Turmeric. And Why.

I've never been a big fan of makeup. I think the last time I actually owned any was my freshman year of college, when some hippie company put out blush that came in a little clay pot with a brush - loved the little clay pot, but years later, it was still full of blush.

I just could never stand putting the stuff on my face. I can barely stand putting lotion on my skin. Makes me feel like I'm suffocating.

Now you know that, you know how great turmeric has to be for me to recommend it.

It's not a brand name - just a spice (actually a ground root, and if you really want to grow and grind it yourself, be my guest, but I just went to The Well and bought mine).

Cost is minimal -about $1 an ounce. So much cheaper than high buck products with none of the poisons that go into them.

What do I use it for? What wouldn't I use it for? Especially since turmeric .....

Is natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent for disinfecting cuts and burns.

Might prevent melanoma and even kill existing melanoma cells.

Is a very potent natural anti-inflammatory that works just as well as anti-inflammatory drugs but without side effects.

Is a natural painkiller.

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

Helps in the treatment of psoriasis, dry skin, and other inflammatory skin conditions. *

If that isn't enough, it's also a natural antivenin for King Cobra snake bites *and* a home remedy for sunburn (it's the active ingredient in most commmercial sunscreens).

But what do I use it for? Well even though I don't use makeup or face cream or any of that, I still prefer that my skin not look like a weathered old prune. So I fill one of my empty Italian seasoning shakers with turmeric, and sprinkle it onto a generic face wipe**, then use like soap on my face (neck,arms,hands,etc). Then rinse.

Try it. Trust me - it'll blow you away how amazing your skin feels and looks.

Turns out turmeric is loaded with anti-oxidants that will do your skin a thousand times more good than any amounts of expensive face creams or creepy botox - and without tiny needles, never mind the incredibly cheap $$ factor.

**You can use a washcloth, but turmeric is *BRIGHT YELLOW* and I'd preferred it didn't stain the wash cloths. Your face will be bright yellow when you wash with it, but that comes right off with the rinse. I rinse with cold water just because I've always used ice cold water, but I don't think it makes a difference.

Turmeric can also made into a tea or used as a spice or food additive, but before you orally consume any amount of it, go here and read about possible side effects of oral use (not many, abut there are some meds it interacts with).

Meanwhile, I bought a soap making kit, and I'm planning on making turmeric soap. Update to follow.


*information gathered from EAT THIS - HEALTH DIARIES