Traditionally turmeric is used as a spice, but over the years many other uses have been discovered. It’s been used as a natural dye, solving minor health and beauty issues and for brewing a delicious tea.
Turmeric is one of those spices that you may have in your cupboard if you’ve ever made your own mustard, relish, or pickles. If you don’t have it, you may want to add this one, it’s amazing stuff.
Turmeric is often used for its rich golden yellow color and as a bittersweet flavor enhancer in many recipes. Besides the beautiful color and flavor, turmeric can be used to solve everyday problems. In fact, we came up with 22 problem solvers for using this under utilized spice.
HOW TO USE TURMERIC TO MAKE LIFE EASIER
Arthritis – to ease pain, drink a glass of turmeric tea 2-4 times a day (recipe below).
Bug Bites – to soothe itching, apply a paste made from turmeric and Aloe Vera.
Burns– to soothe, apply a paste made from turmeric and Aloe Vera.
Cuts – to disinfect and speed up healing, apply a paste made of turmeric and water to the wound.
Depression – to treat, drink turmeric tea throughout the day (recipe below).
Insomnia – to improve sleep, drink a glass of turmeric tea before bed (recipe below).
Poison Ivy – to soothe the itching, apply a paste made from turmeric and Aloe Vera.
Sprains – to treat, make a paste using 2 parts turmeric, 1 part salt and water. Spread the paste on the affected area and wrap. Apply once a day for an hour.
Swimmer’s Ear – to treat, warm a garlic clove and a little turmeric in olive oil. While the oil is still warm place a few drops in your ear. Allow it to remain in the ear for 3-5 minutes before flushing.
Upset Stomach – to settle, drink a glass of turmeric tea (recipe below).
Acne – to control, clean skin with a paste made from turmeric and honey.
Bronzer – to make your own, apply a paste made from turmeric and black tea.
Dandruff – to control, massage your scalp with a mixture of olive oil and turmeric. Leave the mixture on your hair for 15-20 before washing.
Dry Skin – to heal and soften, apply a paste of castor oil and turmeric. Allow it to remain on the skin for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Foundation – to make your own, add a little turmeric your moisturizer.
Hair Loss – to control, massage your scalp with a mixture of olive oil and turmeric. Leave the mixture on your hair for 15-20 before washing.
Scalp – to control itching, massage your scalp with a mixture of olive oil and turmeric. Leave the mixture on your hair for 15-20 before washing.
Skin Tone – to even out, mix a little turmeric in with your face wash.
Teeth – to brighten, sprinkle your toothpaste with a little turmeric.
Dye – to make your own, boil 3 tablespoons of turmeric in 2 quarts of water. Let in simmer for 30-45 minutes before dying fabric.
Eggs – to color for Easter, boil water, vinegar and a little turmeric for 15-20 minutes. Let it cool, strain and pour into cups for dipping.
Turmeric Tea
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 4 cups boiling water
- honey or ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Using an infuser, steep the turmeric in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Add honey and/or ginger to flavor (optional).
Have you used turmeric for something other than cooking? We’d love to see how you’ve used it. Snap a pic & tag it on Instagram with @FlusterBuster #turmericuses
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission. I only recommend products or services that I personally believe will add value to my readers. All opinions stated are strictly my own. Read our full disclosure policy for more information.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission. I only recommend products or services that I personally believe will add value to my readers. All opinions stated are strictly my own. Read our full disclosure policy for more information.
originally posted 11/11/2013 – images and templated updated
That is so cool. The only one besides cooking that I had heard about was dyeing fabric. Thanks for the list.
With Love,
Al @ Shaffer Sisters
Tumeric is amazing! I read it was shown in clinical studies to cure some cancers:) Love your posts. Pinned:)
Yes, it cures colon cancer
Turmeric is a natural anti inflammatory, all ailments in the body starts with inflammation. Famous actress wrote a book interviewing doctors, that’s the first time I read about it. I take it every day.
We use turmeric everyday as well, my husband swears by it for joint aches and pains.
Well, that’s different. You have a lot of suggestions don’t you. I think I want to try the thinning hair one because getting older I’m losing my hair quickly…. not good. I was going to go to a doctor to find out why at least, but I think I’ll try this first. Thanks for the info & HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Well I learned several new things here. I knew it was good for inflammation, but had no idea that turmeric was helpful for insomnia and depression! Really good to know.
Thanks for sharing at the Homestead Blog Hop!
Blessings,
Laurie
I’m happy that I was able to share something that’s useful.