How to Use Turmeric for PCOS

Incorporate turmeric in your daily life to help improve your symptoms. Learn how to use turmeric for PCOS in this informative article.

Turmeric, the Golden Spice of Life 

Also known as Indian saffron, turmeric is a prized spice which has a very long history of medicinal use, dating as far back as 4000 years ago. 

This important spice is known for having several anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and healing compounds. One of its active compounds which is widely known is called curcumin. Curcumin has been studied quite extensively for its therapeutic benefits. 

One of the purported health benefits of turmeric is its use in reproductive issues including menstrual troubles and more. Read on to find out reasons why turmeric is special for PCOS sufferers:

Why you Should Use Turmeric for PCOS 

1. Powerful Antioxidant 

Turmeric contains powerful antioxidant compounds including curcumin in it. These antioxidants protect our body from oxidative stress. 

Oxidative stress is caused by unstable molecules called free radicals that steal oxygen from healthy cells to become stable. 

Within the body, curcumin activates our natural antioxidant enzymes which neutralize free radicals, protecting our cells from damage.

People with PCOS are encouraged to consume antioxidant-rich foods to stop oxidative stress which causes a whole host of problems in the reproductive system. 

2. Strong Anti-inflammatory 

The anti-inflammatory action of turmeric is almost unmatched when it comes to natural healing herbs – it is even compared to anti-inflammatory medications but without the side effects! 

Turmeric fights inflammation at the molecular level. It has been shown to decrease the neurotransmitter responsible for pain which is known as neuropeptide substance P. 

Increased inflammation is one of the major causes of aggravated PCOS symptoms including prolonged heavy and painful menstruation. 

3. Reduces Pain 

Another amazing benefit of turmeric for PCOS is its effective pain-relieving compounds. 

Coupled with its anti-inflammatory effects, turmeric is a wonder for aiding in reducing PCOS symptoms such as migraines and painful menstruation.

4. Supports Detoxification

Another benefit of turmeric for PCOS is that it aids in liver detoxification.

A healthy liver is needed to filter out all the wastes and toxins that accumulate in the body, which contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress, that in turn exacerbate PCOS. 

Turmeric has been shown to help in phase 2 detoxification of the liver, which plays a role in breaking down excess hormones and other wastes in the body. Curcumin also helps regenerate liver cells which helps support optimal liver function.

5. Helps with Hirsutism

It may be a surprise but turmeric has been used as a hair removal aid in the Indian subcontinent.

This may be helpful for those with PCOS related hirsutism or unwanted hair growth. 

The idea is that a paste of turmeric mixed with water and other ingredients such as honey is applied to fresh waxed or shaved skin to thwart hair growth. 

6. Improves Insulin Resistance

Many PCOS sufferers have insulin resistance as one of their symptoms. Turmeric can help manage it well. 

This study shows that curcumin could favorably affect most of the leading aspects of diabetes, including insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and islet apoptosis and necrosis.

7. Fights Depression 

Believe it or not, turmeric is also good at fighting depression and improving mood. 

Curcumin in turmeric elevates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF), which people suffering from depression have lower levels of.

Taking turmeric also boosts serotonin and dopamine (the happy and feel good hormones) which helps decrease depression. 

8. Balances Hormones 

PCOS is a hormonal problem caused by excess androgens (male hormones) in the body. By supporting liver health, turmeric can help you balance your hormones. 

Most hormonal imbalances are caused by underlying issues such as oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, chronic stress and decreased immune function. 

Taking turmeric can help combat these issues thereby helping your body regulate hormones.

9. Improves Fertility 

The anti-inflammatory action, antioxidant compounds and liver detoxification properties of turmeric help support and enhance fertility.

Antioxidants in turmeric prevent damage to egg health which is important for PCOS ladies trying to conceive. 

How to Use Turmeric for PCOS

Two tips when taking turmeric: 

1. Take it with a healthy fat such as milk, nuts or olive oil. Curcumin is fat-soluble and not easily absorbed in your system unless you take it with a fat-containing meal. For example, fry your egg in coconut oil and sprinkle pepper and turmeric on top, put turmeric in guacamole (avocados = healthy fat) or put a pinch into coffee with some butter or coconut oil.
2. You must pair it with black pepper. Piperine, a compound in black pepper makes the bioavailability or absorption of curcumin in the body increase by 2,000%! Always add a pinch of black pepper too, whenever you are adding turmeric to your meals.

10 Effective Ways to Use Turmeric for PCOS

Internal Use: 

1. Add it to Smoothies or Juice

Turmeric has an aromatic earthy taste which can easily be masked in a smoothie. All you need is a pinch or two in any smoothie or freshly made juice. 

2. Put a Pinch in your Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate

Adding a pinch of turmeric and a pinch of black pepper into your morning brew or hot chocolate makes a difference! What’s more is that you won’t even taste it, yet you will reap the benefits.

3. Spice Up your Curries 

Indian cuisine uses turmeric as one of the main ingredients in their curries. Next time you’re making a curry, add some turmeric to spice it up.

4. Make Golden Milk

‘Golden’ milk has become so popular nowadays, but it has been drank for ages in the Ayurvedic diet. Here’s a recipe that’s delish! 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of organic dairy milk or almond, hemp, or other nut milk
• ½ tsp turmeric powder 
• ¼ tsp cinnamon powder 
• ¼ tsp black pepper powder
• ½ to 1 tsp honey

Instructions: 

• In a pan, add the ingredients and whisk everything to combine. 
• Place the pan over the stove and warm the contents over a medium flame while whisking.
• Once hot (don’t boil), strain into a mug. 
• Enjoy while hot! 

5. Take a Turmeric Supplement 

When using turmeric as a treatment, it’s best to take it as a supplement because this will offer a larger dose of curcumin. Make sure to consult your doctor before taking turmeric supplements especially if you have other health issues.

6. Put it in Soup or Bone Broth

Amp up the nutrient content and flavour of your soups and broths by adding turmeric! Don’t forget to add a few pinches of black pepper too! 

External Use: 

7. Try Turmeric Essential Oil

Yes, turmeric essential oil exists! And it is helpful for curbing PCOS symptoms like pain and inflammation. It blends well with ginger, grapefruit, clary Sage, cinnamon, and clove essential oils. 

Here is a 2% dilution blend (the recommended essential oil dilution rate for adults) you can use on your lower belly during menstruation:

Ingredients:

• 1 oz olive oil
• 6 drops turmeric essential oil
• 6 drops ginger essential oil
• 6 drops grapefruit essential oil (this oil is photosensitive so don’t wear it and then expose your skin to the sun)

Instructions:

• In 1 oz of olive oil, add 6 drops each of turmeric, ginger and grapefruit essential oils. 
• Combine well and store in an amber glass dropper bottle. 
• Massage a few drops of the blend onto your lower belly in gentle circular motions.

8. Whip Up a Turmeric Face Mask 

A turmeric face mask can help soothe PCOS acne and also help reduce unwanted facial hair. Note: Turmeric can stain so don’t use a lot.

Ingredients

• ¼ to ½ tsp turmeric powder 
• 1 tbsp bentonite clay 
• Rose water

Instructions

• In a non-metallic bowl (metal reacts with clay and neutralizes it), combine the ingredients to form a paste.
• Apply it on your face with a brush or clean fingers.
• Let it sit till dry then gently rinse off with warm water.
• Pat your face dry and moisturize.

9. Facial Steam with Turmeric

Facial steaming is good for unclogging blocked pores, fighting acne and improving skin. Next time you prepare water for facial steaming, add about 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder into it.

10. Soak in a Turmeric Epsom Salt Bath

Into warm running bath water, add 2 cups of Epsom salts and about 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder. Swirl the bath water to combine and soak to relieve stress, fight pain and improves skin.

You have reached end of this article, ‘How to Use Turmeric for PCOS.’ I hope you found it useful! Thank you for reading.