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Turmeric Oil – An Underrated Plant

According to WebMD:

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the Turmeric plant. It is commonly used in Asian food. You probably know Turmeric as the main spice in curry. It has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses. Turmeric is also widely used to make medicine. It contains a yellow-colored chemical called curcumin, which is often used to color foods and cosmetics.  Curcumin is only one of the many active ingredients but the most important.  Here is an NIH article on the properties of curcumin on skin damaged by ultraviolet radiation.

Turmeric is used for arthritis, heartburn (dyspepsia), joint pain, stomach pain, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, bypass surgery, hemorrhage, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gallbladder disorders, high cholesterol, a skin condition called lichen planus, skin inflammation from radiation treatment, and fatigue.

It is also used for headaches, bronchitis, colds, lung infections, fibromyalgia, leprosy, fever, menstrual problems, itchy skin, recovery after surgery, and cancers. Other uses include depression, Alzheimer's disease, swelling in the middle layer of the eye (anterior uveitis), diabetes, water retention, worms, an autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), tuberculosis, urinary bladder inflammation, and kidney problems.

Turmeric essential oil is rich in antioxidants making it perfect for stimulating new cells to grow; it can potentially promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss. Its anti-inflammatory properties contribute to reducing scalp inflammation.

Turmeric is a root called a rhizome (like an iris root); it is steam distilled for it’s essential oils which is more concentrated than the powdered form you can purchase at your local grocery store or Turmeric fresh at your local ethnic store.  Its aroma is woodsy, earthy with a hint of floral.  The oil is an antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-worm, anti-allergic, and anti-parasitic healing properties.

Oregon State University study shows it may help prevent and/or treat colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes; exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective activities

Turmeric is excellent for fighting acne naturally, reduces blemishes and lightens skin, treats sunburns, should be used in your anti-aging regimen; treats scalp conditions, promotes hair growth and helps get rid of dandruff naturally; helps with chemo for colon, skin and stomach cancers; it’s promising research that more money needs to be used for more in-depth studies.

Using 4-5 drops of Turmeric in your diffuser or Diffuser Pendant boosts memory, cognitive function and helps improve concentration. A study shows inhaling turmeric helps “support regeneration in neurologic disease.” Another study shows it helps with depression.

When Turmeric is mixed with an Organic Carrier Oil and rubbed on inflamed areas it reduces the affected area several times per day after 3-5 days of use.  To lower the pain and enhance Turmeric oils abilities mix with a few drops of Frankincense oil and blend well.

I’m not sure of the citation but if it’s true it’s great news but Turmeric is found to suppress bruises, including hepatitis, herpes, chikungunya, influenza-A, HIV and HPV.

Here’s an article about Turmeric everything from being antibacterial and antifungal to antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. This helps to ward off invaders, build immunity and keep inflammation in control. My favorite study shows it works just as well as ibuprofen for pain relief and mobility for patients suffering from knee osteoarthrosis.

Turmeric has also been shown to help treat epilepsy; improves liver health; helps combat breast cancer; may reduce some Leukemia cells; relieves depression and anxiety and helps improve the common cold!

When Turmeric is mixed with Emu Oil healing is sped up for minor cuts and burns and knee pain!

Warnings of Side Effect’s:

Some people may develop an allergic reaction to any oil so it's always best to try a little by doing a small skin patch test on your arm or leg (never your face or neck) to make sure you don't have an adverse reaction.

If you're pregnant or nursing, or on any kind of medication please check with your doctor before using essential oils.


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