Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that helps manage allergic symptoms and minimize inflammation. While the treatment for allergic reactions depends on your condition’s severity, you may rely on turmeric to manage mild symptoms. This article digs deeper into the efficacy of turmeric for allergies, how it works, and ways to use it. Read on.
How Is Turmeric Good For Allergies?
A mice study showed topical curcumin to be an excellent anti-itching agent. It could reduce itching triggered by histamine release. Curcumin blocked TRPV1 (the capsaicin receptor) in the sensory neurons of mice. TRPV1 receptors are responsible for the painful and burning sensations (3). Both topical applications and oral intake of turmeric can keep your skin healthy. The spice has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It helps manage a number of skin conditions, including acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia, and vitiligo ( 4). Here are the ways you can use turmeric to help treat allergies.
How To Use Turmeric For Treating Allergies
For Consumption
Ensure you consume the right amount of turmeric, and not too much of it. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the acceptable daily intake of curcuminoids (a phenolic compound present in turmeric) should be within the range of 0-3 mg per kilogram of body weight (5). You can adjust the dosage accordingly after consulting your doctor.
1. Turmeric Powder
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant. Curcumin also has anti-allergic properties and inhibits the release of histamines. You Will Need Method Add turmeric powder to curries, fries, milk, salads, etc. How Often? You can consume turmeric at every meal; just be wary about the quantity.
2. Turmeric Milk
Milk is good for health (although it has nothing to do with your allergy). If you are lactose intolerant, however, you can go with coconut or almond milk. A high dose of honey can help you with the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) (6). Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, which is an anti-inflammatory agent (7). lack pepper contains piperine, which enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2000% (8). Ginger contains 6-gingerol, which, in a study, could help alleviate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis in mice (9). Cayenne pepper adds to the flavor of the concoction. You Will Need
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 cup of full-fat milk (you may use coconut or almond milk) 1 teaspoon of raw honey A pinch of cinnamon powder A pinch of ground black pepper A small piece of ginger A pinch of cayenne pepper
Method How Often? One glass a day, before going to bed. Note: Raw honey often contains grains of pollen that may cause an allergic reaction. If you are allergic to pollen, avoid using raw honey. Regular or processed honey doesn’t contain any pollen. However, it may not be as effective as raw honey.
3. Turmeric Tea
Honey can help treat sneezing, runny nose, and other symptoms of allergic rhinitis (6). The turmeric in the mixture can further help improve the allergic symptoms. However, avoid raw honey if you are allergic to pollen. You Will Need
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon of honey 1 cup of water
Method How Often? Twice a day.
4. Turmeric Water
The curcumin in turmeric has anti-allergic properties that inhibit histamine release and reduce allergy symptoms. You Will Need
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric A glass of water
Method How Often? At least once a day.
5. Turmeric With Apple Cider Vinegar And Honey
Lemon contains vitamin C, which effectively blocks histamine release in the body. A study found that consuming vitamin C reduces the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (10). ACV is touted as a natural remedy for allergic reactions (though there is no evidence to support this statement). Honey helps in easing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (6). Black pepper contains piperine that enhances the absorption of curcumin, the major component of turmeric that combats allergies (8). You Will Need
1 tablespoon of ground turmeric 1 teaspoon of lemon zest 2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup of honey 1/4 tablespoon of black pepper Mortar and pestle
Method How Often? Have a tablespoon of the mixture every day. Store the rest of the mixture in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It should last for about a week.
6. Turmeric With Lemon And Honey
This smoothie could especially be used to treat sinus allergies. Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which helps block histamine release (10). Raw honey has propolis, which boosts the immune system (11). Cayenne pepper is believed to reduce nasal congestion and stuffiness; however, more research is warranted in this aspect. You Will Need
2 medium pieces of turmeric root 1 lemon 1 teaspoon of honey Water A pinch of cayenne pepper A banana (optional)
Method How Often? Once a day, whenever you want. You can replace your breakfast with this smoothie.
7. Turmeric With Olive Oil And Water
Natural plant polyphenols are said to have anti-allergic properties. Olive oil is rich in these polyphenols that may help relieve allergic symptoms. Moreover, it is also rich in antioxidants that could help boost your immune system (12). Both black pepper and turmeric help in soothing allergic symptoms. You Will Need
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1/4 teaspoon of olive oil A pinch of black pepper powder A glass of water
Method How Often? Consuming this once daily will help you get relief from seasonal allergies.
For Topical Application
8. Turmeric Juice With Honey
Honey has anti-inflammatory properties and could help soothe the affected areas (13). Turmeric has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (4). These may help combat rashes.
1 teaspoon of turmeric juice 2 tablespoons of honey
Method How Often Once a day, before taking a bath.
9. Turmeric Paste
Chilled milk (or chilled water) may feel soothing on your skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can further soothe the skin allergy and promote skin health (4). You Will Need
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric A few drops of chilled milk (or water)
Method How Often Once a day, before taking a bath.
10. Turmeric With Sandalwood Paste
Sandalwood oil has antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory, properties that could help alleviate skin issues (14). Hence, the sandalwood powder may also have similar effects and could help calm allergic skin reactions along with turmeric. However, there is no direct research to establish these effects. You Will Need
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 teaspoon of red sandalwood Lukewarm water
Method How Often Twice a day. In addition to these remedies, it is important to follow a few tips and precautions. These are listed below.
Precautions To Follow While Using Turmeric For Treating Allergies
Curcumin is a contact allergen (15). Although it has therapeutic and skin benefits, it might cause allergic reactions. Hence, before using turmeric, you need to ascertain a few things:
Find out if you are allergic to turmeric (curcumin, to be specific). If yes, avoid turmeric altogether. Never use or consume more than the prescribed amount of turmeric. Anything excess is not good for health. Stick to the measurements. If you are taking curcumin supplements, never self-medicate. Talk to a doctor or a nutritionist and follow their advice on supplements. If you are pregnant or lactating, be careful with turmeric intake. Consult a doctor to ensure safety. When applying turmeric, be wary of the possible stains. It might leave stains on your clothes and your skin. These are not harmful usually and can be washed away. Oral consumption of turmeric may cause nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea in some people (if you are allergic to turmeric). Hence, exercise caution. Never intake a large dosage of turmeric. It is said to cause abnormal heart rhythm although the reason behind it is still unknown. If you have gallbladder issues, turmeric might worsen it. If you have undergone any surgery, avoid turmeric as it might slow down the blood clotting process (16).
Can turmeric supplements cause an allergic reaction? Yes, they can. How much turmeric do you have to take for treating allergies? As suggested by the doctor or between 0-3 mg/kg every day. How long does it take for turmeric to work? The results can vary from person to person. You may generally notice improvements in around 4-8 weeks. Can I take turmeric and vitamin D together? Yes, you may take both together. The curcumin in turmeric interacts with vitamin D receptors and significantly improves vitamin D levels in the body(15). However, consult a doctor before taking any supplements. Can turmeric make eczema worse? No. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help manage eczema symptoms (16).
