How to Make Turmeric Paste

Turmeric is commonly used to fight multiple diseases, including lung cancer, kidney problems, neurological complications and breast cancer.

Disclaimer: This article has been created and published for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition.

Turmeric – or curcuma longa in Latin – is one of the most frequently used spices in Indian cuisine. It has a warm, bitter taste and is commonly used to add a rich flavour and beautiful yellow tint to food. Turmeric has been used as a medicine in Ayurveda – traditional Indian medicine – for thousands of years on account of its numerous health benefits.

Turmeric is commonly used to fight multiple diseases, including lung cancer, kidney problems, neurological complications and breast cancer. It is also known to help with cleansing of the liver, rejuvenating the cells, and supporting the brains healthy functioning.

Turmeric paste can easily be made at home to avail all the benefits that this ‘golden herb’ has to provide us.

Turmeric paste recipe

Ingredients:

½ cup ground turmeric root

½ cup ghee/ olive oil/ coconut oil

1 cup of water

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon of ginger powder

1 teaspoon of cardamom powder

1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder

1 teaspoon of nutmeg powder

¼ teaspoon of sea salt

Directions:

1.    Add 1 cup of water in a pan on low-medium heat.

2.    In another bowl, mix the cinnamon powder, black pepper, ginger powder, cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and sea salt.

3.    When the water is warm, add the turmeric and stir it properly.

4.    Stir it constantly over medium heat until it becomes a thick paste. This may take 8-10 minutes.

5.    If you feel that your paste is too thick, add a little water. On the other hand, if the paste is too runny, add more turmeric.

6.    Remove the pan from the flame once it has a paste-like consistency.

7.    Now add the other spices which you mixed in a bowl.

8.    Lastly, add ghee, olive oil or coconut oil to the mixture and blend it thoroughly.

9.    Let it cool and then store it in a refrigerator.

Turmeric paste can last up to 2 weeks.

Uses of Turmeric paste

Turmeric is highly effective on its own. However, it can be combined with other ingredients. Here are a few ways in which turmeric can become more effective.

1.    Cooking with turmeric

Turmeric paste can be added to anything and everything. Try using it while cooking vegetables, baking dry cakes and muffins. Turmeric smoothies are a great option too, they can be made by blending turmeric with fruits and milk. You can also add half a teaspoon of turmeric paste in soups. Adding turmeric paste to meals can multiply their beneficial effects on your overall health.

2.    Turmeric milk

Heat a cup of milk in a small pan at low temperature.  Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and stir it. In a separate glass add 1 spoon of turmeric paste. Once the milk is boiled, pour the milk into the cup and stir it until it is completely mixed. This highly nutritional drink supercharged with antioxidants makes an amazing elixir. It can be had twice a day in the winter. In the summer months, its advised to be had only once at night, before bed.

3.    Skin elixir

Turmeric paste can be used as an organic face mask. Its anti-inflammatory properties and golden tint boosts skin glow.  

Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric paste with 2 teaspoons of yoghurt. Mix thoroughly and add 2-4 saffron leaves (optional). Now gently apply the paste on your face with the help of a brush. Leave it on the face for 10-15 minutes and then wash it with warm water.

Turmeric facial masks – if applied once a week – help achieve a softer skin. Some report to have cured cures acne, pigmentation and even cuts and bruises. It may leave a light yellow tinge on the skin, which fades away after a few washes.

4.    Turmeric lemon water

In a cup of warm water, add 2-4 teaspoons of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of honey. Now add 1 teaspoon of turmeric paste. Mix it well. Drink it early in the morning half an hour before breakfast. It is advised to drink a glass of water first.

Turmeric lemon water helps in internal body cleansing. It is an effective method to reduce body weight.

Benefits of Turmeric paste

If used regularly, ‘golden paste’ can provide numerous health benefits, such as:

1.    Turmeric paste for Asthma - Turmeric helps in dilating the blood vessels, therefore providing better airflow and improving the breathing rate. It also boosts the immune system.

2.    Turmeric paste for Heart problems - Turmeric improves the lining of the heart’s blood vessels. It helps improve heart conditions such as high blood pressure, blood clotting, and atherosclerosis.

3.    Anti-inflammatory properties - Turmeric is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It improves inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, cramps, sciatica, menstrual pain, Alzheimer’s disease, and metabolic syndrome.

4.    Turmeric paste for Cancer - Turmeric is said to reduce the growth of new tumour blood cells, therefore preventing cancerous cells to spread throughout the body.

5.    Turmeric paste for digestion - Turmeric aids digestion and prevents the formation of gas. Is also helps eliminate excessive gas.

6.    Turmeric paste for the Liver and Gall Bladder - Turmeric helps strengthen the liver. It helps heal diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. It also increases the flow of bile to prevent the formation of stones in the Gall Bladder.

7.    Turmeric paste for immunity – Turmeric helps destroy various classes of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. It boosts our immunity against the common cold, coughs, fevers and common allergies.

8.    Turmeric paste for Diabetes – Turmeric helps lower glucose levels in the blood and maintains the working level of insulin. It can also help cure eye problems related to diabetes.

9.    Turmeric paste for anti-aging – Turmeric helps to slow the process of ageing and also prevents the skin from wrinkling.

10. Turmeric for the mind - Turmeric is said to heal mind-related difficulties such as depression, stress, anxiety, lack of focus. It also aids the proper functioning of the brain.

Turmeric’s most active ingredient curcumin, has many scientifically proven benefits. Its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a key ingredient to have in all kitchens.