Botanical name: Curcuma longa L
Family: Zingiberaceae (related to the ginger family)
Turmeric means sacred earth in Latin. The turmeric plant is native to south Asia, and grows in warm, humid climates such as India, Sri Lanka, East Indies, Fiji and Queensland. The roots are used as a spice, a food and clothing dye, and for herbal remedies. Both Indian and Chinese cultures used the root for medical purposes. Traces of turmeric were also found in pottery dating back 4,500 years ago and the inscriptions on the pottery identified them as ancient medicines.
You’ve likely seen turmeric in a wide variety of items and products including:
- Turmeric Supplements
- Turmeric tea
- Turmeric milk
- Turmeric lattes
- Turmeric smoothies
- Soaps and scrubs
- Essential Oils
- CBD oil products
- Accent colors and paints
- Weight loss and fat burners
- Turmeric masks and skincare products
- Various other turmeric recipes
The compounds in turmeric are extracted from the root of the plant through the steam distillation process. Curcumin is one of the active ingredients found in the turmeric root. Turmeric oil contains over 300 phenolic compounds. The other compounds are ar-turmerone, alpha-turmerone and beta-turmerone. These are molecules that promote oxygen in the brain; aids hormonal balance, stimulate the glands and aids liver health.
Turmeric Essential Oil is an excellent antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial and antiseptic:
- For skin care use a few drops with a carrier oil to fight acne, reduce blemishes, soften cracked heels, and help reduce the signs of aging.
- To treat sunburn, add a drop of turmeric to aloe.
- Use turmeric essential oil with a carrier oil to disinfect minor scrapes, burns and cuts. The antioxidant properties help you heal faster, and decrease the development of scars.
- Use turmeric with a carrier oil on your hair to fight dandruff, treat scalp conditions, and promote hair growth.
- For oral health, potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds will help reduce inflammation related to teeth, gums and oral health problems. Turmeric oil fights p-gingivitis and can help prevent and treat periodontitis, the inflammation of the tissues supporting the teeth.
- Inhaling and diffusing turmeric oil is effective for boosting memory, cognitive function and improving concentration.
Studies show that curcumin can boost levels of BDNF in the brain. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor or BDNF is a hormone in the brain responsible for forming new neuron connections. Decreased levels are linked to many brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s, dementia and depression. Curcumin can delay or in some cases reverse brain ailments and it may help fight brain cell degeneration and improve brain function. Ar-turmerone is a bioactive agent in turmeric oil that hinders microglia, a type of brain and spinal cord cell to be activated. It also helps support regeneration in neurological disease. Turmeric essential oil increases BNDF levels, which can alleviate depression symptoms and can also boost chemicals and neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin to improve mood and promote a positive attitude.
Curcumin activates the release of bilirubin, an antioxidant responsible for strengthening the immune system, build immunity and keep inflammation in control. Research has shown that curcumin prevents the influenza virus from binding to red blood cells. This stops viruses from multiplying and spreading infection to other cells. Add a couple of drops to a diffuser to help get rid of the cold virus.
Use turmeric essential oil with a carrier oil to aid in fighting inflammation, arthritis and joint pain on a molecular level. The oils active compounds block the inflammatory enzymes and chemicals that can cause the joints to swell and the anti-oxidants in turmeric oil help supress free radicles that wear down the cartilage.
This versatile oil is a must-have for the medicine cabinet.
10 Health Benefits and Uses for Turmeric Curcumin Supplements
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment.