7 Benefits of Turmeric Essential Oil

Turmeric comes from the botanical family Zingiberaceae or ginger. The root is well known for its cancer-fighting properties and its delicious taste in Indian foods. Today, we’re talking about the top uses and benefits of turmeric essential oil. 

Turmeric essential oil is extracted via steam distillation from the rhizome. Aromatically, the warming and earthy oil is grounding for the mind and body and can promote deep relaxation. Turmeric oil blends exceptionally well with citrus oils like tangerine and other oils like ginger, pink pepper, and spice oils. In addition to aromatic use, you can harness the powers of turmeric topically and internally as well. Speaking of turmeric’s powers—turmeric oil has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-microbial, anti-malarial, anti-tumor, and anti-aging properties. 

Historically, the herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to help with jaundice, nausea, and gastritis. Today, turmeric oil is used for arthritis, blood clots, joint health, depression, epilepsy, neurological health, skin conditions, and pain. 

It’s no surprise that turmeric essential oil has so many health and wellness benefits given its long list of beneficial properties. Let’s dive in and talk about 7 benefits of turmeric essential oil. 

7 Benefits of Turmeric Essential Oil

Helps Prevent Neurologic Diseases 

It shouldn’t be news that turmeric is one of the best herbs and oils for supporting brain health. Research shows that turmeric oil’s major bioactive compound, turmerone inhibits microglia activation. Activation of microglia (cells located throughout the brain and spinal cord) are red flags when it comes to brain disease. 

An animal study also showed that in vitro and in vivo aromatic turmerone can cause neural stem cells to rapidly increase in number. Research like this proves turmeric oil to be a promising natural way to support regeneration necessary to prevent neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

Helps with Arthritis and Joint Issues 

Historically, Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine used turmeric to treat arthritis. Turmeric’s active components are known to inhibit inflammatory cytokines that produce arthritis and joint pain. 

The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry published a study that looked at the anti-arthritic effects of turmeric essential oil and learned that turmeric oil administered orally had modest anti-inflammatory effects on the joints of animal subjects. 

Relieves Anxious Feelings and Feelings of Depression 

As we’ve learned, turmeric is a strong relaxant and balancer and has been shown to help with anxiety and depression by promoting positive feeling and mood. 

One study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders supplemented patients with anxiety and depression and found that those who received curcumin from turmeric essential oil saw reduced symptoms of depression. 

Supports Healthy Skin 

Hyperpigmentation? Lines? Wrinkles? Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties that can help combat oxidative stress and free radicals in the body. Because of its antibacterial properties, turmeric oil can also act as a potent natural acne fighter. Internal use of turmeric oil can help with skin health but for acne and hyperpigmentation, try mixing 1-2 drops of turmeric with a ½ teaspoon of a carrier oil and applying it to the areas of concern. 

Helps Fight Colon Cancer 

Biofactors published a study that found that turmerone, a component of turmeric oil, is a “novel candidate for colon cancer prevention.” Researchers also believe that using turmerone in combination with curcumin may act as a potent means for the natural prevention of inflammation-associated colon cancer. 

Helps Fight Breast Cancer 

Turmeric has powerful anti-tumor properties, so it’s no surprise that it is one of the main natural candidates praised for helping fight breast cancer tumors. The Journal of Cellular Biochemistry published research that showed aromatic turmerone in turmeric essential oil inhibited the enzymatic activity of MMP-9 and COX-2 in human breast cancer cells. 

Turmerone also combatted TPA-induced invasion, migration, and colony formation in breast cancer cells. This is significant research that shows that turmeric oil can help prevent tumor growth. 

Potential to Reduce Leukemia Cells 

The International Journal of Molecular Medicine studied the effects of aromatic turmerone on the DNA of human leukemia cell lines. The study showed that turmerone caused cell death in human leukemia Molt 4B and HL-60. 

How to Use Turmeric Essential Oil 

1. Diffuse or inhale the aroma directly to help relax, boost mood, and overall wellness 
2. For topical applications for skin health, mix 1-2 drops of turmeric oil with ½-1 teaspoon of a carrier oil and apply to area of skin. 
3. For internal use, mix 1-2 drops of turmeric essential oil with raw honey and add to hot water. 
4. For the easiest way to reap the benefits of turmeric essential oil, try doTERRA’s Turmeric Dual Chamber Capsules 

DoTERRA TURMERIC DUAL CHAMBER CAPSULES 

doTERRA is the first to combine turmeric extract and turmeric essential oil into a dual chamber capsule for a unique, powerful synergy of turmerones and curcuminoids. Why is this so special? 

The combo maximizes the benefits and effectiveness of both compounds to promote a healthy inflammatory response. 

Research shows that curcuminoids have poor bioavailability—but when combined with turmerones from turmeric oil, bioavailability increases. And when bioavailability increased, that means you’re getting all the benefits quickly and easily. 

These turmeric dual-chamber capsules are some of my favorite doTERRA products. They’ll help with joint support, healthy inflammatory response, and fight free radicals while protecting the body from oxidative damage. Easy peasy. 

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