5 Ways to Use Turmeric

Check out my What I Eat In A Day as a Vegan Herbalist for Ideas on how to use Turmeric!

Turmeric is a phenomenal herb used widely for its medicinal properties around the world. Turmeric is a popular superfood we’ve all heard about… but what does it do and how can we use it?

What is Turmeric?

Botanical name: Curcuma longa. Turmeric is an herb native to India and South Asia. The part we use from the plant is the root specifically called a rhizome. Another rhizome root you may know about is Ginger! You can find Tumeric in its whole root form, but it’s easier to use when its ground into powder.

How does it look, smell & taste?

Turmeric is bright in color leaning towards a mix of yellow and orange making it a brilliant golden color. It’s got a distinct smell that is very pungent and may be too strong for some. The taste is unique in that it’s not as strong in taste as it is in smell. It’s best paired with other herbs and spices to reduce that pungent/bitter taste.

What are the medicinal properties?

Where do I even start…commonly, turmeric was used to fight cold and flu symptoms. My favorite action of turmeric is its liver-protecting property known as a hepatoprotective Wonderful for aiding digestion– it’s truly beneficial for those that suffer from a damaged or underactive liver.. especially those that have gallbladder issue (problems digesting fat.)
It’s commonly known for its anti-inflammatory properties though. In my inflammation 101 post, I discuss the truth about inflammation and how to reduce it naturally. Turmeric is has been proven to help lower blood cholesterol which can prevent blood clots that could lead to stroke. Not only does it prevent blood clots, but it’s also an alterative, meaning it cleanses the blood! Other powerful medicinal uses: wound healing, ulcers, Alzheimer’s and brain health, reduce risk of heart disease, reduced need for insulin in type II diabetics. All of this is inflammation related!

Turmeric proves to be a powerful agent against several types of cancer including breast cancer, esophageal cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer.. has also shown the ability to inhibit growth of lymphoma cells

How to use it?

Beverages: Whether it’s having turmeric tea in the morning or adding it to your coffee it’s a great way to get turmeric right into the bloodstream! Check out my Cashew Turmeric Milk recipe! A creamy, sweet, delicious morning beverage to get the day started off right.

Infused Rice: When we make rice we usually add in broth and spices– why not throw a good amount of turmeric in there? Not only will it give a cool color, but the medicinal properties will infuse into the rice! I not only use this for rice, but for quinoa too. I suggest 1TBS per 1 cup of rice.

Face Mask: Turmeric has amazing skin healing properties and can reduce the inflammation in cases of acne breakouts! Mix turmeric with water to use as a paste or with honey for a mask. *Caution* Turmeric can easily stain and may take a while to wash off the face but leaves a great glow 😉

Smoothies: What better than to mix this pungent herb in with sweet fruits to mask the taste! I add turmeric to every single one of my smoothies no matter what. Not a sprinkle– but at least 2 Tsp to get the medicinal benefits.
Here I’ve created great Smoothie Recipes that include Turmeric!!!

Soup/Savory Dishes: What better way to use turmeric than to consume it! Similar to the infused rice, add a hefty amount of turmeric to you soups and savory dishes. I sneak it into pasta and even salad dishes.
In my ‘What I Eat in A day as a Vegan Herbalist’ I show how to make a great herbal miso soup recipe that includes turmeric as a star ingredient.