Beyond the soothing, anti-inflammatory qualities it provides to skin, turmeric is credited with strengthening the overall energy of the body as well as improving digestion and supporting a healthy heart and cholesterol levels. "Turmeric works to reduce inflammation in the body that is associated with many health conditions including cancer, arthritis, heart conditions, among others," explains Julie Kassin Manopla, RD, who works with cancer patients in Maimonides Cancer Center in Brooklyn, New York, as well as in her private practice. "A delicious addition to any meal, even just a sprinkle of the beautiful golden color will brighten up your meals while benefiting your health."
Its active ingredient, curcumin, is derived from the plant curcuma longa, and when it comes to skin health, it targets clogged pores, calms irritated skin, and can even reduce acne scarring. "Turmeric, or haridra, as it is known in Sanskrit, is commonly used in Ayurvedic skincare to bring radiance to the skin by evening out the skin tone and lightening scars and hyperpigmentation," explains Ayurvedic wellness practitioner and herbalist Regina Kankinza of In Her It Blooms. "Since it is antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory, it promotes wound healing, making it ideal for irritated skin, insect bites, blemishes, and acne."