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Turmeric essential oils are associated with a number of health benefits for the skin and for the body. Turmeric is a perennial herbaceous plant that has been used for millennia in traditional medicine.
Some of its primary traditional uses include easing stomach pains, reducing inflammation, restoring the kidneys and detoxifying the blood. Research has validated some of the traditional uses of turmeric, but not all.
In research studies, turmeric extract has demonstrated anticancer, antidiabetic, heart-protective, antiarthritis, antibacterial and several other mechanisms of action.
Turmeric essential oils can be used topically – or in aromatherapy candles, vaporizers, bath salts and more. Topical absorption and inhalation can both introduce turmeric molecules into the system.
Joints
Heart Health
Anti- Aging- Contains anti-inflammatory curcuminoids
- Promotes brain & cardiovascular health
- Supports the immune system & anti-oxidant enzymes
Top Turmeric Products* ❯Turmeric Essential Oils
Related Topics
- What is Turmeric?
- What is Curcumin?
- Turmeric vs. Curcumin
- Turmerones
- Turmeric Uses
- Effects and Benefits
- Recommended Dosages
- Taking Turmeric Daily
- How to Use Turmeric
- Is Turmeric Safe
- Turmeric for Arthritis
- Turmeric for Inflammation
- Turmeric for Diabetes
- Turmeric for Skin
- Possible Side Effects
- Best Turmeric Supplements
Research shows that turmeric oils can help to:
- Scavenge free radicals and other radical agents;
- Promote new cell production and growth;
- Encourage natural healing mechanisms;
- Accelerate the elimination of toxins;
- Strengthen the immune system;
- Increase blood flow;
- Improve digestion;
Turmeric essential oils may also help to naturally control blood pressure and decrease cardiac workload. The cardioprotective effects of turmeric oil and other turmeric extracts continue to be studied.
There are many traditional and anecdotal uses for turmeric oil which have not yet been validated clinically. Research is underway and more human trials are warranted.
Turmeric Oil Molecular Constituents
Chemical analysis of turmeric oil shows the presence of hundreds of unique molecular constituents. Sesquiterpene alcohol makes up about 50%, and sesquiterpene hydrochlorides comprise another 30%.
These two main constituents are followed by roughly 4% d-a-phellandrene, 3% cineol, 2.5% d-borneol, 2% d-sabinene and 0.1% valeric acid.
Turmeric Oil for Inflammation:
Low-grade systemic inflammation is a marker of disease in general. This type of chronic inflammation is a large contributor to the development and progression of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease and many other adverse health conditions.
Turmeric oils contain anti-inflammatory constituents. One sesquiterpene hydrocarbon called alpha-curcumene is known for its potent inflammation-reducing effects.
Some people use turmeric oil in combination with essential oil of Frankincense to accentuate its anti-inflammatory effects.
Turmeric Research for Cancer:
Turmeric also exhibits potent antioxidant effects. It has been researched for its effects on cancer, though it has not been approved for the prevention or treatment of any cancers.
Free radicals like superoxide, environmental toxins, food additives and various other damaging substances attack our cells many millions of times every day. Antioxidants work to reduce cellular and DNA-based damage that results from these oxidizing agents.
Research shows that turmeric oil can increase human levels of GST (glutathione-s-transferase). It can also augment the body’s capacities to detoxify carcinogenic substances. Research continues to explore the anticancer and chemopreventive effects of turmeric and turmeric oil.
Turmeric for Brain Health
Turmeric essential oils may also benefit brain health and support cognitive function and mood balance. Turmeric may increase brain oxygen levels, helping it to heal and enhance its own functioning.
This herbal extract has also been examined by researchers for its effects on mental illness, cognitive dysfunction and psychosis, but it has not been approved as a treatment for any of these medical conditions.
Turmeric essential oils may support health hormone and neurotransmitter levels. It has been shown to enhance uptake of brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline (norepinephrine).
Additional Turmeric Uses:
Some research shows that turmeric can help to reduce LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol), reduce total serum cholesterol and reduce serum triglycerides. By balancing serum lipids in this manner, turmeric oil may support general heart health.
Turmeric has also been researched for fibromyalgia, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, arthritis and RA (rheumatoid arthritis). It is also being studied for hepatic (liver) dysfunction, dyspepsia (heartburn), uvulitis, irritable bowel syndrome and more.
Turmeric Oil Dosage
Different turmeric oil products are available from different manufacturers. These supplements are not standardized. Each supplement will have its own dosing instructions provided as recommended by the manufacturer.
Follow these dosing instructions carefully. It is a good idea to begin use at a dose lower than recommended until you discern how turmeric essential oils affect you.
Turmeric Oil Side Effects
There is little information about the side effects of turmeric essential oil usage. The most common, although rare, side effects of turmeric supplements include nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea and flatulence.
Turmeric essential oils contain bioactive compounds which may interact with various medications, diseases and herbal supplements.
Be cautious if using turmeric oil products with antidiabetic, antiplatelet, or anticoagulant medications and/or herbals. Do not use with medications for reducing stomach acid, or NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Talk with your doctor about the safety of turmeric oil usage if you have a hormone sensitive cancer or condition, diabetes, GERD and/or heart disease. In all cases, it is best to seek medical advice before beginning to use turmeric essential oils or other dietary supplements.
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Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
Turmeric gives me diarrhea. Was wondering if using the essential oil of turmeric would cause the same problems? Just trying to use turmeric without the consequences. Thank you for your help.
Hi Mary,
Turmeric might be causing diarrhea by irritating your digestive tract. Some people are more sensitive to it than others. What you might want to try is the liposomal form of curcumin which is encapsulated in fatty acids and might be better tolerated by your gut! I hope that helps :)