Turmeric oil benefits
Turmeric is a root that is part of the ginger family and is full of anti-oxidant compounds.
These active compounds in turmeric oil are turmerone, or alpha turmerone; curlone, caryophyllene, eucalyptol and alpha phellondrene.
The oil is extracted either by steaming water through the turmeric root which allows the water compounds and the oil compounds to separate.
Alternatively the oil is extracted under pressure using carbon dioxide (CO2).
It can be used internally or topically however, remember that a little goes a long way and when using externally always mix with a carrier oil.
When taking internally, only use high quality turmeric CO2 extract that has been certified organic and do not use in large amounts (2 drops a day with food is ample).
If taking any medication check with your doctor first before ingesting any essential oil.
Turmeric oil is one of the most beneficial essential oils available and here are some of the reasons why.
Improving Digestive health
Turmeric essential oil can help improve the efficiency of the digestive system and treat digestive complaints like indigestion, gas, constipation and abdominal pain.
It is approved in Germany for the treatment of digestive complaints, as it stimulates the production of gastric juices which aid the digestive system.
It has also been shown to improve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Turmeric oil can be used to purify the liver and the anti-oxidants support liver tissue regeneration. For the best results use alongside milk thistle.
Diabetes
Turmeric essential oil is showing great promise in the control of diabetes according to recent research. Turmeric oil plays a part by hindering enzymes that break down carbohydrates.
Inhibiting these enzymes helps reduce blood sugar spikes following the consumption of carbohydrates, such as bread, cakes and pasta.
This helps to control blood sugar and insulin levels. It has proved to be as effective as a drug called acarbose, commonly used to treat diabetes.
Arthritis, muscular aches and tension
Because of its renowned anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric essential oil can be combined with a carrier oil, and massaged into your swollen joints and muscles.
The analgesic effect can give relief from swelling and pain.
The warming properties of turmeric can also help ease tension in the head and neck and calm aching joints, whether from aging or over-exertion from exercise.
It is also reported to ease menstrual discomfort.
However, unlike pain killers the effect is long term rather than immediate so it is advisable to take turmeric oil on a regular basis for cumulative effect.
To ease joint, back, knee, arthritic pain, when applied topically, blend with wintergreen oil for best effect.
Dementia
Recent studies show that turmeric oil can play a role when it comes to brain health and protection against a range of degenerative brain conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers consider that it works by increasing the production of brain stem cells, due to the regeneration of tissue which is important for the repair of brain tissue.
Other studies have found that turmeric essential oil can prevent the brain from the damage experienced following a stroke.
Essential oils having a small molecular structure.
This enables them to cross the blood brain barrier and deliver their benefits to the brain.
The fact that the brain is primarily made from fat means it makes sense that fat soluble compounds can support the health and repair of the brain.
Turmerone has also been shown to reduce the plaques that build up in the brain that lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Heart Health
Although research so far has primarily been carried out on rats and mice in laboratories, there are promising signs.
One is that turmeric essential oil could be effective when it comes to the health of your heart.
Experiments have shown that it can reduce cholesterol in the liver and also improve liver function.
In fact, it was just as effective as Ezetimibe, a drug used to treat high cholesterol.
As well as its cholesterol-reducing effects, researchers have reported that turmeric oil reduces cell damage, and improves blood vessel function.
It can also help reduce platelet activation which reduces the risk of blood clots and thrombosis which can cause strokes and heart attacks.
For Skin and Hair
Turmeric essential oil can be applied topically to help deal with many skin conditions.
These include acne, blackheads, psoriasis and eczema, the symptoms of which are all eased due to the anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory compounds within turmeric oil.
It may also be useful in reducing wrinkles and blemishes and other signs of aging.
This is because of the rich anti-oxidants it contains.
If you are going to use turmeric essential oil on your skin or hair it is advisable to dilute the oil in a carrier oil or perhaps blend it with your regular skin cream or shampoo before applying it.
Turmeric oil can also reduce the appearance of blemishes and help protect the skin against environmental impurities.
However, be aware that the oil does stain the skin a yellow colour and can also stain clothes.
Fighting Cancer
Preliminary studies carried out in laboratories, have been successful in revealing that turmerone, in turmeric oil, is toxic to some lung cancer and leukaemia cells, showing that turmeric oil may have anti-carcinogenic potential.
The turmerone was able to know the difference between healthy and cancer cells and so was able to trigger something called apoptosis or the death of the cancer cells.
CO2 extracted turmeric oil, containing turmerone, has been shown to have superior anti-tumour effects on colon cancer when compared to curcumin – another component of turmeric root.
Rubbing the oil on the breast has reported benefits for breast cancer. Especially when combined with other essential oils such as myrrh, lavender, black pepper and frankincense.
Stress and anxiety
Like so many other essential oils, turmeric essential oil is an excellent remedy for a variety of emotional issues like stress, depression, and anxiety.
There is, of course, no guarantee that it will work but essential oils like turmeric offer an excellent and safe alternative to prescription drugs.
It is certainly worth a try as it also has no harmful side effects.
For best effect try adding the oil to a diffuser and taking 10 deep breaths.
The deep breathing alone is relaxing and helps to reduce stress, but blending the turmeric oil with ylang ylang, citrus or lavender oil is incredible to enhance mood.
Common Cold and flu
Germacrone, a compound in turmeric oil has been found to have anti-viral abilities.
It can protect your health against many viruses.
However it is especially useful in fighting the common cold and influenza as it attaches to the virus and prevents entry into your cells and replication of the virus.
This means it reduces the length of the infection.
It is also effective against respiratory tract infections, relieving coughs and reducing mucus.
For additional benefits blend turmeric oil with a ginger, clove and thyme oil blend.
Then add to a diffuser and breathe in the lovely aroma.
Insect repellent
As well as its remarkable health benefits, there is evidence that turmeric essential oil is an effective insect repellent.
It has been found to be a mosquito repellent that is most effective, and safe to use, when combined with coconut oil.
Surely this has to be preferable to applying other harmful chemical products onto your body.
In conclusion, turmeric is a good all round essential oil to have in your medicine cabinet to support good health.
How to Buy Turmeric Oil
Many turmeric supplements are badly taken in by your body and you may be “peeing” them out without benefit.
Our recommendation is designed to secure and also supply nutrients straight right into the bloodstream.
