In Indian medicine (Ayurveda) turmeric is called Spice of Life.
Internally or externally, the most special use of Turmeric is that it is skin food: it purifies and nourishes the blood and skin so that the glow of health is not attenuated by blemishes and impurities but rather amplified through clarity. The classic way to apply turmeric is as an Ubtan (Indian herbal face mask) where you mix turmeric with chick-pea flour, sesame or almond oil, a little fresh cream and honey. Turmeric is a great dye and will make your clothes and skin yellowish for a few days so take care when you are applying it (use only a little bit).
Turmeric mixed with sandalwood powder and a little water, and applied to the face can greatly reduce the appearance of acne. It’s definitely a cheaper alternative to all those creams and gels that are often not as effective as desired or they claim.
One problem that often besets pregnant women is the appearance of stretch marks on their abdomen. If you’ve wondered how stretch marks can be avoided, try applying a mixture of turmeric with yoghurt to the abdomen and then it wipe off after five minutes. If you continue this regularly, it will help in maintaining the elasticity of the skin and prevent stretch marks.
It is known that Turmeric, and especially the Curcumins, inhibits skin cancer, likely due to decreasing the expression of proto-oncogenes. External application stops pain and swelling, heals wounds, and treats many skin diseases ranging from acne to leprosy. For instance, freckles, known as Jhanyin in Sanskrit, is treated by mixing a large spoonful of turmeric with Banyan tree milk until it is a uniform paste. Seal this in a jar overnight and massage it into your freckles a half-hour before your morning shower. Since turmeric is bitter and anti-inflammatory, it is excellent for hot skin diseases, especially wet eczema.
I usually use turmeric in “Honey and Calendula soap” for normal skin and “Sandalwood” for oily skin or in my home made face masks.
On top of that if I start feeling cold I drink warm milk with half tea spoon of turmeric as it is natural antibiotic.
Turmeric promotes proper metabolism in the body, correcting both excesses and deficiencies. It aids in the digestion of protein.