5 turmeric uses that might surprise you

Turmeric from the ginger family is widely used in Southeast Asia as sort-of herbal medicine and therapeutic treatment. It is also commonly used as spice in most Indian cuisine, making this wonderful root one of the superfoods in the world.

However, did you know that there are many things you can do with turmeric besides using it as medicine or spice?

If you are unaware of the other amazing benefits it can give you, here are five surprising uses you ought to know.

WRINKLE TREATMENT

Turmeric has an exfoliating characteristic and can prevent symptoms of aging, Style Craze reports. With these components, turmeric can reduce fine lines and early signs of wrinkles on your face.

Simply mix turmeric powder and rice powder with tomato juice and milk, apply and let it stand on your face and neck for about 30 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Besides lessening visible signs of wrinkles, it will also help keep your skin glowing.

Not a fan of the facial mask? Treat it as an eye gel by adding a pinch of turmeric to two spoonful of buttermilk. It can reduce wrinkles and dark circles around your eyes.

NATURAL TEETH WHITENER

Turmeric has a natural staining power which, surprisingly, can help whiten your pearly whites, Mother Nature Network writes. Just make sure that it doesn't stay too long on the enamel of your teeth and to keep the amount at a minimum, say a pinch or two, and sprinkle it on your commercial toothpaste for better results.

POWER SHAKE BOOSTER FOR BREAKFAST OR PRE-WORKOUT

Natural Society shares that turmeric is a natural energy-booster that can immediately lift your mood as soon as you take it early in the morning.

By adding turmeric powder in your green superfood shake like kale or chia seeds, you are providing your body with the natural awakeners that it needs, plus, it's active ingredient -- curcumin -- can prevent cancer. Hence, you are really drinking more than an energy-booster but a cancer-fighter as well.

SCALP TREATMENT, ANTI-DANDRUFF AND NATURAL HAIR DYE

Mother Nature Network adds that besides your teeth and skin, turmeric is a great treatment for your scalp and hair problems.

To remedy dandruff, itchy scalp, thinning hair and even eczema, simply mix turmeric with olive oil, massage gently on your scalp and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing.

Surprisingly, turmeric can also be a natural hair dye to color and brighten your hair, specially for brown, yellow, red and blonde hues. Just boil the turmeric, let it cool down, apply on your hair and leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.

CRACKED HEELS SOFTENER

Style Craze writes that turmeric has a natural and excellent healing ingredient.

For cracked heels, all you have to do is mix three spoonful of turmeric to coconut or castor oil then apply it on the area for a maximum of ten to 15 minutes before you take a shower or a bath. If you do it regularly, your heels will return to its natural softness in no time.