Turmeric Essential Oil Detail Image / From Wikimedia Commons / Simon A. Eugster

Turmeric Essential Oil 

Curcuma longa is native to southern Asia and some Pacific Islands. 

Apply topically, add to baths, or use a diffuser/vaporizer to inhale. 

Blends well with patchouli oil and ginger oil. 

Known Uses 

Turmeric essential oil is useful for treating various digestive conditions including excess gas, indigestion and lack of appetite. It is also helpful in liver care. It is a diuretic that helps eliminate toxins from the body through increased perspiration and urination. 

It can be used as an antiseptic for treating wounds and skin conditions or irritations. It helps skin have a clean and glowing appearance. As an anti-inflamatory, turmeric oil helps to ease joint and muscle aches. 

Turmeric oil lowers blood glucose levels and counteracts insulin resistance. It reduces plaque accumulation in the brain which helps fight Alzheimer's disease and prevents build up in the arteries, protecting from heart attacks. 

Turmeric oil is an effective insect repellent.

It is used in the treatment of anxiety, fatigue and other stress related. It is an overall tonic for the body's immune system, promoting the body's own natural healing processes. 

History

Turmeric has been used in traditional medicine of Asia for thousands of years. It was used internally to treat indigestion, the common cold, throat problems, and liver issues. It was used topically to cleanse wounds and protect against infection. It was also used as a dye and food additive. Today it is widely used as a spice in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Warning

When used in wrong doses or in its pure form (without a carrier oil) it is known to induce vomiting. In high doses it may lower blood pressure and therefore consult your doctor if you are taking high blood pressure medications.

If you are prone to kidney stones, use great caution in taking turmeric oil as it may cause an increased chance of forming kidney stones. Do not use if prone to gallstones.

Consult your doctor before using turmeric oil if you are a hemophiliac. Stop using turmeric oil at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery as it can interfere with blood clotting.

Turmeric may interfere with certain cancer medications. Not suggested for pregnant and breastfeeding women. May cause skin irritation. Prolonged exposure to extreme sunlight should be avoided at least 48 hours after application.

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