Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve loved DIY solutions for my skin and health. Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of buzz about turmeric, and I couldn’t be happier about it!

If you’re not familiar with turmeric, it’s a spice that’s popularly used in Asian cooking and homeopathic treatments. My mother-in-law is Indian and uses many home remedies for everything from illness to skin rashes and food allergies, so turmeric is a regular go-to for her – not only for making her signature Indian dishes look and taste amazing, but also because it’s a healing powerhouse.

Over the years, I’ve personally grown to use it more frequently in my own routine, and more recently, it’s hit the mainstream in the form of face masks and healthy drinks like “golden milk.”

Here are four good reasons to keep the magic spice in your cupboard at all times.

 

1. Turmeric fights internal inflammation.
A lot of diseases are caused or aggravated by inflammation, and studies have shown that turmeric can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with arthritis, chronic pain, and even Alzheimer’s. As I mentioned, golden milk tea has recently become a popular turmeric based remedy because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s an easy way to incorporate the spice into your daily routine that’s also pretty yummy.

 

Girl With Curves - Turmeric In A Bowl
2. It can clear up your skin.

Whether you suffer from occasional breakouts or have a skin condition like psoriasis, turmeric has been shown to speed up the healing process and even out your skin tone because it's high in antioxidants and fights bacteria. I use this simple DIY turmeric face mask whenever my skin freaks out: Mix 2 tbsp of flour, 1 tbsp of turmeric, 3 tbsp of milk or non-sweetened natural yogurt, and a few drops of honey together. Apply a thin layer on your face, and let it sit for 20 minutes before washing it off. (Note: Some people may have allergies to turmeric on their skin, so definitely do a patch test first)!

 

3. It naturally whitens your teeth.
Turmeric is also great for dental health, as it reduces inflammation and can actually whiten your teeth! I’ve recently seen a ton of DIY tooth whitening recipes that include turmeric and I'm definitely going to try that method the next time my teeth need a little extra TLC: Brush organic turmeric powder on your teeth, let it sit for 3-5 minutes and rinse as usual for a whiter smile.

 

Girl With Curves - Turmeric In A Spoon
4. It’s good for your digestive tract.

If you suffer from digestive or stomach problems, turmeric can be a great alternative to conventional medicines, which can sometimes disrupt the healthy flora in your gut or damage the intestinal lining, leading to even more issues. Turmeric helps your gut heal naturally so you feel good from the inside, out. My mother-in-law typically uses it in curry dishes, but you can also sprinkle a bit on roasted meats and veggies, or add it to your daily smoothie for a quick, tasty, and super healthy boost.

 

As always, double check with your doctor before using turmeric if you have allergies or health conditions.