5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Turmeric Essential Oil

Turmeric has long been used as a spice that adds flavor, color, and aroma to dishes in Southern Asia. Thanks to its medicinal properties, it also occupies pride of place in ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. In fact, you may already be using turmeric powder or tea as a natural home remedy for indigestion or pain. Take it up a notch by leveraging the benefits of another essential component of turmeric – its essential oil!

Turmeric essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of the rhizome and has compounds like ar-turmerone, α-turmerone, and β-turmerone which boost your health in many ways. It is readily available in aromatherapy or herbal remedy stores. So get a bottle of the good stuff and use it for the following benefits. Do note that while turmeric essential oil may have more benefits, we’ve only listed the ones backed by studies.

# Fights Skin Infections Like Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot, And Jock Itch

Fungal skin infections like ringworm, athlete’s foot, or jock itch have plagued most of us at some point or the other. And turmeric oil might provide an easy cure for them. According to research, this oil can act against dermatophytes like Trichophyton rubrum which cause skin infection. One animal study found that when diluted turmeric oil was applied to areas with the fungal skin infection, lesions caused by the infection disappeared within a week. Simply dilute in a carrier oil and dab on affected areas for relief.

# Tackles Cough And Asthma

Steam inhalations are generally useful for loosening mucus and clearing blocked airways. Want to amp up the power of your stem inhalation? Add a few drops of turmeric oil to it. Studies have found that inhaling the vapor of turmeric oil can remove sputum, reduce coughing, and ease asthma symptoms.

# Can Protect The Liver

Thanks to ar-turmerone, curlone, and ar-curcumene, turmeric oil has shown antioxidant activity in in vitro studies. It can scavenge free radicals and reduce cell damage. In an animal study, mice were given turmeric essential oil for one month. They showed increased levels of antioxidant and antioxidant enzymes in the blood and the liver, which could enhance detoxification of cancer-causing compounds. In another study, rats pre-treated with turmeric extract had less liver damage due to methotrexate, a drug used in chemotherapy and to treat autoimmune conditions.

# Can Fight Gum And Teeth Diseases

Turmeric oil can help prevent tooth decay as well. A study found that 100% concentrated turmeric oil can exert an antimicrobial effect on Porphyromonas gingivalis, the pathogenic bacteria that causes periodontitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the periodontal tissues that support the teeth, and eventually loss of teeth. Eucalyptus oil, however, is even more beneficial.

Add a few drops of turmeric oil to your toothpaste or mouthwash to keep your teeth and gums disease-free.

# Reduces Risk Of Cancer

That’s right, turmeric oil may be able to fight the big C. Studies have found that people with a condition known as oral submucous fibrosis showed fewer signs of developing cancer when they took turmeric oil. Oral submucous fibrosis is characterized by thickening and scarring (or fibrosis) of mucous membranes in the mouth. This condition also has a high chance of developing into cancer. But one study found that treatment with turmeric oil decreased a biomarker of oral cancer – the number of micronucleated cells – in people with oral submucous fibrosis, essentially reversing precancerous changes in them.