Page 18 - MASALA LITE ISSUE 81 | JUNE 2017

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Spice of Life

Health enthusiast Laxshmi Sachathep

discovers the benefi ts of nature’s own

wonder spice turmeric.

Spices were once considered so valuable that Christopher Columbus set off from Spain in
search of them in India, the ‘Land of Spices’. Though he never made it, and landed on the
shores of America instead, spices continue to be in high demand even to this day.

Today, we Indians use spice in our kitchens every single day, and one of the spices we use in abundance is turmeric. Ever
wondered why your mum puts heaps of the stuff in every Indian dish? It’s true that it adds colour and brightens up the
presentation, but turmeric contains many other hidden properties as well.
In Thailand, turmeric is grown in many areas and sold in most local markets. Turmeric, or haldi, is widely known
for its anti-infl ammatory properties and has been used in Ayurvedic healing. However, its uses are not only limited to
consumption; it can also be applied to the skin. Turmeric is found in many facial masks, scrubs and beauty packs, and its
results have always been consistent. Celebrity Priyanka Chopra also uses turmeric in her home-made face mask. So if
you desire a dose of this culinary and nutritional powerhouse, here are fi ve diff erent uses of turmeric that will defi nitely
inspire you.

Priyanka Chopra’s DIY body scrub

ANTI-AGING MASK REMEDY FOR OILY SKIN
As we grow older, it’s only natural to have concerns about our
skin and how we look. It requires a lot of research on our part to
fi nd the best anti-aging cream most suitable for our skin type.
Many people prefer not to use a cream continuously, for fear
it may change their complexion completely. There is a home-
made alternative to that: turmeric. To prepare an anti-aging
mask at home, all you will need is:

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp yoghurt
• 1 tsp honey

To make this mask, mix all the ingredients together to create
a smooth paste and apply it to your face thoroughly. Keep it
on for 20 minutes or more, until it dries. Wash it off gently
with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Doing Though oily skin requires less moisture, it still needs
this about twice a week will keep your face smooth and the application of products to make the skin oil free, as
glowing. No wonder we have the haldi ritual in the Indian too much oil can also increase acne. All you need is:
wedding ceremony!
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 1/2 tbsp chickpea fl our
ANTI-BACTERIAL AGENT • 1/2 tsp almond oil
• Milk as required
Since ancient times, turmeric has been used to heal small cuts and burns.
Its main component, curcumin, acts as a natural antibiotic to prevent any
bacterial infection in a wound. It also acts as an anti-infl ammatory agent Combine all the
and soothes the body internally and externally. With regular application ingredients to make a
and consumption of turmeric in moderate amounts, you will defi nitely smooth paste and apply
keep your acne away. it to your face. Keep it
on for 30 minutes and
lightly scrub it off with
lukewarm water. This
will make your face
instantly less oily, and
you will be left with
super-soft hydrated skin.

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