If you have any social media account at all, you’ve likely experienced the internet’s obsession with coconut oil and its many uses – makeup remover, butter replacement, deep conditioner, the list goes on.

But there’s a new super ingredient in town and its effects are golden.

World, meet turmeric.

An often-overlooked gem in the spice aisle, turmeric is the main ingredient in Indian curries, credited with supplying its intense golden hue. But apart from flavouring and dyeing food, turmeric’s main component, curcumin, is a chemical wonder for decreasing inflammation and acts as a great antioxidant.

Here are just a couple of ways to introduce this savoury spice into your everyday routine.

All Natural Makeup
What if you could make your makeup from things you buy everyday in the grocery store? All-natural beauty blogger The Farmer’s Daughter may be onto something. She mixes turmeric with beetroot powder to obtain a beautiful, glowing blush. For a more luminous finish, try mixing it with a bit of moisturizer.

Brighten Your Smile
Even though turmeric can stain your clothes like no tomorrow, it’s actually great for whitening your teeth. Simply mix a little coconut oil, baking soda, and turmeric together, brush for one minute, and marvel at your squeaky clean smile. If you’re hesitant to use this mixture, you can also sprinkle some turmeric on top of your commercial toothpaste to ease in to the process.

The Softest Face Mask
Turmeric is great for brightening your skin tone, but beyond that it works to suppress additional melatonin production caused by sun exposure. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it great for combating skin irritations, acne, and premature aging. Check out the recipe here. But be warned: if you’re a little on the fairer side, the mask may temporarily stain your skin for a few hours.

Soothe Your Stomach
The people of the Japanese island prefecture Okinawa (aka the nation with the world’s longest average lifespan) reportedly drink turmeric tea daily. It helps settle bloating, gas, and other digestive issues. Follow Dr. Oz’s simple recipe for turmeric tea, sit back, and enjoy its soothing benefits.

Photo: Meghan Telpner

Unleash Your Artistic Side
If you’re a bit of a klutz in the kitchen, you know that turmeric leaves a nasty stain on your clothes. But why not use that to your advantage? Add a few tablespoons to boiling water, let it simmer, and tie-dye to your heart’s content. It’s a great way to brighten up your everyday belongings without using any harmful chemicals.

Cover photo: Osha Key