Turmeric is one of the very few medicinal plants which possesses a wide spectrum of medicinal uses and has been used by many cultures across the world from early times. Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurveda, a 5000 year old natural healing system of medicine that is indigenous to India.

Anemia

Take a dose of 1 tsp of turmeric juice mixed with honey everyday.

Burns

Mix 1 tsp of turmeric with 1 tsp of aloe gel and apply to burnt area.

Asthma

Boil 1 cup of milk with 1 tsp of turmeric powder and drink warm.

Complexion

Apply a paste of turmeric on the skin before bed, and wash off after a few minutes. In the morning, remove any remaining yellow tinge with a paste of chickpea flour (besan) and oil.

Conjunctivitis

Mix 1 tbsp of crushed, raw turmeric in 1/3 cup of water. Boil and sieve.  Apply 2–3 drops of this mixture in each eye up to 3 times per day.

Dental problems

Mix 1 tsp of turmeric with ½ tsp of salt. Add mustard oil to make a paste. Rub the teeth and gums with this paste twice daily.

Diabetes

½–1 tsp of turmeric should be taken 3 times a day.

Diarrhea

Take ½ tsp of turmeric powder or juice in water, 3 times per day.

Pain

Mix 1 tsp of turmeric and 2 tsp of ginger with water to make a paste. Spread over a cloth and place on the affected area and bandage.  Add 1 tsp of turmeric to 1 cup of warm milk and drink before bed.

Other uses

In cooking, turmeric acts as a yellow coloring agent. It is an important herb in Hindu rituals. It is also a ingredient in cosmetics as it is beneficial for the skin. Burning turmeric can repel insects. Inhaling the smoke can assist in coughs, asthma and congested nasal passages.

 Eyes, Ears, Nose and Mouth

Turmeric dust, with alum 1:20, is blown into the ear to treat chronic otorrhea.

Mix a pinch of Turmeric with organic ghee and apply it to the mucus lining of nose to stop the sniffles. It also stops nosebleeds, helps to clear the sinuses, restore a more acute sense of smell, and helps to purify the mind and brain.

Turmeric helps to maintain the shape and integrity of our eyes.

A Turmeric/water decoction, 1:20, is used to treat conjunctivitis and eye disease in general. Soak a cloth in the decoction and then cover the eye with it. This helps to relieve the pain as well.