Warm and bitter tasting, Turmeric, a flowering plant and member of the ginger family, in recent years has been recognized as a super food in reducing inflammation. The root, found naturally growing in Southeast Asia and India, is used fresh or boiled in water and dried and then ground into a deep orange-yellow powder. Responsible for giving curry its rich yellow color, Turmeric has been used in Indian cultures for thousands of years as a medicinal herb and spice. While Asian and Indian cultures have recognized turmeric as a healing ingredient for thousands of years, the Western World has only recently recognized turmeric as a super ingredient, offering benefits to the body and brain. A curcumin compound found in turmeric contains the magical ingredient that may act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and aid the body in healing.

Turmeric’s healing properties are known to reduce stress, heal the body’s inflammatory response, regulate hormones, and reduce toxicity acting as a secondary benefit to helping hair to grow. When added to hair products such as shampoo and conditioner, turmeric has been found to improve hair health and reduce breakage. Turmeric’s properties also have known indications for purifying the scalp and reducing dandruff. Like finasteride, turmeric has been shown to inhibit 5-AR and the effects of DHT, inhibiting the enzyme known to play a part in androgenetic alopecia.

Turmeric consumption in supplement form is generally considered safe, however, consultation with a physician is always advised. Turmeric can be found naturally in food, such as curry, and turmeric tea and milk are believed to bring about reduced inflammation and are generally considered safe at a daily consumption of 2,000 to 2,500 mg per day. Turmeric can also be found in supplement form, such as LOCKrx DEFENSE.

By reducing inflammation, turmeric may help to ameliorate the causes of hair loss and encourage growth. Its adaptogen properties may also help the body to heal and recover more quickly from conditions that may negatively affect hair follicles and scalp tissue. While turmeric may aid in brightening skin tone, preventing and treating some cancer types, and decreasing the risk of heart disease, it may also help those who suffer from hair thinning and hair loss. Modern day research and science seem to be catching on to what ancient civilizations have known all along—turmeric is a miracle ingredient.