3 ways to harness the benefits of turmeric

Turmeric has had a lot of media attention over the past couple of years. Although the spice has long been used in eastern medicine, in the west it has in the past largely been relegated to the kitchen cupboard – occasionally brought out to brighten up a curry or a stew.

More and more of us are now aware of turmeric's myriad of health benefits. It's main active ingredient, curcumin, is a strong anti-oxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, that fights inflammation at a molecular level. Turmeric can be used to treat everything from acne to inflammatory diseases, and is even believed to help protect against chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. 

It's a good idea then, to include more turmeric in a healthy lifestyle, and you don't have to stick to curry to gain the benefits of this super spice.

1. Start the day with a latte or smoothie

A growing trend among health conscious hipsters, why not start the day with a turmeric latte, tea or smoothie. Make a paste from turmeric powder and boiling water (or grate the fresh root if you can find it), and add it to nut milk or water with a healthy sweetener, a dusting of cinnamon and some black pepper for a delicious morning wake up.

You can also add the powder to your fruit smoothie, to give it an extra health boost.

2. Try a face mask

You don't have to eat turmeric to feel the benefits. Used by Indian brides for centuries as a beauty treatment, a turmeric facial can help treat conditions like acne, dry skin and eczema. Just add turmeric and honey to some milk or yogurt, and use as a face mask for glowing skin.


3. Get creative

While turmeric is of course a fantastic addition to an Indian curry, there are plenty of other dishes you can make with this versatile spice.
Try sprinkling it over roast vegetables or scrambled eggs, or add it to rice next time you're cooking. With so many health benefits to be felt, it's worth including turmeric in your food wherever you can.

Superfoods: the power of Ayurvedic powders

The power of Ayurvedic herbs

Superfoods are so named because they're a cut above the average: not only are they delicious and extremely nutritious, but they're packed with an array of compounds that help to ward off disease and keep people healthy. Nowhere is this more true than with Ayurvedic powders made from plants that have been shown to have therapeutic properties.

These powders, some of which we have available here at Detox Trading, are made in accordance with the ancient Indian healing tradition of Ayurveda, dating back thousands of years. It's all about balancing the body, mind and spirit to restore a person to health – and keep them that way.

Take, for instance, Shatavari Root powder, which for centuries has been used by women in India as a tonic. Known as the "Queen of Herbs", mixed with warm nut milk and manuka honey, it is calming, soothing and rejuvenating. Shatavari Root powder also contains a number of essential vitamins and minerals to support bodily functions, such as B complex vitamins, zinc, and calcium. 

Or how about organic Amla berry powder, from a superfruit berry Indians call the "Great Rejuvenator"? With our hectic modern lifestyles that sap our energy and lead to high levels of damaging stress, many of us could surely do with some of this powerful powder. Just add a quarter of a teaspoon to juices or smoothies and you'll enjoy the benefits of high vitamin concentrations that will help to boost digestive health and give you lots more energy.

Then there's what we – or rather the good people of India – call the "Enlightened One", the Bramhi plant. This organically grown plant is ground to make Bramhi powder which for centuries has helped people to achieve a clarity of mind, as well as enhancing memory and leading to an overall feeling of inner peace.

If you want to buy superfood online – including these and more Ayurvedic powders – take a look at the extensive range we have here at Detox Trading. Soon, you could be looking and feeling like a whole new you.