Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a spice from the Ginger plant family. Turmeric is widely used in cooking in India and many other South Asian countries. The typical flavour and yellow colour of Indian curries come from turmeric.
Turmeric is used in ayurvedic medicine in various forms ranging from the roots, dried roots, powder, fluid extract and tinctures. Looking at its benefits Western medicine also have begin to use turmeric for treatment of various ailments and diseases. Turmeric is a very good natural remedy for arthritis pain relief.
If you prefer natural methods over the chemical based medicines which have side effects then turmeric is for you.
Why Turmeric is Useful in Arthritis Pain Relief?
Turmeric is one of the most widely researched spices in recent times. Numerous scientific studies have established its anti inflammatory capabilities.
Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a main therapeutic component of turmeric can modulate multiple cell signalling Pathways giving pain relief Indian summer tree diseases such as arthritis and many other diseases and conditions.
Curcumin is also a powerful antioxidant to deal with free radicals and stop cell damages. In addition it's anti-inflammatory capabilities lower levels of two specific enzymes in the body that cause inflammation. It is this particular capability that is responsible for pain relief in arthritis.
A study conducted on 45 patients and published in the November 2012, issue of ‘Phytotherapy Research’ indicated better pain relief by Turmeric as compared to the conventional anti-inflammatory drugs diclofenac sodium.[1]
How to Use Turmeric for Pain Relief?
Absorption of curcumin from the turmeric significantly increases in the presence of black pepper. So in whichever way you are consuming turmeric make sure that black pepper is also added.
You can use turmeric in many different ways to alleviate your Arthritis pain.
1. Turmeric in cooking
Use of stomach in your daily cooking is one of the safest methods of consuming turmeric. You will never over consume it this way.
So if you have arthritis, heart diseases and cancer make sure that you consume adequate turmeric daily.
2. Turmeric Tea
You can make different combinations of turmeric tea to suit your taste. Following is one recipe on which you can experiment.
- Boil 3 or 4 cups of water
- Add one teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix it well
- Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes
- Add a pinch of black pepper
- Add honey to taste
3. Turmeric with Milk (Golden Tea)
This is a great way to start your day. Drink a cup of Golden tea and improve your immunity digestion and reduce inflammation.
- Heat 2 cups of Dairy Milk on medium heat to Slowly bring it to boil
- Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Add a pinch of black pepper powder. This will help absorption of curcumin.
- Mix everything well
- Slowly sip. Make sure that you don't burn your tongue.
You can add a little ginger juice. Ginger is also anti-inflammatory plus it adds to the taste.
4. Turmeric and Honey Paste
This is perhaps the best way to begin developing liking for the taste of turmeric which otherwise is bitter.
- Take ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
- And half teaspoon of honey and mix it well to make a thick paste
- Keep the honey turmeric paste in your mouth and let it melt on its own to go down your throat.
5. Turmeric Supplements
Turmeric extract is available in the form of tablets and capsules. Medical practitioners generally recommend 400 to 600 milligrams of turmeric extract 3 times a day.
The instructions of general consumption are also written on the labels of tablets or capsules so follow those instructions.
Other tips and precautions
Turmeric is generally safe Spice to use. However some of the advantages it offers in one condition can be a disadvantage in the other condition there for regular consumption of turmeric as a medicine should be done under the control supervision of a doctor.
- Excess consumption of turmeric may cause the following effects.
- Increases the risk of bleeding as it is blood thinning agent
- Can cause nausea and diarrhoea in some cases
- Lowers blood pressure therefore can cause hypertension in some cases
- Causes uterine contractions in some pregnant women
- Can increase menstrual flow
- Increases gallbladder contractions
- Leaves permanent stains on clothes, so be careful.
In addition the use of turmeric the following will help in relieving Arthritis Pain.
- Walking and swimming to keep joints moving
- Massaging
- Consuming foods with Omega 3 fatty acids such as fishes Walnuts flax seeds
- Staying active
- Doing yoga and meditation
Pain is a neurological signal to the brain therefore any distraction such as listening to preferred music can help in pain relief. So distract yourself from pain.