Turmeric & Pain

Turmeric is a spice that has been consumed for hundreds of years, both as a flavoring and for its medicinal benefits. The use of turmeric originates for Ayurvedic medicine in India, but has become popular with patients and health practitioners all over the world to prevent pain.

Curcumin

• Turmeric contains a flavonoid called curcumin that has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain.

Expert Insight

• A team of researchers at the University of Arizona, under the supervision of Dr. Janet Funk, an endocrinologist, discovered that rats given turmeric had less inflammation and joint swelling when also injected with a substance that induced arthritis.

Other Uses

• Turmeric is also useful for healthier digestion and preventing Alzheimer's disease, cancer and the development of tumors.

Angiogenesis Disruption

• Curcumin blocks inflammation and can prevent the development of tumors by disrupting the process of angiogenesis, which is the formation of tiny new blood vessels to feed tumors. Angiogenesis can also induce inflammation.

Dose

• For pain relief, you should take at least 1,200 mg of turmeric daily. The easiest way to consume the necessary quantity is supplementing with capsules of turmeric powder, available at most health food stores.