The essential oil of turmeric has been shown to help fight against breast and colon cancer as well as leukemia. Consult your healthcare provider before using turmeric essential oil if you’re pregnant, nursing, taking medication or being treated for any health condition, especially bleeding problems, gallbladder problems, diabetes, infertility, iron deficiency, GERD or hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Turmeric is known to possibly interact with drugs that slow blood clotting. Stop using turmeric products at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery. ( 19) Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Turmeric is a bright orange-yellow spice from the root of the turmeric plant, in increasing demand for its purported anti-inflammatory benefits. Arthritis is a condition which causes inflamed, stiff joints which can be painful. If you have arthritis, you’re not alone. Around 1 million people in the UK experience arthritis or some form of joint condition. 1

The 107 participants with osteoarthritis of the knee were randomised to receive either 2g turmeric (around 2000mg) or 800mg ibuprofen per day for six weeks. Run a warm bath and add 4 to 6 drops of turmeric oil. Then relax in the bath for at least 10 minutes to allow the aroma to work. 10 Inhale it One study published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine looked at the the effects of aromatic turmerone isolated from turmeric on the DNA of human leukemia cell lines. The research showed that the turmerone caused selective induction of programmed cell death in human leukemia Molt 4B and HL-60 cells. However, the turmerone unfortunately did not have the same positive effect on human stomach cancer cells. This is promising research for ways to naturally fight leukemia. ( 11) Studies have shown that curcumin and turmeric essential oil successfully reduce the overall symptoms of depression and also work as an anti-anxiety agent when taken over a period of eight weeks.Ease sunburn– according to a study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, turmeric has photoprotective properties that can help with skin hydration and sebum production. 19Try adding 30 drops of turmeric oil to a 250ml jar ofaloe vera gel and mixing before applying to the affected area. 20 If you’re making homemade aromatherapy products, it’s helpful to know that turmeric essential oil blends nicely with ginger, cinnamon, blood orange, grapefruit, ylang ylang, vanilla and cardamom essential oils.

Turmeric essential oil is available in health stores and online and is very affordable! Don’t be deceived by the size of the bottle — turmeric essential oil is very potent, and a little goes a long way. Ali, B., Al-Wabel, N. A., Shams,S., Ahamad, A., Khan, S. A., & Anwar, F. (2015, August) Essential oils usedin aromatherapy: A systemic review. AsianPacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 5(8), 601-611 You should also test the diluted essential oil mixture on a small area of skin. Then wait 24 hours to see if your skin has an adverse reaction. If you don’t experience a reaction, the mixture should be okay to use on a larger area. In 1280, Marco Polo described turmeric and was impressed that it exhibited qualities very similar to that of saffron. The plant was called Indian saffron during the Middle Ages because of its orange-yellow color. For external use, including inflammation and pain relief: create a massage oil by diluting five drops of turmeric essential oil with five drops of a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) and apply it to areas of concern.Turmeric and ginger overnight oats Vegan superblend curry Spinach and turmeric strata Roast turmeric potatoes As with all essential oils, turmeric essential oil should not be used undiluted, in the eyes or in other mucus membranes. Don’t take turmeric oil internally unless you’re working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Before applying any essential oil to your skin, always perform a small patch test after diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil. Breathe it in directly from the bottle or sprinkle a couple of drops of it on to a cloth or tissue and gently sniff it. The warm, earthy scent is said to help uplift, energise, comfort and strengthen the body and mind. 1 1 Apply it Present day, turmeric is widely cultivated in the tropics and goes by many different names in various cultures and countries. The name turmeric derives from the Latin word terra merita (“meritorious earth”), referring to the color of ground turmeric, which resembles a mineral pigment. ( 18)

Is turmeric oil good for face? It definitely can be! So what are the benefits of turmeric on skin? Many people use turmeric oil for skin lightening, which is a great idea because using turmeric topically has been shown to decrease the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation as well as fine lines and wrinkles. With its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it can also be helpful as a natural acne treatment. ( 15, 16) Just remember you want to use a very small amount of diluted turmeric oil to avoid temporarily staining your skin yellow. Medications for arthritis typically focus on reducing pain and inflammation. These medications may include: Turmeric essential oil can help you recover from the common cold through the use of aromatherapy (inhalation of the oil). What is turmeric exactly? Turmeric ( Curcuma longa) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the ginger family ( Zingiberaceae). The turmeric plant grows to a height of about three feet and has yellow flowers. The root is bright orange with a thin brownish skin. Native to southern India and Indonesia, turmeric is cultivated on the mainland and in the islands of the Indian Ocean. Want to try a turmeric tea that’s not only super satisfying, but also highly medicinal? If you have a high-quality turmeric essential oil, you can try using one drop of turmeric essential oil in place of turmeric powder in this turmeric tea recipe.

How to use it safely

Depending on the type and severity of your arthritis, you may experience a number of physical symptoms. These can include: For internal use: Only very high-quality oil brands should be used internally, which means a USDA-certified organic turmeric oil that is 100 percent pure and therapeutic grade. Add one drop of turmeric essential oil to water or mix one drop of turmeric oil with a teaspoon of honey or a smoothie. This is an easy alternative to taking turmeric oil capsules.