A golden cure for your beauty woes

Turmeric is having a moment in the culinary world. It has become the ‘it’ spice with chic café across the world coming up with turmeric latte. The spice with an intense golden hue is derived from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant. This antioxidant-rich spice has been known for its healing properties. Here’s how to make the best of the condiment: 1) Face packs that give you a natural glow: Turmeric helps in getting rid of skin pigmentation and tanning, and also deep cleans your skin by reducing oil secretion. Make a quick face pack by mixing a few pinches of turmeric and 2 tbs aloe vera gel. Apply on face and neck and wash off after 15 minutes. “To help clear acne and close open pores, a turmeric and marigold face pack is helpful,” says Richa Aggarwal, beauty expert. Take 1 tbs juice of fresh turmeric, crushed petals of marigold, 1 tbs raw milk and crushed oats. Mix well and make a thick paste and let it soak overnight. Apply it well the next day and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse off with cold water. To get rid of dead cells and reveal smooth, glowing skin, use a pack made with gram flour, turmeric, honey and lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients well and apply on your face and neck. Rinse off after 15 minutes. 2) As a healing agent: Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent and can be used as an effective disinfectant. If you have a minor cut or burn, you can sprinkle turmeric powder on the affected area to speed up the healing process. Turmeric has antibacterial properties along with antiinflammatory and antiseptic properties that heals wounds. Make a thick paste of 2tsp turmeric and water and apply it on wounds. 3) For a healthy scalp: Fungal infections can cause hair loss, itchy, flaky skin, thinning hair and dandruff. Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, helps fight these problems due its anti-fungal, anti-allergic, antioxidant, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Mix turmeric powder with milk and honey and apply it on your scalp, giving a gentle massage. “Turmeric prevents seborrhea and dandruff and controls peeling and flaking of the scalp as it increases blood circulation of the scalp due to its anti-bacterial properties,” says Mayank Singh, skin expert. 4) Weight management: Regular use of turmeric in your diet helps manage weight along with improving digestion and reducing bloating. Include it in your daily dishes and in the milk you drink. “Its antiinflammatory properties doesn’t let obesity expand in your body,” says Tripti Tandon, nutritionist, . Turmeric is also loaded with dietary fibres, such as, vitamins, E, K & C, protein, niacin, calcium and magnesium which helps boost your immunity. 5) Brighten your teeth: It is commonly believed that turmeric can stain your teeth, but that happens only when it is in contact with teeth enamel long enough to change the colour. Turmeric is helpful in whitening your teeth. Make a thick paste of turmeric powder, coconut oil and baking soda, apply a generous amount on your teeth and wash off after 10 minutes. 6) Heal cracked heels: If those cracks in your heels have been annoying you, use this remedy that will help soften your heels and heal cracks. Take 3 tsp of turmeric, add a few drops of castor oil and gently massage your heels with the mix for 5 minutes and leave it on for 15 minutes. 7) Minimise signs of premature ageing: Turmeric can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles caused by stress. Take a few drops of jojoba oil and a few pinches of turmeric. Make a paste, massage your face with it for 5 minutes and wash off with luke warm water.