The essential oil of turmeric has been shown to help fight against breast and colon cancer as well as leukemia. Using lavender oil for sleep is probably one of the most common uses of this multi-tasking essential oil.

A 2013 study conducted by the Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture at Kyoto University in Japan showed that the aromatic turmerone (ar-turmerone) in turmeric essential oil as well as curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, both displayed the ability to help fight colon cancer in animal models, which is promising for humans struggling with the disease. The combination of curcumin and turmerone given by mouth at both low and high doses actually abolished tumor formation.For glowing skin, why not give our lemon and turmeric face mask a go? You only need three ingredients to create it, it takes just six steps to make and, the good news is, two of them are available here online and in-store.

Promote hair growth– Some research suggests lavender oil for hair’s benefits include stimulation of hair growth when rubbed directly into the scalp. You can try adding pure oil directly to your skin, or you can dilute oil in water or with a carrier oil for a more subtle scent.Soothe acne– a mixture of turmeric oil for skin and coconut, olive, jojoba or apricot oil (carrier oils) can help dry pimples out and prevent further breakouts due to its anti-fungal, antiseptic, antibacterial and soothing properties. 15,16 Consider combining lavender oil with other relaxing oils, like cedarwood essential oil or frankincense essential oil. My homemade lotion includes lavender, frankincense and peppermints oils, which smell great together and help reduce inflammation and improve the health of your skin. Research into acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease has shown these conditions may be caused by inflammation and oxidative stress and that they can be managed with antioxidants and supplements with soothing properties. 16 Liver and kidney lipoperoxidation (when free radicals “steal” necessary fat molecules from cell membranes) For more tips and lots of natural sleep remedies, head to the Comprehensive Guide To Sleeping Better.

For external use, including inflammation and pain relief: create a massage oil by diluting five drops of turmeric essential oil with five drops of a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) and apply it to areas of concern.As with all essential oils, turmeric essential oil should not be used undiluted, in the eyes or in other mucus membranes. Don’t take turmeric oil internally unless you’re working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Before applying any essential oil to your skin, always perform a small patch test after diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil. For stress relief and aromatherapy: diffuse or inhale two to three drops of turmeric essential oil. One study published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine looked at the the effects of aromatic turmerone isolated from turmeric on the DNA of human leukemia cell lines. The research showed that the turmerone caused selective induction of programmed cell death in human leukemia Molt 4B and HL-60 cells. However, the turmerone unfortunately did not have the same positive effect on human stomach cancer cells. This is promising research for ways to naturally fight leukemia. ( 11)

A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine evaluated how Lavandula’s antimicrobial ability is enhanced when it’s blended with other essential oils, like clove, cinnamon and tea tree oil. Researchers relayed that a 1:1 ratio of these oils was found to be the most effective in fighting against Candida albicans and Staph aureus — two common causes of many fungal and bacterial infections that lead to respiratory pneumonia and skin fungi. Research published in the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry showed that the aromatic turmerone found in turmeric essential oil inhibited undesirable enzymatic activity and expression of MMP-9 and COX-2 in human breast cancer cells. Turmerone also significantly inhibited TPA-induced invasion, migration and colony formation in human breast cancer cells. It’s a highly significant finding that components of turmeric essential oil can inhibit TPA’s abilities since TPA is a potent tumor promoter. ( 10) Turmeric is an orangey, yellow-coloured spice that comes from the turmeric plant. It has been used for thousands of years as both a cooking ingredient and a medicinal herb. 1 It’s the curcuminoids, also known as curcumins, that give turmeric its striking colour - so much so, they’re often used to colour food and cosmetics. 2 If you’re making homemade aromatherapy products, it’s helpful to know that turmeric essential oil blends nicely with ginger, cinnamon, blood orange, grapefruit, ylang ylang, vanilla and cardamom essential oils.

The compound curcumin, which gives turmeric its yellow colour, has been isolated by scientists as turmeric’s most important active ingredient. Studies have shown turmeric’s ability to help reduce pain, inflammation and stiffness related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. One study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry evaluated the anti-arthritic effects of turmeric essential oil and found that crude turmeric essential oil given orally at a dose that would correspond to 5,000 milligrams per day in humans had a modest anti-inflammatory effect on the joints of animal subjects. ( 7) Use caution when taking turmeric or curcumin at the same time as conventional medicines that are metabolised (broken down) by these enzymes. Free radicals, like toxins, chemicals and pollutants, are arguably the most dangerous and most common risk factor for every disease that affects Americans today. Free radicals are responsible for shutting down your immune system and can cause unbelievable damage to your body.