Turmeric is having a moment in the world of beauty. The golden yellow powder that is probably sitting in your spice cabinet has far more uses than for pickling – you can incorporate it in some pretty spectacular ways into your skin and beauty routine, too.
According to Healthline, turmeric has numerous evidence-based, proven health benefits that include being a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It may also reduce risks of brain disease, heart disease, and can improve brain function. Not bad for an inexpensive spice! To add some zing to your daily beauty routine, try using turmeric in one of these four easy ways.
Turmeric and Honey Face Mask
Turmeric is a calming spice for skin and when combined with honey can create an incredibly powerful face mask that leaves skin feeling refreshed and glowing. Simply mix turmeric powder with honey until you have a paste and apply a thin and even layer on your face. Wait about 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Remove Hair – Yup, You Read That Right
Women in India have been known to use a homemade paste made from milk and turmeric to remove unwanted hair from their legs, face, and other areas. To try this method, simply add turmeric powder to full-fat milk and mix until a thick paste forms. Then spread over the skin you want to remove hair from. Let the paste air dry and then use a wet washcloth to remove the dry paste by rubbing – think exfoliation – in circular patterns until your skin is clean. You may need to repeat this as hair grows back, but some women swear that after a few treatments, hair grows back thinner or not at all.
One thing to consider before you try this is that turmeric is a bright yellow powder that will stain your skin. Try this in a small area that is easy to hide to see how much it will stain your skin and also how easily you can wash the color out.
Whiten Teeth
Move over baking soda, turmeric is here to help whiten teeth and offer other oral health benefits ranging from reduced gun inflammation from gingivitis to even relieving some dental pain. To whiten teeth, simply dip your wet toothbrush into the dry powder and gently brush your teeth. Let the powder set on your teeth for five minutes before rinsing and then brushing with your regular toothpaste. Try this every day for about a week to see results.
Anti-Aging Smoothie
We all know that great skin doesn’t just happen because of the stuff we put on it – it also happens because of what we eat. Turmeric teas and smoothies are so popular right now because they promote healthy skin that can make you look younger (so they say.)
Here is one quick and easy smoothie recipe to try:
Combine in a blender 1 cup almond milk, ½ cup frozen mango, half a ripe banana, ¾ teaspoon of turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon powdered ginger and blend until smooth.
