Turmeric for cold? Does it work? Turmeric is truly one of the most remarkable substances in nature. The turmeric plant and the spice that is derived from it have been used for thousands of years in Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, and contain powerful antioxidants as well as strong antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a close relative of ginger, another powerful cold fighter.
One of the many illnesses and conditions against which turmeric is effective is the common cold (or rhinovirus). It is especially useful for dealing with a cough caused by a cold, and is equally so in addressing other cold symptoms (such as those linked to inflammation, like swollen sinuses and a sore throat).
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Why is turmeric so beneficial?
It is because of one of its components, a compound called curcumin. Turmeric contains three types of curcumin: diferuloylmethane, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demethoxycurcumin. Diferuloylmethane is the most important turmeric component. It is because of this component that the substance is antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. The presence of high concentrations of diferuloylmethane is also what makes turmeric have its characteristic bright yellow color.
One of the reasons for turmeric’s efficacy is its high concentration of antioxidants. Your body needs antioxidants to boost the immune system and fight disease, and can be very helpful in a wide variety of common human health problems.
Make sure to consult with your doctor before significantly increasing your intake of turmeric if you are taking blood thinners of any kind, if you have diabetes, if you have problems with your gall bladder, or if you are pregnant. This is especially vital if you are planning to take turmeric supplements rather than just ingest it in its regular spice form. This is because the herb is much more powerful in supplement form. Turmeric supplements can be easily found in most health food stores.
If you already have a cold or feel a cold coming on, taking turmeric on a daily basis will be of great help. In this article, we will go over various ways that you can incorporate turmeric into your daily routine. You will be amazed by how effective this remedies really are!
How to use turmeric for a cold remedy
Turmeric milk
Turmeric milk is generally recognized as one of the most effective ways to take turmeric. This is because the fat in milk (this can be any kind of milk, including cow, soy, almond, hemp, rice, and coconut) helps the body more efficiently absorb the turmeric and make use of its benefits.
One recipe for turmeric milk includes one cup of milk (any kind of milk that has fat), half a teaspoon of cinnamon, one tablespoon of raw wild honey, one tablespoon of turmeric, and a single pinch of black pepper. The black pepper is very important, as it is also helpful with absorption.
You will need to heat the milk on the stove or in the microwave, and then use a whisk to blend in the turmeric. Once you have done that, mix in the cinnamon and honey, and then the black pepper. You should drink this at least once a day until your symptoms disappear. Many people also drink this daily as a preventative measure. Some people refer to turmeric milk as “golden milk”. This is appropriate not only because of the solution’s color but efficacy, as well. This remedy has been used for countless generations in Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
Inhale turmeric vapors
Prepare a bowl of very hot, steaming water and add turmeric powder. You should inhale the vapors that are created by this for at least ten minutes. It is recommended that you put a towel over your head, to prevent any vapor escaping. The turmeric vapors will help to clear your nasal passages and soothe your upper respiratory system.
Turmeric, egg yolks, and coconut oil
Mix two teaspoons of coconut oil with two egg yolks and one tablespoon of turmeric powder. You can take this daily. You might not want to use this particular remedy if you feel uncomfortable with ingesting raw egg.
Add turmeric to your food
Add turmeric to your daily meals. Make curries with turmeric, or add the spice to your stew or soup.
Turmeric, ginger, and cayenne powder
Boil one cup of water in a sauce pan. After that, add one quarter teaspoon of grated raw turmeric, one tablespoon of Manuka honey, one quarter teaspoon of cayenne powder, and one quarter teaspoon of grated raw ginger. Let all of this simmer for around ten minutes, and then stir. Once the mixture has cooled a little, strain and drink it. You should do this every day until your symptoms have disappeared. If you wish, you could take it as a preventative.
Turmeric, ginger, and honey
Mix two teaspoons of turmeric, two pinches of ground black pepper, four tablespoons of ginger (freshly grated), half a cup of honey (if possible, raw and organic), and fresh lemon zest (from an organic, unwaxed lemon) in a bowl. Depending on how strong you want the flavor to be, add in between three teaspoons to one cup of water. You can store this mixture in the fridge (in a glass container). A few times a day, add three teaspoons of this mixture to hot water or tea.
What Have We Learned?
It is clear that turmeric has fantastic health benefits with regard to preventing and fighting a cold. You should be aware that turmeric can help you in other respects, as well.
This incredible spice can aid with indigestion, liver health, heart health, brain health, cholesterol issues, arthritis, depression of the immune system, acne, headache and many other common problems. Do yourself a favor and incorporate turmeric into your everyday diet and routine!
If you need more ways to get rid of a cold, check out our other detailed article: 32 Home Remedies for Cold.
References:
“Turmeric Milk, Not Turmeric Tea, is the Remedy You Need,” https://www.honeycolony.com/article/turmeric-milk-cold-remedy
“Turmeric,” http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-662-turmeric.aspx?activeingredientid=662
“Why is Turmeric Good For Me?” http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/why-ls-turmeric-good-for-me
“Using Turmeric for Cough,” http://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-benefits/using-turmeric-for-cough
“Ginger-Turmeric Cold and Flu Elixir,” http://freshly-grown.com/ginger-turmeric-cold-flu-elixir
“Green Kitchen Stories,” http://www.greenkitchenstories.com/ginger-turmeric-honey-bomb
“Stay Healthy During the Cold and Flu Season,” http://homegrownandhealthy.com/stay-healthy-during-the-cold-flu-season
“30 Amazing Benefits and Uses of Turmeric,” http://www.healthbeckon.com/turmeric-benefits
Turmeric is a magical herb for cold. Its anti-inflammatory property is best to relief in cold & Cough. Thank you for sharing this useful information .
Hello! I tried this recipe with turmeric milk… I believe there is a typo… It says a tablespoon of turmeric here and I can tell you it packs a whallop! Perhaps that was one teaspoon? I bring it up because this other recipe is identical except for the turmeric amount:
https://www.honeycolony.com/article/turmeric-milk-cold-remedy/
But overall, great article! Turmeric needs more love!
If you feel it’s too much, you can add less. However, if you have a cold, you don’t want to skimp on turmeric.