Turmeric Essential Oil
Turmeric essential oil is derived from the rhizomes of the turmeric plant, scientifically known as Curcuma longa. Turmeric is a tropical plant native to South Asia, primarily India, and has a long history of medicinal and culinary use dating back thousands of years.
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History
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Ancient Medicinal Use: Turmeric has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its various therapeutic properties. It was used to treat a wide range of ailments.
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Culinary Use: Turmeric is a common spice in Indian cuisine and is one of the main ingredients in curry powder. It adds a distinct yellow color and a warm, slightly bitter flavor to dishes.
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Religious and Cultural Significance: Turmeric has played a role in religious and cultural ceremonies in South Asia. It is often used as a symbol of purity and is applied to the skin during Hindu rituals and weddings.
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Dye and Cosmetics: Turmeric has been used as a natural dye for fabrics and as a component in cosmetics due to its vibrant yellow color.
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Plant Description
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Botanical Name: Curcuma longa
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Family: Zingiberaceae (the ginger family)
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Here are some key features of the turmeric plant:
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Rhizomes: The part of the turmeric plant used to extract the essential oil is the rhizome, which is a modified underground stem. These rhizomes are thick, knobby, and orange-yellow in color.
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Leaves: Turmeric plants have long, lance-shaped leaves that are green and grow directly from the rhizomes. The leaves are not typically used in essential oil production but may be used for other purposes.
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Flowers: Turmeric plants produce cone-like spikes of small, fragrant flowers with pink or white petals. These flowers are also not typically used for essential oil extraction.
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Growing Conditions: Turmeric thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It requires well-drained soil, high humidity, and consistent rainfall for optimal growth. It is typically cultivated as a perennial plant.
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Harvesting: The rhizomes of the turmeric plant are harvested for various purposes, including essential oil production. They are typically dug up, cleaned, and processed to obtain the oil.
Turmeric Essential Oil
Turmeric essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of the dried and ground rhizomes of the turmeric plant. It has a warm, earthy, and spicy aroma. Turmeric essential oil is known for its potential therapeutic properties.
Take a Closer Look
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distillation
AROMATIC DESCRIPTION
Warm, spicy, earthy, woody
PLANT PART
Rhizome
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MAIN CONSTITUENTS
ar-Turmerone, turmerone
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DIRECTIONS FOR USE
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Aromatic use: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
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Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fluid ounces of liquid.
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Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute
with a carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. See additional precautions below
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RECOMMENDED USES
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Take internally for daily antioxidant support and to improve immune response.
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Use internally as metabolic support when trying to get back on track.
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Use as a spot treatment or an all-over face mask to help reduce the appearance of blemishes or for a healthy-looking overall glow.
BENEFITS
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Healthy Inflammatory Response: Alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise, and solid sleep, Turmeric adds in the fight against free radicals and promotion of a healthy inflammatory response.
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Tension Relief: Its soothing properties may provide relief from various types of tension, including head tension, muscle aches, and menstrual cramps.
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Digestive Health: Turmeric oil can aid in improving digestion by stimulating bile production and reducing symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas.
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Antioxidant Support: It acts as an antioxidant, helping to combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
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Skin Health: Turmeric can help promote clear, smooth, and radiant-looking skin.
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Blood Glucose: Helps support healthy glucose and lipid metabolism when taken internally.
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Cardiovascular Health: Turmeric essential oil may support heart health when taken internally.
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Nervous system: May support healthy nervous and cellular function when taken internally.
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Liver Health: It aids in detoxifying the liver and promoting its overall health.
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Immune System Support: May promote healthy immune function and response when consumed.
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Respiratory Health: Turmeric essential oil may alleviate respiratory issues by promoting clear airways.
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Menstrual discomfort: Mix 2 drops each Turmeric with Ginger oil in a capsule to relief menstrual discomfort.
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CAUTIONS
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and other sensitive areas.
10 ways to use turmeric oil
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Aromatherapy Diffusion: Add a few drops of turmeric essential oil to an essential oil diffuser to fill your space with its warm and earthy aroma. This can help create a calming and invigorating atmosphere.
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Topical Application: Dilute turmeric essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut, jojoba, or almond oil) and apply it to the skin. This can be helpful for soothing muscle or joint discomfort.
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Massage Oil: Mix turmeric essential oil with a carrier oil for a massage blend. This can be especially beneficial for relaxing tense muscles.
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Facial Serum: Incorporate a drop or two of turmeric essential oil into your daily facial serum or moisturizer for its skin-improving benefits. Make sure to dilute it well to avoid skin irritation.
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Bath Additive: Add a few drops of turmeric essential oil to your bathwater for a soothing and aromatic bath experience. It can help relax both your body and mind.
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Inhalation Steam: Add a few drops of turmeric essential oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam. This method can help alleviate stuffiness and sinus pressure.
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DIY Cleansing Products: Create your own natural cleaning products by adding turmeric essential oil to homemade surface cleaners.
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Natural Deodorant: Mix turmeric essential oil with coconut oil and arrowroot powder to make a homemade natural deodorant.
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Hair Care: Add a drop or two of turmeric essential oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner to promote a healthy scalp and hair. It may also help with dandruff and hair loss.
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Oral Health: Gargle with a diluted solution of turmeric essential oil and warm water to support oral health.
diy recipes with turmeric oil
1. Soothing Muscle Rub
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons of coconut oil
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5-10 drops of turmeric essential oil
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5-10 drops of peppermint essential oil
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5-10 drops of lavender essential oil
Instructions:
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In a small bowl, combine the coconut oil with the turmeric, peppermint, and lavender essential oils.
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Mix well until the essential oils are evenly distributed.
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Store the mixture in a clean container.
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Apply a small amount to sore or tense muscles and massage gently for relief.
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2. Turmeric Face Mask for Glowing Skin
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon of yogurt
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1/2 teaspoon of turmeric essential oil
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1 drop of tea tree essential oil (optional for acne-prone skin)
Instructions:
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Mix the yogurt, turmeric essential oil, and tea tree essential oil (if desired) in a small bowl.
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Apply the mixture to your clean face, avoiding the eye area.
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Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes.
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Rinse with warm water and pat your face dry for a radiant complexion.
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3. Relaxing Bath Salts
Ingredients:
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1 cup of Epsom salts
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5-10 drops of turmeric essential oil
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5-10 drops of chamomile essential oil
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5-10 drops of frankincense essential oil
Instructions:
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Combine the Epsom salts, turmeric, chamomile, and frankincense essential oils in a glass jar.
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Mix well to evenly distribute the essential oils.
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Add a couple of tablespoons of this mixture to your warm bathwater to relax and soothe muscles.
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4. Turmeric and Lemon Hand Sanitizer
Ingredients:
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1/4 cup of aloe vera gel
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10 drops of turmeric essential oil
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10 drops of lemon essential oil
Instructions:
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In a small bowl, mix the aloe vera gel, turmeric essential oil, and lemon essential oil.
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Transfer the mixture to a small, empty hand sanitizer bottle for convenient use.
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Apply a small amount to your hands when needed for a natural and aromatic hand sanitizer.
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5. Turmeric and Peppermint Scalp Treatment
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons of coconut oil
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5-10 drops of turmeric essential oil
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5-10 drops of peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
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Combine the coconut oil, turmeric essential oil, and peppermint essential oil in a bowl.
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Massage the mixture gently into your scalp and through your hair.
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Leave it on for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for a deep treatment).
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Shampoo and condition your hair as usual to promote a healthy scalp and hair growth.
essential emotions & spirituality
Turmeric - The Oil of Restoration
Emotional Benefits
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Stress Reduction: The warm and earthy aroma of turmeric essential oil can have a calming and grounding effect, helping to reduce stress and anxious feelings.
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Mood Enhancement: In aromatherapy, inhaling turmeric essential oil may uplift mood and promote a sense of well-being, making it useful during periods of emotional imbalance.
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Emotional Healing: Some people find that the use of turmeric oil in aromatherapy helps them process and release deep-seated emotions, offering emotional healing and clarity.
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Relaxation: Diffusing turmeric essential oil can create a serene environment, which may aid in relaxation and better sleep, contributing to emotional balance.
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Boosted Confidence: By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, turmeric oil may indirectly boost self-confidence and help individuals approach challenges with a positive mindset.
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Spiritual Benefits
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Spiritual Cleansing: In some spiritual practices, turmeric essential oil is used for its purifying properties. It may be incorporated into rituals or cleansing ceremonies to remove negative energies.
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Meditation Aid: The grounding and calming properties of turmeric oil can enhance the meditation experience, helping practitioners achieve a deeper state of focus and spiritual connection.
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Chakra Balancing: Turmeric oil is associated with the solar plexus chakra, which is linked to personal power and self-esteem. Some use it to balance and energize this chakra during meditation or energy work.
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Spiritual Insight: Aromatherapy with turmeric essential oil may facilitate mental clarity and insight during spiritual practices, aiding in personal growth and self-awareness.
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Ritual Anointing: Turmeric oil can be used to anoint objects or the body in rituals or ceremonies, symbolizing purification, protection, and a connection to higher spiritual realms.
turmeric oil affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that you can use in conjunction with aromatherapy or meditation to enhance your overall well-being. When using turmeric essential oil, you can integrate these affirmations to amplify the experience:
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"I am grounded and at peace."
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Use turmeric essential oil during your relaxation or meditation practice to enhance your sense of calm and inner peace.
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"My body is vibrant and healthy."
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Incorporate turmeric oil into your self-care routine while focusing on this affirmation to promote physical well-being and vitality.
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"I release negativity and embrace positivity."
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During spiritual or emotional cleansing rituals with turmeric oil, affirm your intention to let go of negativity and invite positive energy into your life.
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"I am confident and empowered."
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Use turmeric oil as part of your daily self-care routine while repeating this affirmation to boost self-confidence and a sense of personal power.
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"I am connected to my inner wisdom."
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Incorporate turmeric essential oil into your meditation practice and repeat this affirmation to enhance your connection to your intuition and higher self.
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Remember that affirmations are most effective when spoken with sincerity and belief. Combine these affirmations with deep breathing, meditation, or other relaxation techniques to create a holistic approach to your well-being.​