Definition: Turmeric

BellaSugar Australia — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:01:20 +1100

Turmeric (aka turmeric root, Indian saffron or curcuma longa) is a shrub that is related to the ginger family. It's grown throughout India, Asia and Africa, and while it's most commonly known for its golden colour and use in curry powders and mustards, turmeric is also used to dye fabrics and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to aid digestion and liver function, relieve arthritis pain and topically treat wounds.

In cosmetics, turmeric has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent to soothe skin and recent research has shown it boosts the enzyme that produces the skin's natural antioxidants, so expect to see it pop up in various skincare ranges, though purifying it without losing its power is both tricky and costly.

Try Ole Henriksen Visual Truth Eye Creme ($94) and DDF Anti-Ageing Restorative Advanced Firming Cream ($189.95).