Turmeric needs a publicist, because it is a lot more than just a trendy spice used to make instagrammable golden lattes. Known in South Asia as haldi, the use of turmeric dates back 4000 years to Vedic times in India. It was used as a spice for food, but it was also used medicinally and religiously. 

According to the Indian Journal of Cosmetology, turmeric may be the first known cosmetic and was traditionally applied to women’s skin. Turmeric is believed to reduce facial hair growth, improve hyperpigmentation, and reduce acne. It is anti-inflammatory, and is known to leave a fresh glow on your skin after use. 

In fact, turmeric has been used in Indian wedding traditions for centuries. The day before the wedding ceremony, family and friends come together for the haldi ceremony to smear a paste of turmeric, yogurt, and sandalwood onto the couple’s skin. This is considered auspicious due to the healing and antibacterial properties of turmeric, and the color yellow signifying positivity, new beginnings, and fertility. It is also considered by some to ward off the evil-eye. 

But why save the glow just for your wedding day? 

Here are three ways you can use turmeric as more than just a kitchen spice. I wanted to focus on ways to use it at home that are cost-effective and routine, rather than an expensive facial or extravagant event.

1. Exfoliating Scrub

Combine a pinch of turmeric with a tablespoon of chickpea flour (also known as besan) and two tablespoons of yogurt (any kind will do). 

Ground oats can be substituted if chickpea flour is not accessible to you. 

Gently rub this onto clean skin, massaging well. Wash off with warm water. 

This can also be applied to your arms and legs. 

The addition of chickpea flour or oat flour here results in an exfoliating treatment, leaving your skin fresh and glowy. 

2. Face Mask

Combine a pinch of turmeric, two tablespoons of yogurt (any kind will do), and half a tablespoon of honey. 

Apply to your face and leave on for up to one hour. Careful! If this gets onto your furniture, it will stain! 

Once hardened, wash off with warm water.

If you were up late last night and have dark eye bags, this face mask can be applied to a targeted area to brighten. 

3. Bath 

Mix a tablespoon of turmeric with a cup of warm milk and use it to soak your skin before rinsing off in the shower. 

The lactic acid from the milk combined with the antioxidant properties of turmeric can help to remove dead skin cells, brighten skin, and even out your skin tone. 

This is also religiously considered to be a purifying bath in Hinduism, and can help protect you against the evil eye.