Turmeric For Pain
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant. It usually comes in a form of a yellow-colored powder, Some of the benefits these compounds offer stem from their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and their ability to create homoeostasis in the body. These anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly effective for relieving arthritis pain.
The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can be especially helpful for those with arthritis. A study done in 2012 revealed that the individuals who were given curcumin saw decreased Disease Activity Scores as well as a decrease in the number of tender and/or swollen joints over the group not given curcumin.3 In addition, no adverse effects were seen in the individuals taking curcumin. The researchers who conducted this study stated the need for further research on a larger scale, but were encouraged by their findings.
Curcuminoids are a group of compounds found in turmeric that have strong antioxidant activity and contribute to the golden yellow colour of the spice. Curcumin is a part of this group. Concentration of these curcuminoids is said to affect the anti-arthritic property of turmeric.
Turmeric extract containing 94% curcuminoids is found to be more potent in reducing inflammation and pain than the extract containing 41% curcuminoids. This study suggests that the 3 major curcuminoids are responsible for the anti-arthritic effect.
Arthritis pain relief may require ingesting more curcumin than a person eats in a typical diet, so advocates often recommend a dietary supplement.
To get turmeric, you take the stem, or the rhizome, of the plant, and boil, dry, and ground it into powder. There are many ways you can introduce turmeric or curcumin into your diet. Research has shown that curcumin is safe in high doses. This is great news because curcumin also has poor bioavailability, which means it’s poorly absorbed. It would need to be taken at large doses for an active effect.
You can also it as a spice by using turmeric powder in curries, smoothies, or salads. Some of the yellow foods you eat, like mustard, may also have turmeric. But the amount may not be enough for any therapeutic effect, as turmeric is only 2 to 9 percent curcumin. Don’t forget to add some black pepper, which boosts absorption.
Use can use turmeric to make a tea, you simply make an herbal infusion as you would any other herb or root. In this case, just add a couple of inches of turmeric, sliced, to a few cups of water. Bring it to a boil, let it simmer for half an hour and add some honey of you want and drink.