India is renowned to be the land of spices and for its rich ancient knowledge of them. People from around the world used to come here and trade spices for gold in the earlier days as they enhanced the flavour of their dishes. Recent scientific studies have established that spices add more than taste and that they possess healing properties as well. Spices like turmeric, cumin, fennel seeds, fenugreek and black pepper have proven to be packed with medicinal properties. Many of them are agents which inhibit, delay or reverse carcinogens namely cells that cause cancer. Of all the spices let us focus on turmeric because it is more than a medicine or spice in India.
We know that Turmeric is one of the most nutritionally rich herbs. One tablespoon of turmeric powder contains good amounts of protein, vitamin C, iron, dietary fiber, sodium, and also provides a rich supply of vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
While we do use turmeric in our cooking, a lot of us have forgotten the external use of turmeric as an essential beauty ingredient. Our mothers always insisted on the time tested tradition of the weekly ritual of an ’Ubtan’. An ubtan is an age old Indian version of a face pack. This ‘ubtan’ consisted of gram flour, turmeric, sandalwood powder/paste, milk or rose water etc. While the combination of ingredients of an ubtan varied, the inclusion of turmeric remained crucial as it was the key element of it.
The anti inflammatory and antioxidants in turmeric heal acne and pimples and keep your skin healthy. Turmeric oil is also used these days in cosmetics for skin brightening. While the western world has just discovered it, it has always been a part of our Indian traditions for eons.
There is even a day dedicated to turmeric in the grand Indian weddings where the bride and groom are smeared with a paste of turmeric and other add ons to purify and cleanse the bodies of the couple marking the beginning of a new life together. It brings a natural glow and is believed to protect the bride and the groom from any bad omen or illnesses that might harm them before the big day. In fact in some Indian states the bride and groom wear robes dyed in turmeric during the wedding.
The Vedas are a rich repositories of timeless knowledge of spices, the benefits and their usage. Turmeric among them has been stated to possess the power of restorative qualities. In recent times a lot of people have begun incorporating traditional ways of living into their lifestyle. A lot of turmeric based soaps, face packs and creams have arrived in the market. People have switched from synthetic soaps and cosmetics to natural options. This is a testament that solutions to evolution sometimes lie in our past.
A quick turmeric face pack for dry skin/winters
1 tea spoon of milk cream and milk
2 pinches of turmeric
1 tea spoon of honey
Mix well and apply on face and leave it on for 10 minutes
Wash with lukewarm water.
Wipe it dry with a soft towel.
- Maya Raghu.
