Turmeric for Health and Beauty

Research has shown that our skin absorbs nutrients and chemicals more effectively than eating. We wear patches to stop smoking, balance hormones or lose weight. Why not wear safe, inexpensive cosmetics made using Ayurvedic herbs that help prevent cancer?

Among the most popular herbs used in Indian cooking and certain acne creams is the spice turmeric, which has proven anticancer action. Turmeric is the major cash crop of Kandhamal district, Orissa and it is grown through organic farming for which there is increasing demand in India and abroad.

The Journal of nutrition, 2001 quotes a paper presented at the Annual Research Conference on Diet, Nutrition and Cancer (Washington, DC, 16/07/2001) published by American Society for Nutritional Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA: "Herbals, cancer prevention and health" by Wargovich, Woods, Hollis, and Zander from the Division of Basic Research, South Carolina Cancer Center, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.

According to them, "Herbal products may act in a pathway similar to pharmaceuticals yet without side effects. Natural anti-inflammatory compounds abound in the herbal world and are found in green tea, the spices turmeric and rosemary, feverfew and others. Because the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) is associated with a reduced risk for several cancers, it is at least plausible that natural NSAID should be explored for possible use as cancer preventives."

Ray Sahelian, M.D. in Los Angeles, California, USA has written, "Curcumin, found in turmeric root, interferes with melanoma cells. Tests in laboratory dishes show that curcumin made melanoma skin cancer cells more likely to self-destruct in a process known as apoptosis. The same research team has found that turmeric helped stop the spread of breast cancer tumor cells to the lungs of mice. The turmeric suppressed two proteins that tumor cells use to keep themselves immortal. People who eat plenty of turmeric have lower rates of some cancers."

We can also increase our intake of turmeric by using turmeric complexion creams. Among them are Vicco Turmeric Vanishing Cream made by Vicco Laboratories in Mumbai. It contains natural ingredients, including turmeric and sandalwood oil. At home, you can also make a soothing paste for itchy skin rashes and blemishes by mixing 1 tablespoon of pure aloe vera jel with 1/4 tsp. of turmeric powder. Turmeric powder stains clothing and skin so, if possible, let it dry and cover it with clean light cotton clothing.

Facial and Body Treatments

For dry, irritated, or very mature skin, mix 1 teaspoon of plain whole fat yogurt with 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Apply this to a clean face and neck and allow it to dry. Wash it off with warm water. It feels and looks refreshing for the complexion.

Body Polish

To exfoliate and rejuvenate lifeless, dull skin mix in a bowl:

4 tablespoon of corn flour or oat flour or chickpea flour
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
1 tablespoon fenugreek powder
1 tablespoon mustard oil
water to make a paste

Apply this to face and body avoiding very sensitive areas. Allow it to dry and rub it off like a skin scrub. Rinse well with warm water. Your new skin will be bright and smooth.