Adding some extra turmeric in your curry tonight, just because the colour is so tantalizing and the flavour is warm and peppery? Well, sprinkle away and you might just ward off an annoying ailment or two.

The Curcuma longa plant is an herb believed to be native to Southern India and Indonesia. For more than 5000 years, the deep-orange root of this plant has played a very important role in many traditional Eastern cultures. Throughout history it has been used as a condiment, healing remedy and textile dye. Buddhists monks would dye their robes with it and in India, the Haldi ceremony is one of the most ancient parts of the Indian wedding. The haldi paste, made from turmeric and water is applied to both bride and groom and is said to ensure blemish-free skin and protect against ailments before the wedding. Sounds good. Within Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical science, turmeric is known to work as a mild anti-depressant and a natural remedy for headaches and upset stomachs. What could be more perfect for that pre-wedding day jitter!

Only recently has turmeric become popular in Western countries, as numerous studies and experiments are now done to identify its advantages. The most interesting nutrient is the antioxidant curcumin, which is strongly anti-inflammatory. Turmeric also contains iron, manganese, moderate levels of B6 and potassium. This yellow spice may have more benefits than just boosting the flavour and colour of your food! Try adding it to your cooking on a regular basis and you might get enough curcumin to lower your risk of some age-related illnesses! Go slow with your sprinkling – too much won’t taste so great, often half a teaspoon will do for this potent yellow spice will do.

Glowing Goddess Skin

Now, let’s leave that delicious curry for a while and think about applying it to your face instead! No no, not the curry-the turmeric! Like so many of Mother Earth’s fantastic ingredients, this golden spice of life has wonderful skin benefits as well. Can you believe it?

Turmeric is said to have extraordinary antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties and will fight off those devious, free radicals that age your skin prematurely. It is known to normalize an uneven skin tone as well, so instead of wasting all your cash on whitening creams (some of these contain the chemical hydroquinone, which can actually be harmful), why not whisk up an all-natural face mask with ingredients from your own kitchen cabinet instead?

Because of its strong anti-bacterial properties, turmeric has amazing abilities to reduce acne and scaring. Want radiant skin before that hot date and get rid off that annoying little pimple? Treat yourself to a turmeric facial mask!

But wait a minute…won’t it make me yellow?! Yep. It sure will. There are a few ways to avoid this though, so unless you actually want to look like Marge Simpson on your date, PLEASE remember to ALWAYS mix your turmeric with plain youghurt/milk, oil or chickpea flour. We also recommend trying it out somewhere else than in your face first, as all skin types react differently and only use the mask for 5-10 min. Should it stain your face, just mix some water with sugar and scrub! It will disappear and leave you with an exfoliated face! You can also try the Curcuma aromatica or katsuri turmeric, which is the non-edible, non-stainable type, often used for beauty treatments. Here in Singapore you can find the katsuri at Karthika Stores on Buffalo Road. The edible type you can find in any supermarket, but it often goes under the name yellow ginger, should you prefer the fresh one and not the powder.

Flu-fighter cocktail:

When Straits Canopy starts to feel a bit under the weather we always whisk up this terrific turmeric blend-no popping pills here!

4 crushed garlic cloves

2 Tbsps of Manuka honey

1/2tsp turmeric

2 Tbsps grated ginger

A pinch of cayenne pepper

3 cups orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)

1/3 cup lemon juice

Drink and enjoy 1 cup 3-4 times daily until you feel better!

 

Goddess Glow Face Mask:

¼ tsp turmeric

1tsp milk

1 tsp honey

Honey hydrates and cleanses your skin and also contains antibacterial properties that will fight off acne. Milk is rich in minerals and will shrink large pores. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and apply a thin layer onto your face. Let sit for about 5-10 min.

White Wonder Face Mask:

¼ tsp turmeric

½ tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1 Tbsp honey

Rice or chickpea flour to thicken

Mix the ingredients and make sure to use only ½ teaspoon lemon juice, as too much can irritate your skin. Rub onto face and let rest for at least 10 minutes.

Behold your glowing face!

 

Written by Caroline Jarl