When I think of Self Care, or heart health, I think of Turmeric. Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries. It contains a compound called curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Curcumin aids in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia. It may also help in the management of exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness, thus enhancing recovery and performance in active people. It has also been shown to prevent disease in healthy individuals.
To Recap, Turmeric has the following properties/benefits:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Curcumin has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce chronic inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is believed to be a contributing factor to many chronic diseases.
- Antioxidant activity: Turmeric is a potent antioxidant, meaning it can help protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals. Antioxidants are important for overall health and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Potential pain relief: Some studies suggest that curcumin may have pain-relieving properties, particularly for conditions like arthritis. It may help reduce joint pain and improve mobility.
- Brain health: Curcumin has been studied for its potential benefits in supporting brain health. It may help improve cognitive function and protect against age-related cognitive decline.
- Heart health: Turmeric may have positive effects on heart health by improving blood circulation, reducing cholesterol levels, and preventing the formation of blood clots.
- Digestive health: Turmeric has been used traditionally to support digestion and relieve digestive issues. It may help reduce symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas.
Benefits of Turmeric for the Skin
For many cultures around the world, turmeric has been used as a secret beauty remedy due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it an excellent choice for a DIY face mask. Turmeric helps eliminate acne, reduce fine lines and inflammation, brighten skin tone, and evens skin texture. Rosehip oil and castor oil work together to make a powerhouse moisturizer and well as skin detoxifier. This homemade turmeric face mask can also help give your complexion an overall brighter complexion due to its natural lightening properties!
How To Make Turmeric Face Mask
This DIY turmeric face mask is made with natural ingredients like turmeric powder, raw honey, and apple cider vinegar, rosehip oil and castor oil.
To make a simple turmeric face mask at home, you’ll need these ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder (this is the active ingredient in this face mask),
- 1 tablespoon of raw or Manuka honey (honey cleanses and moisturizing the skin)
- 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon rosehip oil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon castor oil (optional)
It is recommended to leave it on for 5 – 10 minutes if you have lighter skin, as we want to avoid staining. If you have a darker complexion, you may leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
References:
Susan J Hewlings , Douglas S Kalman. “Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods. 2017 Oct 22;6(10):92. PMID: 29065496
Bibi Marjan Razavi, Mahboobeh Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, Hossein Hosseinzadeh. “A review of therapeutic potentials of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its active constituent, curcumin, on inflammatory disorders, pain, and their related patents”. Phytother Res. 2021 Dec;35(12):6489-6513. Epub 2021 Jul 26. PMID: 34312922
Maryam Akaberi, Amirhossein Sahebkar , Seyed Ahmad Emami. “Turmeric and Curcumin: From Traditional to Modern Medicine”. Adv Exp Med Biol 2021:1291:15-39. PMID: 34331682