Health Benefits & Side Effects Of Turmeric / Turmeric Milk For Cold

Turmeric is a flowering plant that is commonly used in Asian cooking as a coloring and flavoring agent. Turmeric powder has a warm, bitter, black pepper-like flavor and earthy, mustard-like aroma. It is a part of various backgrounds of medicine such as Ayurveda medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine, Unani and has been used to treat cuts, burns and various other conditions for over 3000 years. Though commonly used in in cooking and dyeing, Turmeric has more uses than you may recognize, so lets check out some of The Health Benefits & Side Effects Of Turmeric/ Turmeric Milk For Cold!

Turmeric In Hindi

Turmeric or Haldee as it is called in Hindi is also used as an effective ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine and is called Haridra. The origin of the name is Indian. The name of the genus, Curcuma, is derived from the Sanskrit word kuṅkuma, referring to both turmeric and saffron, used in India since ancient times.

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Turmeric For Cold/ Cough - Health Benefits Of Turmeric

Turmeric milk is a commonly used remedy for a cough, cold, and other respiratory tract infections. Turmeric increases mucus production which naturally removes the bacteria that are stuck inside the body. The antiviral and antibacterial properties of turmeric help fight the infections while the anti-inflammatory property help relieve the symptoms. A cup of warm turmeric milk is best suggested to get rid of cold/cough. One cup before bed time will help get rid of night time cough and result in a good night’s sleep.

Turmeric For Good Sleep - Turmeric Benefits For Skin Lightening

Turmeric helps the brain produce serotonin which helps relay messages from one part of the brain to another and because of the widespread distribution of its cells, it is believed to influence a variety of psychological and other body functions. This includes brain cells related to mood, sexual desire and function, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, and some social behaviour . So a cup of warm turmeric milk before bed will calm your brain and help you have restful sleep in the night.

Turmeric For Weight Loss - Benefits Of Turmeric For Weight Loss

Turmeric milk helps in the breakdown of dietary fat. This can be useful in controlling your body weight. Turmeric also controls the sugar levels in the body which helps the body resist retaining fat and gets rid of it. Turmeric also helps increase the digestive juice in the stomach known as bile which helps breakdown fat.

Turmeric For – Cuts/Wounds - Health Benefits Of Turmeric Powder For Skin

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and heal wounds faster. It fights bacteria and prevents it from entering the wound and further spreading it. It also clots blood so it prevents the wound from bleeding further. Turmeric being good for skin also helps prevent scarring.

Turmeric For Joint Pain - Health Benefits Of Turmeric For Body

The curcumin in turmeric reduces inflammation and pain in joints. Turmeric is far more effective in preventing joint pain than treating it. The anti – inflammatory properties help improve joint functions for those with arthritis.

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Turmeric For Heart - Health Benefits Of Turmeric

Heart diseases are one of the major causes of death around the world. Turmeric is said to have properties that lower the risk of heart diseases. The antioxidant properties of turmeric help prevent diabetes related heart complications and reduce the risk of cardiotoxicity. The anti – inflammatory properties help regulate irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) and also treat hypertension.

Turmeric For – Cancer - Health Benefits Of Turmeric Milk

The anti-inflammatory properties of raw turmeric prevents and stops the growth of breast, skin, lung, prostate, and colon cancers. This prevents the cancer cells from damaging the DNA and reduces the side effects of chemotherapy. The curcumin in turmeric has been shown to kill cancer cells and prevent their spread to other areas in lab studies.

Turmeric For Digestion - Health Benefits Of Consuming Turmeric Milk

The antioxidant properties that are present in curcumin can help treat and ease indigestion, stomach ulcers, bloating and heartburn. Loss of appetite can also be treated with turmeric.

Turmeric For Skin - Health Benefits Of Turmeric For Skin

You can trust to treat your skin using turmeric. Having turmeric milk or using a turmeric paste regularly has said to make your skin smooth, remove fine lines, reduce acne and acne scars, redness and adds a glow to your skin. The antioxidant properties of Turmeric help it heal your skin without having it worry about any side effects.

Turmeric For Headaches - Medicinal Uses Of Turmeric

A glass of warm turmeric milk helps provide relief to headaches. The turmeric increases the mucus flow in the system, preventing sinus congestion and preventing sinus problems. Turmeric along with an Omega3 Fatty acid is said to provide migraine related relief.

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Turmeric For Improving Reproductive Health - Health Benefits Of Turmeric

Turmeric acts as a mild Phytoestrogen which is a substance found in certain plants which can produce effects like that of the hormone oestrogen when ingested into the body. It therefore helps improve the reproductive health in women. It is recommended for women who have hormonal imbalance. It also helps relieve period cramps. It also helps in  free flow of menstrual discharge.

Turmeric For Purifying Blood - Health Benefits Of Turmeric Milk

Turmeric is a great detoxifying agent. It helps improve blood circulation and remove all the toxins that enter our body and cause reactions on our skin in the form of acne. It is also a blood thinner that cleanses the lymphatic system and the blood vessels from all impurities.

Turmeric helps the elimination of blood impurities by improving the function of the liver.

Turmeric For Liver Detox - Health Benefits Of Turmeric Tea

Turmeric is a natural liver cleanser. It improves the functioning of the liver and helps eliminate toxins from the blood. It is also proven that It helps prevent and reverse liver cirrhosis and fatty liver.

Turmeric For Immunity - Health Benefits Of Turmeric

Turmeric milk is an excellent tonic to improve general immunity against a host of diseases. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties help fight germs and build immunity. This is highly recommended for children as they are more prone to germs. It is a very healthy drink for those who are prone to infectious diseases or get sick easily.

Turmeric For – Anxiety/Depression

Turmeric is proven to help improve the health of patients with depressive disorders. It is said to be a natural way to help depression. Turmeric also enhances the effect of antidepressants. It is said to work better if it is consumed on a regular basis.

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Methods Of Using Turmeric - How To Take Turmeric

Turmeric Tea - Health Benefits Of Turmeric Tea

Turmeric Tea has several benefits that include :

• Boosts the immune system
• Helps reduce cardiovascular complications
• Helps manage irritable bowel syndrome
• Helps prevent and manage diabetes

How To Make :

The steps to follow for making turmeric tea are:

• Boil 4 cups of water
• Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of powdered turmeric
• Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 10 minutes
• Strain the tea into a container and allow it to cool for 5 minutes
• You can use honey to sweeten the tea

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Turmeric Milk

Turmeric Milk can be used to:

• Build immunity
• Treat cold, cough, flu
• Treat joint pain
• For weight loss
• Treat insomnia
• Protect heart health
• Treat indigestion
• As liver detox
• As a blood purifier
• For headaches
• For anxiety/depression
• Prevent cancerous cells
• Improve reproductive health

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk /coconut milk
•  2 teaspoons honey — plus additional to taste
•  1 1/2 teaspoons almond butter
•  1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
•  1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon — plus additional for serving
•  1/4 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
•  1/8 teaspoon Ground Ginger
• Optional additions: tiny pinch ground black pepper, or ground cardamom, or ground cloves

How to make:

Combine all the ingredients in a pot. Next, bring the mixture to the boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes or until it is fragrant.

To serve, strain the mixture through a fine strainer to remove the spices. Golden milk will keep in the refrigerator for around 5 days.

Turmeric Paste

Turmeric paste can be used to treat and heal cuts and wounds naturally.

Ingredients:

• Water
• Turmeric Powder

How to make:

Mix 1-2 teaspoons of ground turmeric (depending on how large the wound is) with enough water to make a thick paste (generally about half the amount of turmeric you use).

Apply the paste gently on the wound. (It should be pasty, so don’t expect it to look like a cream.) Once you’ve covered the infected area, place your bandage of choice over the wound. Let it sit for at least 12 hours, or up to 24. Do this for three days.

Turmeric Face Mask - How To Use Turmeric

A Turmeric Face Mask can be used to reduce acne and acne scars. It can also be used to reduce redness on face and for glowing skin.

Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon organic apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of organic, raw, local honey
• ½ teaspoon milk or yogurt
• 1 drop lemon/any essential oil ( optional )

How to make:

1. In a small bowl or jar, mix the turmeric powder with the honey, apple cider vinegar, milk or yogurt and optional essential oil. Try to get a consistency that will stick to your face. Be careful not to make it too thin as it may drip.  
2. Allow the mask sit on your face for 15–20 minutes then rinse with warm water.
3. If you have any leftover, you can cover and leave in the fridge for your next application.
4. Apply twice a week for best results.

Side Effects Of Turmeric

Increased Risk Of Bleeding

Turmeric is a natural blood thinner. It has been found to slow blood clotting. This can eventually increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people who are suffering from bleeding disorders. Turmeric might also interact with certain medications and cause excessive bleeding.

Stomach Issues And GERD

In the case of turmeric intake for chronic conditions like arthritis or aching joints, it may lead to gastrointestinal issues. High doses of turmeric for long periods of time has also been found to cause gastrointestinal problems.

If you are suffering from dyspepsia or hyperacidity, it’s better to avoid turmeric usage. Even turmeric supplements might cause issues of the stomach.

Raise Gallbladder Contractions

Turmeric contains significant amounts of oxalate, which is a chemical that can increase the risk of gallstones. Turmeric supplements of 20 – 40 mg were also reported to increase gallbladder contractions.

Lower Blood Pressure

Lowering blood pressure way too much can cause complications. High doses of turmeric can lower blood pressure, and hence those on blood pressure medications must be cautious while consuming turmeric.

Risk Of Kidney Stones

Too much of turmeric might increase the risk of kidney stones. This is because of the presence of oxalates in turmeric. The oxalates can bind to calcium to form insoluble calcium oxalate, which is primarily responsible for kidney stones.

Pregnant And Breastfeeding Women

According to The University of Maryland Medical Centre, turmeric is safe for pregnant women only when it is used as a spice in food dishes. Turmeric supplements must be avoided during pregnancy. And in case you are allergic to turmeric, it is best to avoid it during pregnancy.

Diarrhoea And Nausea

Diarrhoea and nausea are two of the common symptoms associated with turmeric intake. This is because curcumin in turmeric has a tendency to irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Even low doses of curcumin can provoke nausea in certain individuals.

Cause Allergic Reactions

Curcumin can be a contact allergen. There have been reports where the skin becomes red and sore when in contact with turmeric and intense itchiness on the skin. As turmeric belongs to the ginger family, If a person is allergic to ginger then there is a possibility of being allergic to turmeric. You can also be allergic to turmeric if you are allergic to yellow food colouring.

The Bottom Line being that Turmeric is a very powerful and healthy ingredient that can be very easily incorporated into our and our kids lifestyle. To reap maximum benefits of turmeric, it is suggested to be had along with milk. The calcium in the milk and the antioxidants in the turmeric will ensure a strong bones, immune system, lower risk of disease and indigestion and ensures a healthy heart and brain.