Lifestyle

Treat arthritis plus 10 other health issues with this one amazing kitchen ingredient

Jan 28, 2016

At this very moment, 28 per cent of Australians are battling arthritis, but chances are, not all of them are using this spice that has been proven time and time again to ease symptoms. It’s turmeric – and it’s commonly found in our cupboards.

Not only can it help to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness, turmeric has many other benefits for your health.

If you enjoy cooking Indian inspired dishes, you may have used turmeric in the past. It’s a gold-coloured spice most commonly used to add flavour to curries and salads. The medicinal benefits of turmeric have been supported by over 4000 scientific and scholarly articles.

Here’s 11 of the best ways to use turmeric for your health, today:

1. Ease arthritis pain

Turmeric is fantastic for soothing joint inflammation, and can be enjoyed in a number of meals. You can also enjoy it in a tea with ginger.

Simply mix 2 cups of water, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric in a saucepan until boiled. Strain into a mug, add honey and drink twice a day.

2. Cleanse your liver

Turmeric is said to not only protect the liver from damage, but also encourage regeneration of liver cells. In addition, it increases natural bile production and aids in keeping the body toxin-free.

3. Prevent Alzheimer’s

Another recent study found that turmeric may also be vital in repairing the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers. The aromatic Indian spice was able to promote stimulating of the brain stem cells and regenerate them.

4. Heal cracked heels

Turmeric is a useful healer when paired with other medicinal herbs and plants. Here’s how to make a salve that can soften cracked heels.

Steps:

Crush 1 tsp of basil leaves into a paste
Add 1 tsp of turmeric powder and 1 tsp of cam to the gel of an aloe vera planet
Mix both the basil and the turmeric mixture together and apply to your heels
Leave for 10-15 minutes and wash off. Repeat daily as necessary.

5. Manage IBS symptoms

Numerous studies suggest this multi-use herb can also help to ease digestive problems as it has anti-inflammatory properties and blocks abnormal muscle contractions in the stomach. The recommended dosage is 500mg per day.

6. Get rid of dark circles

It sounds silly but the soothing benefits of milk and turmeric’s ability to lesson inflammation are a winning combination. Soak cotton balls in milk with a sprinkle of turmeric. Squeeze out the liquid and rest on eyes for 15 minutes.

7. Stop snoring

Turmeric is a powerful antiseptic and antibiotic agent, and can treat inflammation that causes heavy snoring. Simply add two teaspoons of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk and drink before bed. Snoring should stop within a few days.

8. Treat dry eyes

Turmeric is great for helping your dry eyes. Simply warm up some almond milk, sprinkle a teaspoon of turmeric, ½ teaspoon cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon cloves and finish with a drop of honey. Whisk together and drink slowly.

9. Prevent receding gums

Turmeric is also a great home remedy for swollen gums. It contains curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. In addition, it prevents the spread of bacterial activity that causes several oral problems.

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water to make a paste and apply on the gums with your clean finger. Leave for 5 minutes, then massage gently for 1 minute, and rinse.

10. Reduce boils

As this spice is a blood purifier, it is perfect for treating boils. Add a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of water and mix in well. Drink three times a day.

You can also make a turmeric paste by mixing together minced ginger and turmeric and applying directly to the boil.

11. Prevent new bad memories and fears (really!)

A recent fascinating study has found that the common curry spice’s root, curcumin, can prevent new fear memories being stored in the brain AND remove pre-existing fears.

The study was carried out at the The City University of New York where rats were trained to become scared and freeze in their spot when they heard a particular sound. The rats were given either ordinary food or curcumin and the ones which were fed the spice root did not freeze when the sound was replayed.