For the last couple of years, I've seen beauty secrets that have been staples in South Asian countries for thousands of years suddenly become trendy in the West. And I'm glad everyone's finally catching on, because we all deserve to be able to whip up miraculous beauty products with things we can find in our kitchens.Undoubtedly, 2015 was the year of coconut oil, but 2016 looks like it will be the year of turmeric. This antioxidant, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory powder — normally used as a cooking spice — will work wonders in your beauty routine. It's so good, in fact, that Indian brides cover their entire bodies in a paste made from it on the morning of their wedding so that their glow is unmatched on their wedding night. And honestly, who doesn't want to look as good as an Indian bride?
Here, my six favorite DIY turmeric recipes to make you radiant.
Turmeric-Honey Paste
Mix raw honey with turmeric powder to use as a face mask, or to dab on pimples or burns to help soothe skin. The combination of honey and turmeric makes for twice the glow. My favorite honey to use with this recipe is Tasmanian Manuka Honey, which is known for its medicinal properties. But you can use any honey as long as it's raw (it will say so on the bottle). Never put the stuff that comes in a bear-shaped bottle on your skin, though. Bad idea.
Turmeric Bath
Light some candles, fill up your tub with warm water, and toss in half a cup of turmeric powder. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. I know this sounds like a little much but, trust me, Queen of Baths, when I tell you that maybe staining your tub yellow (you can scrub it off with bleach) is worth it for how good your skin will look.
Turmeric-&-Papaya Face Mask
Peel and mash a raw papaya into a pulpy texture and add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon turmeric powder. Mix it well into a paste, apply it on your skin, and leave on for 15 minutes or until it dries. Scrub it off gently with warm water. Papaya is already great for your skin thanks to its enzymes, but when you combine it with the turmeric powder, its effects leave your skin super-bright and supple. It's also said to help remove and prevent unwanted facial hair, when used regularly.
Golden Turmeric Milk
This recipe varies from person to person, but this is the version I love: Bring 2 cups of coconut milk, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder or raw turmeric root, and a small piece of ginger to a boil. Turn down the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes, then take it off the heat, cover it, and let it sit for 10 minutes before drinking. You can also add honey to sweeten it. Not only does this taste amazing, but the health and beauty benefits are endless — it's said to help with everything from indigestion to depression to acne.
Turmeric-&-Yogurt Face Mask
My favorite recipe of the bunch, this consists of gram (or chickpea) flour, plain yogurt, and turmeric powder mixed into a thick paste. You can use it on your face, or any problem areas on your skin. Leave it on until it dries and then rinse off with warm water. I don't know how many different ways I could articulate how amazing you will look, so let's just say that it's really, really, REALLY good.
Turmeric-&-Olive-Oil Hair Conditioner
Add turmeric to olive oil and massage the mixture into your scalp. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse it with a natural (read: surfactant-free) shampoo. This helps keep your hair healthy and treats a host of scalp conditions, especially dandruff. Also, maybe I'm crazy, but I kind of love the way olive oil makes my hair smell.
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Clarisonic Just Got An Adorable Makeover
10 Reasons You Should Finally Try Charcoal Beauty Products
Who Shaves What & How? A 104-Person Survey