Turmeric is a staple ingredient in most of the Indian households as people are aware about its magical health benefits. Ayurveda has long sworn by it and has always promoted its use in foods, for medicinal purposes and for skin issues. Many are familiar with the uses of powdered turmeric but fewer are familiar with how to use raw turmeric or kacchi haldi.

Kacchi haldi, being in its raw form, is less processed and is much healthier, so let’s take a look at what all we can use it for.

Also known as turmeric root, kacchi haldi is a tuberous root and looks a lot like ginger from the outside. The turmeric powder we are used to using in our kitchens is made from this tuberous root only.

Kacchi haldi is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin C. Also being anti-inflammatory in nature kacchi haldi is highly beneficial for our skin, digestive system, in treating respiratory issues, boosting our immune system and many other things. Let’s take a look at how we can use it to reap its benefits.

Here are 5 different ways to use kacchi haldi or raw turmeric

How to use kacchi haldi for face

Owing to the anti-inflammatory nature of raw turmeric and presence of antioxidants in it makes it great for bringing glow to our face and keeping our skin healthy. You can grate raw turmeric and mix it with milk and honey to make a face mask. You can also squeeze out the juice of kacchi haldi, after grating it, and use that instead. “This helps to rejuvenate our skin, get rid of excess hair and acne, psoriasis and hyperpigmentation,” says Dr Shobha Subramanian-Itolikar, Consultant-Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital.

You can also use kacchi haldi for cough

Fresh turmeric is also great for boosting our immune system and protecting us from virus attacks that lead to cough and cold. All you need to do is grate some kacchi haldi, squeeze out its juice and add a spoonful of honey to it. Honey will soothe the irritation in your throat and kacchi haldi will help in curing the cough. Have this mixture every morning until the cough subsides.

Raw turmeric is magical for skin

“Curcumin contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant properties. They not only boost our immune system but also take care of our skin issues like rashes, acne, premature wrinkling, etc.,” says Dr Subramanian. You can make a habit of eating kacchi haldi in some form or the other or you can go for external application by making its paste.

Tips to use kacchi haldi in food

There are many ways to use kacchi haldi in our food. There are many recipes like turmeric milk, turmeric pickle, turmeric halwa or using it in our daily sabzi or gravies as a condiment. Whenever cooking with kacchi haldi remember to wear kitchen gloves or they will leave yellow colour on your hands.

Raw turmeric can help with weight loss too

This herb is touted to aid in weight loss because it has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. You can have kacchi haldi with water and drink it every morning on an empty stomach to boost your metabolism and promote weight loss.