TURMERIC ESSENTIAL OIL (CURCUMA LONGA) - ESSENTIAL OILS

Botanical Name:  Curcuma Longa

Common Method of Extraction: CO2.

Part Typically Used: Extraction pulls out all oil friendly compounds from turmeric root. At Living Libations, we use a topical application of the extracted root instead of the typical powder capsules, which cannot capture all of the soluble medicinal properties of the oil.

Color:  Yellow to brown liquid

Consistency:  Thin

Perfumery Note:

Strength of Initial Aroma:  sweet wood with subtle hints of spice

Turmeric is a native to South Asia , particularly India , but is cultivated in many warm regions of the world. It can be found growing extensively in all of India , but does especially well in the regions of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.

Turmeric became valuable to humans when it was discovered that the powdered rhizome preserved the freshness and nutritive value of foods. It was originally used in curries and other food to improve storage conditions, palatability, and preservation. Because of its preservation properties, Turmeric played a vital role in survival and sustainability in South Asia , and was valued more than gold and precious stones.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa root) has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Also known as "Indian Saffron", the aroma, too, is simply wonderful.

Turmeric oil is used in food for coloring and spice effect. Turmeric used as spice il is in food industry.

The Latin name for Turmeric is “Curcuma Longa”, which comes from the Arabic name for the plant, “Kurkum”. It comes from the Zingiberaceae family (same as Ginger) and in Sanskrit is called “Haridra” (The Yellow One), “Gauri” (The One Whose Face is Light and Shining), “Kanchani” (Golden Goddess), and Aushadhi (Herb). It is called “Jiang Huang” in Chinese, and “Haldi” (Yellow) in Hindi, the most common name in India.

Turmeric is a native to South Asia , particularly India, but is cultivated in many warm regions of the world. It can be found growing extensively in all of India , but does especially well in the regions of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal , and Maharashtra.

It is also cultivated in Sri Lanka , Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Indochina, Peru, Haiti, and Jamacia.

India is the largest producer in the world: Jamacia and Peru are the chief exporters, and Iran the largest importer. Other large importers are the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Sri Lanka, Singapore and the Middle East.

When analyzed Turmeric oil may show the presence of 400 - 500 different kinds of molecules. What is even more amazing is that many of these molecules have receptor sites in our neuroendocrine systems too.

Turmeric mixes well with other spice oils, and other joint and muscle care oils.

You can seldom find an Indian kitchen without this noble herb named "Turmeric", used since 4000 years in the ancient healing system known as Ayurveda. Ayurveda has proudly named Turmeric as an "All-Purpose Cleanser",

This powerful essential oil can be diluted with carrier oils and used as a topical application

Chemical composition:

Turmeric oil contains varying concentration of curcumin, zingiberine, ketone, essential oils, phellandrene, limonene, ar-turmerone, a-turmerone, ß-turmerone, 1,8-cineole. Among these turmerone is the major constituent

The Curcuminoids are natural phenols that are responsible for the yellow color of Turmeric. Research has identified Curcumin as the agent responsible for most of the biological activity of Turmeric.

Curcumin based supplements for treating diabetic wounds found no significant positive outcome for human use.

The active ingredient in Turmeric “Curcumin”, although in its raw state turmeric only contains 2-5% Curcumin. Combined with Black Pepper, Curcumin becomes 2000 times more potent. Curcumin is now extracted from Turmeric, sold as supplements, and is the basis of most scientific research

Turmeric has hundreds of molecular constituents, each with a variety of biological activities. There are at least 20 molecules that are anti-biotic, 14 that are known cancer preventatives, 12 that are anti-tumor, 12 are anti-inflammatory and there are at least 10 different anti-oxidants. One database presented over 326 known biological activities of Turmeric. The rhizome is 70% carbohydrates, 7% protein, 4% minerals, and at least 4% essential oils. It also has vitamins, other alkaloids, and is about 1% resin.

Curcuma longa has a great importance in the food, textile, and pharmaceutical industries. It is native to tropical Tamilnadu, in southeast India, and needs temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C.

This grand herb known as "Kanchani" in Sanskrit meaning "The Golden Goddess".

The Arya culture was a group of people who worshipped the solar system and the sun as a deity. Turmeric was very sacred to them, due to its golden yellow color (like sunlight) and they believed it had special protective properties. Remnants of this belief still exist today, particularly in South India, where some people wear a dried Turmeric rhizome bead the size of a large grape around their neck or arm. This is an ancient talisman tradition used to ward off evil and grant to the wearer healing and protection.

People of ancient India believed that Turmeric contained the energy of the Divine Mother, helped to grant prosperity, cleanse the Chakras (energy centers in the body), and purify the channels of the subtle body.

The brilliant color has also been used for dyeing silk and wool; the robes of Buddhist monks were traditionally dyed with Turmeric.

“Each spice has a special day to it. For Turmeric it is Sunday, when light drips fat and butter-colored into the bins to be soaked up glowing, when you pray to the nine planets for love and luck.” ~ Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, The Mistress of Spices.

Turmeric essential oil is an anti-microbial oil rich in antioxidants and potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric oil may activate more than a dozen protective anti-inflammatory proteins in the skin cells.

Turmeric oil finds applications in the pharmaceutical industry because of its role in relieving pain, anxiety and stress: fighting physical and mental depression.

One of the most incredible things about Turmeric is that its phytonutrients actually attract electrons, which may lead to the long-term protection of cells. Certain antioxidants like Vitamin C and Co-Q10 are consumed in the process of neutralizing free radicals: essences like Cinnamon and Turmeric may provide long term protection to the cell. The effect is known to be extremely beneficial for cells throughout the body, and may protect them from oxidative stress.

Turmeric has traditionally been used to disinfect cuts and burns, dull pain, treat depression, block glycation, bind to and activate Vitamin D receptors, accelerate the healing of wounds, treat arthritis, soothe damaged skin, relieve insecurity.

It has been noted potentially helpful for arthritis care and at the same time, should benefit anyone seeking to address joint and muscle aches and pains.

This supercritical extract has traditionally been used to detoxify the liver and lift the spirits. Turmeric may also offer protection from oxidative injury to cell membranes and DNA. The CO2 essential oil is noted to be antimicrobial and anticancer.

Alterative properties proven to be the best natural cure for the most problematical human illnesses like cancer, HIV / AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, urinary tract infections, amenorrhea, hemorrhoids, gallstones, sexually transmitted diseases (STD) like Genital Herpes, Hepatitis-C.

It improves blood circulation and helps in treating female health problems like amenorrhea, dysmennorhea, uterine tumors, endometriosis and cysts. It treats diabetes, kidney pain, colitis, food poisoning, headache, vascular dysfunction, blood pressure, inflammation, swelling and reduces excess cholesterol.

Turmeric has been used in numerous Ayurvedic treatments to help fight against cancer. To restrain the development of fresh blood vessels in tumors and holds its growth. According to Ayurveda, this energizing herb is meant to support the imbalance of Kapha body type.

Turmeric is used as an effective remedy in numerous natural weight-loss treatments. It also helps in resuming the function of Pitta and Vata body types also.

Side effects:

Advised to consult an expert Ayurvedic Practitioner before using this oil internally and if you are pregnant or getting ready for a child.

Turmeric is the beauty secret of Queens since the prehistoric period. Ayurveda suggests the use of Turmeric daily as it protects the skin from harmful bodies and gives a flawless fair complexion.

Turmeric essential oil in innumerable skin care products in the market for it is celebrated to treat wounds, eczema, wrinkles, pigmentation of skin, pimples, acne, psoriasis, cuts, burns and other skin infections. It can also be added to your bath tub for an aromatic, healing, stimulating and energizing bath.

Turmeric oil has been found particularly helpful for prevention of hair loss in cases of male pattern baldness.

This supercritical extract has traditionally been used to soothe damaged skin. It can also be used as an ingredient in toothpastes.