the wound and reapply the paste.

Apply the turmeric paste daily for 3 or 4 days to heal a minor wound quickly.

Method 17: Hemorrhoids

A hemorrhoid is one painful and embarrassing condition in which the blood vessels around the anal region become inflamed, causing pain and sometimes bleeding.

Turmeric being a natural anti-inflammatory helps bring down the inflammation and also reduce the pain. You can either consume turmeric in powdered form or opt for curcumin supplements that are easier to consume.

Single-Step Treatment: Take turmeric supplements daily to cure hemorrhoids

• Take 500 mg of turmeric supplement twice daily for at least 1 week to cure your hemorrhoids.

Method 18: Acne Inversa

Turmeric is the best remedy for acne inversa, an inflammatory skin disease that causes red, painful bumps on the skin. The condition can be caused by a hormonal imbalance or weakened immune system.

Turmeric can help to deal with this condition, both internally and externally. For topical application, mix it with some apple cider vinegar—another effective anti-inflammatory agent.

Things you’ll need:

• Apple cider vinegar (antibacterial) – 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon

Step 1. Make a paste of turmeric and apple cider vinegar

• Pour 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
• Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to it.
• Mix well to form a thick paste.

Step 2. Apply the paste to get rid of acne

• Apply the turmeric paste on the bumps.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

Apply the turmeric paste twice daily to get rid of acne inversa within 1 week. You can also take 1 teaspoon of turmeric in 1 cup of warm milk. Drink this daily to heal your body from within.

Method 19: Cellulitis

As turmeric is a powerful antibacterial, it can be effective in treating cellulitis, a bacterial infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin.

This remedy also uses honey that forms a protective layer over the skin and keeps it hydrated for quicker healing. The tea tree essential oil works as a potent antibacterial.

Things you’ll need:

• Turmeric powder (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Organic raw honey (antibacterial) – 1½ tablespoons
• Tea tree essential oil (antimicrobial) – 4 or 5 drops

Step 1. Combine the 3 ingredients in a bowl

• Pour 1½ tablespoons of organic raw honey in a bowl.
• Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to it.
• Add 4 or 5 drops of 100% tea tree essential oil as well.

Step 2. Mix well and apply the paste to the affected area

• Blend the ingredients well to form a thick paste.
• Apply the paste to the affected skin and leave it on for 20 minutes.
• Wash it off with water and pat the area dry.

Apply the turmeric paste twice daily until the infection is completely gone.

Resources:

1. Nardo VD, Gianfaldoni S, Tchernev G, et al. Use of Curcumin in Psoriasis. Open access Macedonian journal of medical sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5816303/. Published January 21, 2018.
2. Moghadamtousi Z, Soheil, Kadir A, et al. A Review on Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antifungal Activity of Curcumin. BioMed Research International. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2014/186864/. Published April 29, 2014.
3. Nguyen TA, Friedman AJ. Curcumin: A Novel Treatment for Skin-Related Disorders. JDDonline. https://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961613P1131X/1. Published 2013.
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9. Khonche A, Biglarian O, Panahi Y, et al. Adjunctive Therapy with Curcumin for Peptic Ulcer: a Randomized Controlled Trial. Drug research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27351245. Published August 2016.
10. Ng QX, Soh AYS, Loke W, Venkatanarayanan N, Lim DY, Yeo W-S. A Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Use of Curcumin for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Journal of clinical medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30248988. Published September 22, 2018.
11. Liu L, Shang Y, Li M, Han X, Wang J, Wang J. Curcumin ameliorates asthmatic airway inflammation by activating nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2/haem oxygenase (HO)-1 signalling pathway. Clinical and experimental pharmacology & physiology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25739561. Published May 2015.
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