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5 Awesome Ways To Take Turmeric

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Since we know that turmeric benefits us in so many ways, let’s go over some of the best ways to take turmeric.

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1. Turmeric/Golden Paste

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Curcumin found in turmeric is poorly absorbed in the body. (Read How To Improve Turmeric’s Absorption) One agent that can improve turmeric’s absorption is piperine, the compound that imparts pungent taste to black pepper. Research states that it can improve curcumin’s absorption by 2000%

Curcumin is poorly soluble in water and this again hinders its absorption in the body. However it is soluble in fats. So taking turmeric with healthy fats also helps in absorption.

Golden/Turmeric paste combines these 3 elements. Turmeric is combined with black pepper and healthy oil like olive or coconut oil to enhance absorption in the body. Cooking turmeric also increases its absorption.

For recipe click here.

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Benefits: Great for overall health, to alleviate pain, to boost immunity, for stomach disorders, to fight colds and infections, for arthritis, for migraine, for depression

Ideal dose: 1-2 tsp 2-3 times a day for adults

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How to take: Start with a dose of ¼-1/2 tsp a day and continue for a week. If no side effects are observed increase the dose by ¼ or ½ tsp every week till you reach the ideal dose. The ideal dose differs with every individual.

Some may require higher doses in case of chronic pain. Increase gradually to minimize side effects.

Avoid taking it on an empty stomach and close to the time of taking medicines. (Read Does Black pepper in GP cause Drug Interaction? Can Turmeric cause Acid reflux) Maintain a 3-4 hour gap.

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2. Turmeric/Golden Milk

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If you are hoping for a more delicious way to take turmeric, then Turmeric Milk is the answer. Traditionally known as ‘Haldi Doodh’, Turmeric Milk is a home remedy in India.

In this recipe turmeric is combined with dairy fat and protein that enhances its absorption. Other ingredients like addition of ginger, cinnamon, black pepper add to its therapeutic value.

For recipe click here.

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Benefits: Fights cold, Boosts immunity, Alleviates Pain, Improves sleep, Improves Mood, Relieves Pain

Ideal dose: 1-2 cups per day

How to take: You can prepare turmeric milk with other non dairy milk versions. 1 cup a day suffices. It can be taken at any time of the day. Most readers take 1 cup of Turmeric Milk at night before sleeping.

 

3. Turmeric Tea

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For tea lovers, Turmeric tea comes as a treat. Now we know that curcumin found in turmeric is not soluble in water but traditionally or say as a home remedy many people boil turmeric root or powder in water and consume it as a tea.

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4. Turmeric Face Mask

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Apart from taking turmeric orally, topical application of turmeric is beneficial for various aspects.

Turmeric is really good for any skin related ailment and regular usage can help relive various conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema etc. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, skin regenerative and wound healing properties are at play in such conditions.

One really easy way to use turmeric for skin is Turmeric Face Masks. Not only do they improve skin health but also help in conditions like acne or dry skin.

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Benefits: Improves skin health, gets rid of skin infections, benefits in acne and rosacea

Application frequency: 1-2 times a week

How to use: Regular application for once a week for a month can help. If need be it can be applied twice a week. Conduct a patch test prior. Be careful about stains on clothes.

Turmeric does not stain skin but may cause a yellow tinge which disappears on washing. 

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5. Turmeric for pets

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Turmeric can be safely given to pets; many readers give turmeric to their pets for general health or to treat disorders.

There is no separate method of giving turmeric to pets. All you have to do is to take the same Golden Paste that you make for yourself and add it to your pet’s diet. It is preferable to mix some water so as to cut the sharp taste and make it more palatable. It is preferable to mix it with food.

Some people avoid giving black pepper to pets; that is absolutely fine because the oil takes care of the absorption then. If your pet gets a funny odour after taking turmeric, adding a dash of cinnamon say 1 tsp to the entire batch can help get rid of this odour.

Benefits: Helps in arthritis, cancer, allergies, great for pain relief, helps get rid of infection, improves general health.

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Dose:

Dogs– Start with ¼ tsp a day for a week and increase gradually over weeks to reach ideal dose say 1-2 tsp a day. The frequency or ideal dose depends on your pet’s weight. For more detail dosage please check Turmeric for dogs dosage

Cats– Start with 1/8 tsp a day for a week and gradually increase to ¼ tsp twice or thrice a day.

Horses– Start with ½- 1 tsp a day for a week and gradually increase to 1-2 tablespoon a day preferably mixed with food.

Apart from taking turmeric in these ways, a simple thing you could do is just add it to your cooking or regular diet. Just a dash of it in your salad or soup or curry or smoothie is just fine. 

Fresh turmeric can be used for juicing or eaten raw or as a pickle. 

Taking turmeric to treat and manage health conditions is great but making it a part of your life and diet is even better. In fact adding turmeric to diet reduces risk of cancer, enhances nutrient absorption, protects from food pathogens etc.