Turmeric Essential Oil Benefits and DIY Recipes for Wellness
Turmeric oil benefits and uses, plus a turmeric massage oil recipe for joints and aching muscles, and how to dilute turmeric essential oil.
In this guide
Turmeric oil benefits include easing sore joints and aching muscles, calming irritated skin and supporting the immune system. Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, and the essential oil brings that warm, earthy power into simple home recipes. Below you will find what turmeric oil is good for, how to make turmeric oil for pain, and three easy DIY recipes.
Key takeaways
- Turmeric essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antimicrobial and immune-strengthening actions.
- To make a turmeric massage oil for pain, mix 3 drops of turmeric oil and 3 drops of ginger oil into 30ml of carrier oil.
- Turmeric oil may help with dandruff, scalp scaling and inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
- It blends well with ginger, black pepper, sweet orange, lemon and frankincense.
- Never apply turmeric oil to skin undiluted, and always do a patch test first.
What is turmeric oil good for?
Turmeric is a bright orange root, native to Southwest Asia and a cousin of ginger. It has a long medicinal history in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, where it has been used for joint pain, skin problems and general wellbeing.
The root is famous for curcumin, the compound behind its golden colour and many of its healing benefits. The essential oil is steam distilled from the root and is rich in aromatic compounds called turmerones. Together, turmeric shows promising results for a wide range of conditions.
People most often use turmeric oil for:
- Sore, stiff joints and arthritis
- Aching muscles, cramps and general pain
- Skin health, including acne, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis
- Dandruff and a flaky, itchy scalp
- Immune support during the cold and flu season
Turmeric essential oil benefits
1. Turmeric oil for joint pain and arthritis
Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine have long used turmeric to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, and it has been shown to soothe aches, cramps, pains, stiffness and inflammation in the muscles and joints.
This is why so many people use a turmeric massage oil for arthritis as a natural remedy. Rubbed into sore knees, hands or shoulders, its warming feel helps stiff joints move more easily.
2. Turmeric oil for skin and inflammation
Turmeric has antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Growing evidence suggests it may be useful for a variety of skin problems, such as acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Studies suggest it may also help with scalp psoriasis. In one study, people treated with a turmeric tonic saw fewer symptoms, including less dandruff and scalp scaling. That makes turmeric oil a helpful addition to both skin and hair care.
3. Turmeric oil for immunity
Turmeric is also known for stimulating the immune system, promoting blood circulation and helping the body clear toxins. Its antiviral, antimicrobial, antibacterial and antioxidant properties further support the immune system.
The easiest way to enjoy this benefit with the essential oil is in a facial steam. Breathing in the warm steam lets the oil work while you relax for a few minutes.
How to make turmeric oil for pain
The quickest way to make turmeric oil for pain is to blend turmeric essential oil with a carrier oil. Mix a few drops of turmeric essential oil into coconut, sweet almond or jojoba oil, then massage it into the sore area.
- Use about 3 to 6 drops of essential oil in 30ml of carrier oil. That is a 0.5 to 1 percent blend, gentle enough for regular use.
- For extra warmth on sore joints, add ginger or black pepper, as in the Soothing Arthritis Body Oil below.
- Store your blend in a dark glass bottle, away from heat and light.
You can also make a homemade infused turmeric oil from the powder. Gently warm 2 tablespoons of ground turmeric in 100ml of coconut oil on a very low heat for about 20 minutes, let it cool, then strain it through a fine cloth. It works well, but it stains skin, towels and clothes bright yellow, so the essential oil is the cleaner choice.
Pro tip
Massage towards your heart. Start at your feet or hands and use long, upward strokes. It feels lovely, and many people find it helps tired, puffy limbs feel lighter.
What does turmeric essential oil blend well with?
Turmeric has a warm, spicy, earthy scent. It pairs best with other spices, fresh citrus and calming resins. Here are the easiest partners to start with.
| Oil | What it adds | Try it for |
|---|---|---|
| Ginger | Spicy, deep warmth | Joint and muscle massage |
| Black pepper | Sharp, warming spice | Stiff, achy muscles |
| Sweet orange | Sweet, sunny citrus | A cheerful diffuser |
| Lemon | Clean, bright citrus | Steams and immunity |
| Frankincense | Soft, woody resin | Skin care and calm |
| Tea tree | Fresh, medicinal note | Scalp and dandruff |
| Lavender | Gentle, floral herb | Relaxing massage and sleep |
You can find all of these in our essential oils collection.
How to use turmeric essential oil
- Massage: 3 to 6 drops in 30ml of carrier oil, rubbed into sore joints and muscles.
- Scalp oil: mix with jojoba, argan or avocado oil and leave on as a hair mask before you shower.
- Facial steam: 1 drop in a bowl of warm water with other oils, for up to 10 minutes.
- Diffuser: 2 to 3 drops with a citrus oil for a warm, uplifting scent.
3 DIY turmeric oil recipes
Each recipe uses our organic turmeric essential oil. Mix the oils in a clean glass bottle or bowl before use.
1. Anti-Dandruff Hair Oil
Best for: dandruff and a flaky, itchy scalp
- 30ml Jojoba, argan or avocado oil
- 3 drops Turmeric oil
- 2 drops Tea tree oil
- 1 drop Lemongrass oil
Apply a few drops to your scalp and gently massage all over. Leave it on as a hair mask until you take your shower.
2. Soothing Arthritis Body Oil
Best for: sore joints, aches and stiffness
- 15ml Sweet almond oil
- 15ml Coconut oil
- 3 drops Turmeric oil
- 3 drops Ginger oil
Massage it all over your body, especially where there is soreness and pain. Start at your feet and use long strokes upwards, towards your heart. This turmeric massage oil may help reduce inflammation naturally.
3. Immune-Strengthening Facial Steam
Best for: immune support in the cold season
- 1 bowl Warm water and a towel
- 1 drop Turmeric oil
- 2 drops Thyme oil
- 1 drop Lavender oil
- 1 drop Lemon oil
Add the oils to the warm water. Drape the towel over your head and the bowl, close your eyes and breathe deeply for up to 10 minutes. Finish by splashing cool water on your face and neck.
Is turmeric oil safe on skin?
Safety first
Never apply turmeric essential oil directly to your skin. Always dilute it with a carrier oil first, and do a patch test on your inner arm 24 hours before wider use.
- Keep facial steams short, and keep your eyes closed. Stop if you feel any discomfort.
- Keep oils out of reach of children. Ask a doctor before using them on young children.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your GP or midwife first.
- Speak to your doctor if you take blood thinners or other medicine, or have a medical condition.
- Lemon oil can make skin sensitive to sunlight, so avoid sun on skin where you have used it for 12 hours.
- Diffuse away from cats and other pets, and always leave them a way out of the room.
FAQs
What are the benefits of turmeric oil?
Turmeric oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antimicrobial and antioxidant actions. People use it to ease joint pain and arthritis, soothe sore muscles, support skin and scalp health, and strengthen the immune system.
How do you make turmeric oil for pain?
Mix a few drops of turmeric essential oil with coconut or sweet almond oil. A good recipe is 3 drops of turmeric and 3 drops of ginger in 30ml of carrier oil. Massage it into sore muscles and joints to ease aches and stiffness.
Is turmeric essential oil good for joint pain?
Yes. Turmeric has long been used for arthritis and joint pain because it helps reduce inflammation and stiffness. A turmeric massage oil for arthritis is one of the most popular natural remedies.
What are the benefits of turmeric massage oil?
A turmeric massage oil helps soothe aches, cramps and stiff joints, and its warming feel helps you relax. Massaging towards your heart can also help tired limbs feel lighter and more comfortable.
How do you use turmeric essential oil?
Turmeric essential oil can be used in massage oils, scalp treatments, facial steams and diffusers. For skin use, always blend it with a carrier oil first, at about 3 to 6 drops per 30ml.
Can turmeric oil be applied directly to skin?
No. Turmeric essential oil should never be applied neat. Always dilute it with a carrier oil so you can use it safely for inflammation and skin conditions.
What does turmeric essential oil blend well with?
Turmeric blends well with ginger, black pepper, sweet orange, lemon, frankincense, tea tree and lavender. Spices make it warmer, and citrus makes it lighter and more uplifting.
Is turmeric essential oil good for skin?
Turmeric has antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and studies suggest it may help with acne, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Use it well diluted and patch test first.
The bottom line
Turmeric oil is a warm, versatile oil for sore joints, aching muscles, skin, scalp and immunity. Start with the Soothing Arthritis Body Oil, then try the hair oil and facial steam. For more ideas, see our turmeric and calendula salve recipe and our guide to ginger essential oil uses, or browse our full essential oils collection.
