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Using Turmeric for Better Skin Health

A lot of people are very much conscious about their skin, which explains why they constantly search for products with the promise of making them look more youthful and radiant. Sadly, although there are many cosmetic products available in the market today, not all of them can provide the same level of benefit. There are some that can do more harm than good, especially those that are filled with toxic chemicals. In this case, a better thing to do is to choose natural treatment options, such as in the case of turmeric. The latter has been used for thousands of years in alternative medicine and has recently become more popular because of being able to promote healthier skin, making it match the benefits that can be provided by the expensive products in the marketplace.

How Turmeric Helps Skin Health

The following are some of the most common ways by which turmeric makes the skin better and healthier:

Turmeric is reputed as an excellent natural option for controlling acne breakout. In our everyday life, your skin attracts dirt and bacteria. Once they are stuck on the pores, they can lead into the formation of pimples. With turmeric, the oil in the skin can be controlled better, and hence, preventing the appearance of pimples.
Skin pigmentation is another common problem that can be resolved with the help of turmeric. Some of the most common causes of pigmentation include sunlight exposure, changes in hormones, and excess melanin production in the skin. All of such can be addressed with the use of turmeric.
Turmeric has also been popular because of treating bruises and wounds, especially amongst children. Simple application of turmeric on the affected area will help to prevent the spread of infection and will also speed up the healing process.
Regular scrubbing of the face with turmeric can make it effective in having glowing skin. This will help delay the visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, among others.
Turmeric is also promising in terms of healing a variety of skin problems, such as in the case of psoriasis and eczema, among others.
For women who have just given birth, turmeric can also be used for the elimination of stretch marks. It can be scrubbed on the affected area before taking a bath and sooner, you will notice your skin becoming suppler and stretch marks will be eliminated.

How To Take Turmeric

There are different ways to take turmeric to make it effective in promoting a healthier skin. One of the things you can do is to mix turmeric with hot water, milk, and sugar, and drink it before you go to sleep. You can also mix turmeric powder with honey and use it as a scrub for the skin, which will help get rid of any impurities and dirt on the surface. Chickpeas flour, water, and turmeric can also be mixed to form a paste, which can help in promoting the softness of the skin. Dry turmeric can also be just applied directly on the cuts and bruises on the skin, which will work by fighting the infection and preventing such from spreading.

Treating Depression with the Use of Turmeric

When you are feeling down, you might be depressed. However, depression goes beyond such as it is a serious medical problem that can have negative impacts on the way you live your life, including productivity at work and how you deal with other people. According to health experts, some of the most common symptoms of depression include changes in sleeping patterns, loss of appetite, lack of stamina, irritability, hopelessness, and showing suicidal thoughts. Aside from psychotherapy, there are also prescribed medications for treating depression. However, the problem with these treatment options is the fact that they often resort into the adverse side effects. To prevent the latter, natural treatments are preferred, such as in the case of turmeric.

What Is Turmeric

Turmeric is a plant native in the South Asian region and used as a spice for curries. For thousands of years, more than its culinary applications, it has also been widely revered for its medicinal value. It is rich with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a common natural alternative for the treatment of arthritis. It is also believed to be highly influential in boosting the immune system, which makes it possible for the body to have better defense against a wide array of health problems. In research studies, turmeric has also been regarded as a viable alternative in dealing with depression.

Clinical Evidence

For those who might still be skeptic with regards to how turmeric can aid in the treatment of depression, it is worth taking a look at several clinical studies completed in the past. The latter have been accomplished to shed more light on how exactly the plant works in being able to combat depression, making it a good choice against medications. Many of these tests have been conducted in laboratory animals, with the same effect anticipated to be evident amongst humans as well.

In 2006, from a journal called Brain Research, laboratory rats have been given curcumin and have been exposed to chronic stress to possibly examine how it impacts depression.

Based on the conclusion of the study, the supplementation of curcumin reduces the depressive symptoms that are linked to stress. Although the effects have been proven, its impacts on human remains to be a subject under further testing.

In 2008, in a journal called Psychopharmacology, it has been found out that curcumin is also responsible for the increase in the production of serotonin, which minimizes depressive thoughts and symptoms.

In 2009, from the Scientific World Journal, the effects of curcumin in serotonin and dopamine have been also evaluated. The study has also showed favorable impacts, increasing clinical evidences proving the positive link between turmeric and depression.

Considerations

You can take turmeric in fluid, capsule, or powdered form. The dosage will be dependent on what is suggested by the manufacturer of the supplement. To be sure, it is critical to have medical consultation first. If you are using anti-coagulant and anti-platelet drugs, it is also important to inform your doctor first. Lastly, carefully evaluate the reputation of the manufacturer of turmeric supplements to be assured of its safety and effectiveness.

How Can Turmeric Promote Better Heath?

Curcuma Longa, or what is popularly known as turmeric, belongs to a family of ginger plants. In the past, Middle East and East India are just its users all around the globe, but it has now widely evolved into being one of the most known spices. Aside from the ability to provide food with unique flavoring, turmeric is also one of the most promising options for natural medicine. In several studies in the past, experts have agreed on its medicinal value, allowing it to provide a wealth of health benefits.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric contains high amounts of magnesium, Vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and Vitamin B6. It also provides the 16% daily iron requirement of the body and 26% of manganese. As a source of essential nutrients the body needs to be in its best state of health, there is no wonder turmeric is so popular. To be able to enjoy its health benefits, you do not need to eat a lot. One tablespoon will be enough. In fact, even when just mixed with your food, your body will already be able to absorb its nutrients.

Among other things, turmeric has been popular in Chinese and Indian medicine because of being abundant with anti-inflammatory properties. The main compound responsible for such is called curcumin.

According to a variety of studies, such compound can prove to be more powerful than the effects of commercial and prescribed medications. Many of the anti-inflammation drugs available in the market today can lead into adverse side effects, including internal bleeding, low white blood cell count, and ulcer. Turmeric does not contain any toxic chemical, making it lead into no side effects.

As an anti-inflammatory, turmeric has been linked to providing relief from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. With this powerful herb, joint swelling can be significantly reduced and mobility will be improved.

Aside from what has been discussed, turmeric is also good for the following:

Bloating and Gas
Psoriasis, Acne, Eczema, and Other Health Problems
Indigestion
Alzheimer’s Disease
Cancer
Cholesterol
Cardiovascular Problems

Different Studies on Turmeric

To be able to prove its effectiveness in alternative medicine, several studies have been conducted in the past. For instance, in one research, curcumin ointment combined with turmeric extract has been effective in providing relief for patients experiencing external lesions. In another study, in a skin damaged with ultraviolet radiation for a period of six weeks, turmeric extracts have been applied. In the end, the levels of skin sebum has been better and it also looked more hydrated. Because of this, there is a high possibility it is soon going to be a main ingredient in commercial cosmetic products. Significant studies have been also completed with regards to its ability to prevent the growth of cancer cells in the body, such as in the breast.

As it has been suggested by Hippocrates, the easiest way to take turmeric is to make it a part of your food to have a unique spice and flavor. This may seem gradual, but this is going to optimize its effects. In today’s time, there are also turmeric supplements, allowing the body to be provided with the nutrients it needs.

Turmeric As A Promising Treatment for Cancer

For many years, experts in the field of medicine have been in an incessant search for the most promising treatments for different types of cancer. In spite of the developments in research studies, there is still no conclusive findings as to which one is going to be the best. In this case, a good way to deal with cancer is to resort into the use of natural alternatives like turmeric. The latter is a plant native to the Southeast Asian region and has gained popularity as a spice. Nonetheless, in thousands of years in Chinese and Indian medicine, it has been a staple in treating various health problems. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of research studies noting how this herb can be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of cancer.

How Turmeric Helps in Treatment of Cancer

The main compound found in turmeric is known as curcumin, which is basically the one responsible for the wonders it can do for cancer. In 2007, one study has found out that rather than treat cancer just with chemotherapy, it should be coupled with the use of curcumin, which is expected to increase its effectiveness. The following are some of the ways by which turmeric aids in the prevention of cancer:

The curcumin helps in enzyme inhibition, which also halts the growth of tumors in the body. Therefore, it directly interferes with the possible development of cancer cells.
The abundance of free radicals in the body is known to be one of the leading factors influencing the growth of cancer. Curcumin is known to be antioxidant, which triggers the neutralization of free radicals in the cells.
In a study using mice as the subject, there has been a 40% reduction in the growth of benign tumors. The tumor that is presence in the subject of the study developed because of the tumors triggering the development of colon cancer in humans.
In another experiment with mice, the effectiveness of curcumin extract has been proven in the reduction of tumors in prostate cancer. The group of mice that has been treated with curcumin showed 70% recovery.
In spite of the claims on how curcumin is effective in cancer treatment and prevention, it is important to note that not study has used humans as subjects, making it hard to verify the claims.

Research in Recent Years

In one in vitro study conducted at the Stanford University and University of South Dakota, ovarian cancer cells respond better to treatments when curcumin extracts are also consumed. In addition, recent studies have also made it possible for turmeric to be made available in tablet or capsule form, making it easier to have it a part of your daily diet.

Through having it consumed as a dietary supplement, you will be able to enjoy its wealth of benefits. Nonetheless, to be assured of not experiencing any adverse side effects, make sure only the right dosage is taken. It should not be also consumed during pregnancy. It will be best to consult with a medical professional first to avoid any problems.

Turmeric: A Powerful Healing Herb

When thinking of herbs with a wealth of medical applications, one of the most commonly mentioned is turmeric. Its scientific name is Curcuma Longa and it is known as Kunyit by the Malay, Haridra in Sanskrit, and Jiang Huang in Chinese. It is abundant with natural polyphenol known as curcumin, which is also the one responsible for its wide array of health benefits. Some of the most abundant nutrients in this plant include dietary fibers, potassium, manganese, and iron. Given the medicinal properties of the herb, there is no wonder why there is an influx in the number of people who are turning into the use of turmeric supplements. This makes it easy for the body to take advantage of its many benefits in manner that is not only effective, but also safe.

Protection for the Liver

Several studies in the past have supported the assertion of how turmeric can have a favorable effect on the health of the liver. Toxins, alcohol, and even medications can all have negative impacts on your liver and can be a reason for its deterioration and malfunctioning. In this case, turmeric can prove to be promising as it helps in the creation of a digestive juice, which is responsible for the promotion of the proper digestion of fats.

Treatment of Skin Problems

Back in the ancient times, there are no topical creams and medications that can help in promoting better skin health. This is the reason why many people often resort into the use of turmeric, especially in the cases of eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It is also known to be an excellent exfoliating agent, which can be considered as a viable natural alternative to the products using toxic chemicals, which may be harsh on the skin.

Prevention of Inflammation

Another reason for the popularity of turmeric as a wonder herb is its anti-inflammation properties. This is why it is taken by people who are experiencing muscle sprains, arthritis, and other problems related to inflammation. To be able to use it for the treatment of inflammation, one teaspoon can just be simply mixed with tea or with hot water and should be consumed as a drink. To maximize its effectiveness, adding ginger will also prove to be helpful.

Boost for the Immune System

It is important to give the immune system a boost to be able to increase the defense of the body against different health problems. It should be noted that the immune system is the cornerstone of both your health and longevity, which makes it important to invest in it. With turmeric, your immunity will be stronger and you will be less likely a candidate for different health problems.

Prevents Free Radical Damage

Turmeric is also reputed as a potent antioxidant, which allows the prevention of free radical damage. This is responsible for promoting better health of the cells. As an antioxidant, like berries and green tea, this herb is excellent in terms of providing better cardiovascular health and prevention of different types of cancer.

As an antioxidant, this also makes it excellent for the maintenance of young-looking skin through the years.