Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about turmeric and how good it is for your health. When you can find something in bulk at Costco, you know it’s hit the mainstream, and turmeric is no exception.
Turmeric has a long list of benefits, but did you know it can help your hair too? Read on to find out the benefits of turmeric milk for hair and just how to use it to perk up your tired tresses.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is actually a brightly colored root and member of the ginger family. It’s been used as a common culinary spice and medicinal in India, China and Africa for thousands of years.
Because it turns a lovely bright yellow color when mixed with food or drink, it’s been called the “Indian Saffron”.
The key health component in turmeric is called curcumin. It’s what gives turmeric the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties that make it such a healthy powerhouse.
What is Turmeric Milk & How do you make it?
Turmeric Milk, also called Golden Milk, is a drink originating in India. It’s become popular in Western cultures because of its health benefits and its reputation of being an immunity booster and illness fighter.
It’s easy to make at home with any kind of milk (dairy, nut, soy, etc.), ground turmeric, ginger black pepper and cinnamon.
Turmeric Milk Recipe
Turmeric milk is super easy to DIY at home. All you need is a saucepan, a few ingredients and 5 minutes. You’ll be enjoying a steaming cup of golden milk in no time.
You can even whip up a batch in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Turmeric Golden Milk
This yummy combination of warm milk and spices is not only delicious, but it's a healthy powerhouse packed with anti-oxidants.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of your choice (coconut, dairy, nut, soy, oat..)
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and whisk to combine.
- Heat to simmering. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Enjoy when hot with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon.
Notes
Black pepper helps your body absorb more of the turmeric. Sweetener is optional and can be omitted or increased according to your taste.
Adding Pepper Boosts the Benefits of Turmeric
Although it sounds like a weird flavor combo, adding black pepper to your turmeric milk can boost your body’s ability to absorb the turmeric. The piperine in black pepper can greatly enhance the body’s ability to absorb cucumin.
So don’t skip the black pepper.
Is Turmeric Good for Hair?
Turmeric is good for hair when taken internally as turmeric milk and externally applied as a hair mask.
When you drink it as Turmeric Milk, it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can improve your overall health, immune system, and hair health.
When applied as a mask, turmeric has even more great properties that can help heal your hair and scalp.
Benefits of Turmeric Milk for Hair
Turmeric May Stimulate Hair Growth
When hair loss is due to dandruff or scalp issues, the antibacterial properties in turmeric can help improve the health of your scalp which results in healthier hair.
Some hair companies like Aveda have found that turmeric can reduce hair loss and have added it to shampoos designed for thinning hair, and conditioners designed to improve the health of hair and reduce breakage.
Turmeric Boosts Your Immune System
Consuming turmeric regularly can boost the body’s immune system. For those fighting autoimmune disorders that can cause hair loss, like alopecia areata, this can give your body’s immune system a boost which can stimulate hair growth.
Turmeric Hair Masks Can Help Dandruff
If you have hair loss and an itchy dry scalp, the antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties can help soothe your scalp and improve dandruff. Here’s how to mix up your own turmeric hair mask:
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or olive oil
- Mix together
- Apply to the dry scalp and leave on for 30 minutes.
- Wash as normal.
One warning about using turmeric as a hair mask: be careful if you have light hair since turmeric can stain lighter hair yellow!
Turmeric May Help Male Pattern Baldness
A study on botanically derived treatments of androgenic alopecia showed turmeric improved both hair regrowth and hair shedding. So if you’re troubled by hair loss because of this, turmeric is definitely worth a second look.
Are There any Risks or Side effects from Turmeric Milk?
Consuming the amount of turmeric used in golden milk shouldn’t cause any issues, but talk to your medical professional if you have any concerns.
Studies have shown that high doses, such as those found when supplements are overused can result in some serious issues for those with pre existing medical conditions.
- Turmeric milk may aggravate issues with kidney stones because of its high levels of oxalates.
- High doses of turmeric have been found to hamper iron absorption in people with anemia.
So if you’re in doubt whether you should take turmeric, please talk to your doctor before you mix up your first batch of turmeric milk.
Can You Drink Turmeric Milk Every Day?
With all these benefits, you’re probably wondering if you should drink turmeric milk every day?
For most people, there are no negative effects to drinking turmeric milk every day. Turmeric milk is generally safe to drink, but before adding anything to your routine on a daily basis, it’s probably a good idea to check with your health professional, especially if you have any other health conditions.
Otherwise, go ahead and drink up that delicious, healthy warming turmeric milk.
Other Turmeric Milk Health Benefits
Turmeric is good for more than just hair. Here are just a few benefits of drinking Turmeric Milk that go along with that delicious warming beverage.
- Turmeric is loaded with antioxidants
- Can Help reduce joint pain
- May improve memory and brain function
- May protect against heart disease
- May help in achieving healthy blood sugar levels
- May reduce cancer risk
- Antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties
- Improves digestion when added to ginger
- Calcium if made with dairy milk
- Mood boosting properties
The Takeaway: Your Hair can Benefit from Turmeric Milk
Besides being a delicious drink packed with antioxidants, turmeric milk can help heal your hair from both the inside and the outside.
When consumed regularly, turmeric milk may stimulate hair growth, boost the immune system and fight male pattern baldness.
When applied to the scalp as a mask, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can help banish dry scalp and dandruff.
Either way, a nightly glass of turmeric milk may just be the soothing drink you need to improve your health and your hair.
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Looking for more healthy drinks to add to your routine? Kombucha is a healthy probiotic and delicious addition to your weekly diet.