What if one of the ingredients in the mustard you find in your fridge, or the curry from your favorite Indian restaurant, could possibly ease the aches of arthritis? If we told you that the main ingredient in dyes used in India was also used for Alzheimer’s and digestive issues, would that peak your interest?  Turmeric has been used for thousands of years for its health benefits, yet Americans aren’t using it to reach optimal health. Something is missing. While you may be aware of the health benefits Turmeric provides, something has caused us to not act and include it in our herbal regimen. We hope this will change your mind!

Benefits of Turmeric Supplements

Turmeric has been used in Asia for thousands of years for dying fabric or flavoring foods but is also popular for its many health benefits. As a digestive aid, turmeric has been instrumental in addressing disorders within the stomach and intestinal tract and offers relief from pains associated with an upset stomach or improper digestion. Recent research points to the benefits of curcumin, Turmeric’s active ingredient, in eye care, Alzheimer’s treatment, liver disorders, and artherosclerosis. Including a Turmeric supplement could assist your body in healing from the inside out, from stomach health to your teeth to cuts and bruises. Its powerful antiseptic qualities make Turmeric a natural alternative to over-the-counter medications for speeding healing of cuts and even the inflammation of joints or sinuses!

Benefits for Skin

Recently Turmeric has become a popular ingredient in cosmetic products for its benefits in slowing the signs of aging and wrinkle formation as well as its ability to prevent dry skin, treat eczema, and acne. While this addition to topical products is enjoying a surge in popularity, it’s following in the path of what has been standard in Asia for skin health for thousands of years. Adding Turmeric to bathwater is believed to slow the growth of body hair, add a glow to the skin, and reduce pigmentation or blotches associated with skin diseases and it’s believed to supply these same benefits when added to lotions, make-up, and other beauty items. Before you stock up your cosmetic bag with every product that includes Turmeric, consider what other ingredients may have been used in the manufacturing of it. (To learn more about cosmetics and the additives used in them, see a recent blog here). Often times the addition of a natural ingredient to modern cosmetic products doesn’t counter the negative effects the additional ingredients can have on your body so pay attention. What we put on our body is just as important as what we put in our body.

Benefits of Turmeric as an Antioxidant

Add this to the list of benefits of Turmeric, as a powerful antioxidant it attacks the daily toxins we are exposed to in our modern world and moves them from our bodies to allow proper function. These toxins, called free radicals, pose a threat to our bodies through the destruction of cells leading to cancer and a variety of other diseases. The addition of Turmeric or other antioxidants to your diet and herbal regimen can protect your body against the rapid development of these diseases and the harmful effects of free radicals. (To learn more about antioxidants, see a recent blog post here that shares the most popular and effective on the market today).

The benefits of Turmeric for the body, inside and out, can be achieved through a capsule. If you choose to purchase cosmetic products that contain Turmeric, be sure to pay attention to other ingredients and don’t discount the fact that applying topically doesn’t always achieve the best results. Want the benefits of better skin, antioxidant protection, improved digestion and movement? Find it in a Turmeric capsule!