How to Use Turmeric

How to Use Turmeric

You know the science. You know the benefits. So how do you go about using this powerful herbal ally? Let us count the ways! Turmeric is available in powder, tablet, and liquid extract forms.
Cooking with Turmeric

To cook with turmeric as a spice, just turn to any one of your favorite Ayurvedic recipes (we’ve listed some below). Turmeric is almost a given in most Indian dishes, but if you are new to cooking with turmeric, start slow. It burns easily when added directly to hot oil, and too much will give your food a dark golden color and a strong bitter taste. Cooking is definitely one of the most natural and gentle ways to add the enormous benefits of turmeric to your daily regimen. Try it in a smoothie, use it in soups, add it to roasted veggies, greens, or rice, or try our Kitchari Spice Mix seasoning blend in your next batch of Kitchari.

Golden Honey Recipe:

Mix 1 teaspoon turmeric powder with just enough honey to turn it into a paste. Lick it off the spoon and enjoy

Turmeric Milk Recipe
Boil 1/2 teaspoon turmeric in 1 cup of milk at night and drink 30-40 mins before bed.

Turmeric Ginger Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1-quart water
• 15 slices of fresh ginger root( each slice being about the size of a quarter)
• 5 Slices of fresh turmeric root or 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried turmeric powder

Directions: Place all the ingredients in a pot and simmer for fifteen minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pot cool. Discard the herbs and store the tea in a thermos or in the refrigerator. You may add ½ teaspoon of raw honey to each cup you drink (optional). In Ayurveda, we do not recommend that you cook the honey, simply add it to your cup of tea as needed.

Using Turmeric for the Skin

As part of your beauty regimen, turmeric powder can be turned into a simple paste with warm water and used as a mask or a full-body paste. For a more luxurious treat, make a paste from 2 teaspoons of gram flour with ¼ teaspoon turmeric, adding milk to the appropriate consistency; you can even add a drop of your favorite essential oil—rose or lavender work nicely. If you need a little extra moisture for your dry skin, add a little almond oil.

WARNING: Applying turmeric to the skin as a beauty treatment is a traditional practice in India. If this is your first time using turmeric paste, try a test patch on your arm or chin/neck first as some people may experience yellow staining.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1tablespoon plain organic yogurt

Directions: Start with a clean, dry face. In a small bowl, mix the turmeric powder with the yogurt. Apply the mask to your face carefully in a thin layer, avoiding the eyes. Allow the mask to sit for 5–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Enjoy your glow!** **This recipe makes enough for 2 masks. Refrigerate and use the second mask within one week. CAUTION: be careful during application to avoid any clothing as turmeric may stain. Remove any potential staining on your skin with mild soap and water.