Mother Nature has bestowed upon us amazing herbs and one such powerful healing herb is Kasturi Manjal or Wild Turmeric, which has been used since times immemorial in India as a natural beauty ingredient. Kasturi Manjal belongs to the Curcuma family Zingiberaceae, and it is also known as Curcuma aromatic, which is valued for its health and skin-enhancing properties. This rejuvenating herb is majorly used for cosmetic purposes in many regions of South Asia. Kasturi Manjal is the perfect variety of turmeric for topical applications, as it is distinct from regular turmeric, and it doesn’t stain the skin.
Kasturi Manjal or Wild Turmeric is one among the 80 members of the plant family Zingiberaceae. It is widely grown in the eastern Himalayas and in South India, native to Tamil Nadu Kasturi manjal has been used by South Indian women in their regular beauty care regimen. Kasturi Manjal has rhizomes with a distinct fragrance and cream colour. The fresh stalk bearing flowers and leaves can be used as a floral indoor decoration in a vase for up to a week.
Kasturi Manjal is used in traditional medicine for external applications for curing skin diseases, sprain, bruises, snake poison and improving skin complexion and texture. This wonder ingredient is credited to have potent anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-melanogenic, antioxidant, anti-tumour, anti-cancer, anti-repellent, antitussive, anti-platelet activity and anti-nephrotoxic properties.
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This aromatic herb is known by different vernacular names in India including Aromatic Turmeric in English, Kasturi Pasupu in Telugu, Kasthuri Manjal in Tamil, Kasturi Haldi, Jangli Haldi in Hindi, Kasthoori Manjal in Malayalam, Ran Halad in Marathi, Kasthuri Arishina in Kannada, Shati in Bengali and Zedoari in Gujarati.
Also Read: Haldi: Benefits, Uses, Formulation, Ingredients, Dosage And Side Effects
Chemical Composition
Wild turmeric or Kasturi manjal is bestowed with a treasure trove of bioactive plant compounds such as curcumin, zederone, curdione, neocurdione, curcumol, tetramethyl pyrazine, 1,2 hexadecane diol, noeprocurcumenol and 9-oxo-neoprocurcumenol. It also contains volatile oils like ar-curcumene, xanthorrhoea, germacrene, camphor, curzerenone, 7-methanoazulene, 1,8-cineole and linalool.
Health Benefits
Remedies Cough
Potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Kasturi manjal helps in curing cough effectively and eases sore throat. Boil a cup of water, add a pinch of Kasturi manjal powder and have this infusion twice daily to get respite from chest congestion and cough.
Prevents Cancer
A storehouse of antioxidants Kasturi manjal helps combat off free radicals from damaging healthy cells and averts the risk of chronic ailments. While anti-cancer traits of this aromatic rhizome are best known to lessen the growth and formation of tumour cells and avert the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Treats Wounds
The natural healing actions of Kasturi manjal is valuable in treating wounds, scars, snake bites and scrapes. The bioactive compounds in Kasturi manjal promote cell regeneration, facilitate the healing process, and help in curing scar tissue.
Natural Mosquito Repellent
Kasturi manjal is attributed to have mosquito repellent actions that safeguard the skin against mosquito bites. The richness of curcumin in wild turmeric aids in soothing itching and strong aroma fend off the mosquitoes.
Kasturi Manjal For Skin Health
Potential anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing and antimelanogenic characteristics of Kasturi manjal has been greatly valued for improving skin health and beauty. Each type of turmeric has its distinct uses and health incentives, but when it comes to topical applications, Kasturi manjal is the best.
Kasturi manjal heals a host of skin ailments and has been used traditionally for curing acne, acne scars, eczema, pigmentation, dark circles, pimples and for uplifting skin glow and radiance. The ideal way to use Kasturi manjal for skincare is in the form of face packs and bath powders. It works well for both oily and dry skin. For dry skin blend it along with curd, yogurt, or milk or if you have oily skin, mix it along with rose water.
Also Read: Skin Care: 5 Amazing Ways In Which Turmeric Helps
Treats Skin Tan
Kasturi manjal is a sure shot remedy for fading away hyperpigmentation and skin tan. Apply a paste of Kasturi manjal mixed with rose water to the exposed skin, let it stay for 20 minutes and rinse well. Repeat this daily to instantly brighten up the skin complexion and tone.
Combats Acne
Thanks to its antibacterial actions, Kasturi manjal act as an effective remedy for acne by fending off acne-causing bacteria. Regular application of Kasturi manjal paste helps in clearing acne scars and making the skin blemish-free.
Delays Signs Of Ageing
Laden with antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory traits, Kasturi manjal helps in flushing toxins from the blood, treats oxidative free radical damage and other skin woes. Applying Kasturi manjal face packs helps in averting the signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines and uplifts skin radiance and glow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Kasturi Manjal?
Kasturi manjal or the wild turmeric or Curcuma aromatica, is a kind of turmeric variety used primarily for cosmetic and medicinal purposes rather than cooking. It is highly valued for its unique fragrance and skin-healing benefits.
How Is Kasturi Manjal Different From Regular Turmeric?
Kasturi manjal is different from regular turmeric (Curcuma longa). It is not typically used in cooking owing to its strong and bitter flavour. It is primarily used for topical applications on the skin for its cosmetic benefits. In contrast, regular turmeric is used as an essential spice in food to enhance the colour, flavour and taste of the dish.
What Are The Skin Benefits Of Kasturi Manjal?
Kasturi manjal is known for its plethora of skin benefits, including improving complexion, reducing acne and blemishes, controlling excess oil, lightening dark spots, and providing a natural glow. It is also believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Can Kasturi Manjal Be Used For All Skin Types?
Yes, Kasturi Manjal is suitable for all skin types. However, those with sensitive skin or any skin allergies should do a patch test before trying it extensively to ensure they do not have any adverse reactions.
How Do I Use Kasturi Manjal For Skincare?
Kasturi manjal can be used in numerous ways, such as in face packs, masks, and scrubs. The best way is to mix it with other natural ingredients like yogurt, milk, honey, or rose water to make a smooth paste and apply it to the facial region. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
Does Kasturi Manjal Stain The Skin?
Unlike regular turmeric, kasturi manjal does not typically stain the skin yellow. However, it is still recommended to use it in moderation and to rinse thoroughly to avoid any temporary discolouration.
( This article is reviewed by Soumita Basu Ayurvedic Pharma Expert)
References:
A Comprehensive Review on the Therapeutic Potential of Curcuma longa Linn. in Relation to its Major Active Constituent Curcumin
Shivkanya Fuloria, 1 , † Jyoti Mehta, 2 , † Aditi Chandel, 2 Mahendran Sekar, 3 , † Nur Najihah Izzati Mat Rani, 4 M. Yasmin Begum, 5 Vetriselvan Subramaniyan, 6 Kumarappan Chidambaram, 7 Lakshmi Thangavelu, 8 Rusli Nordin, 6 Yuan Seng Wu, 9 Kathiresan V. Sathasivam, 10 Pei Teng Lum, 3 Dhanalekshmi Unnikrishnan Meenakshi, 11 Vinoth Kumarasamy, 6, 12 Abul Kalam Azad,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8990857/
Potential of Curcumin in Skin Disorders
Laura Vollono,1 Mattia Falconi,2 Roberta Gaziano,3 Federico Iacovelli,2 Emi Dika,4 Chiara Terracciano,5 Luca Bianchi,1 and Elena Campione1,*
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770633/
