Turmeric Treatment for Osteoarthritis

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice common in Indian and some African cuisine. As an herbal medicine, turmeric is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including osteoarthritis.

Function

• Turmeric contains a substance known as curcumin, which is believed to reduce inflammation, reports RxList.

Effects

• In patients with osteoarthritis, the cartilage or material that insulates your joints becomes worn down and inflamed, causing pain. Since turmeric helps alleviate swelling, some herbal practitioners recommend the spice to reduce inflammation and alleviate its associated pain in people with osteoarthritis.

Expert Insight

• A 2009 study at the University of Nottingham found that the curcumin contained in turmeric not only reduced the inflammation of cartilage but also slowed down the degeneration of the tissue, which is a common phenomenon in osteoarthritis.

Dosage

• The recommended dosage of turmeric for a medicinal supplement is 3 g of the root per day or 1 g to 1.5 g of turmeric tea steeped in hot water for 15 minutes twice each day, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Risks

• Side effects of turmeric treatment include diarrhea and nausea. If you are pregnant or nursing or taking warfarin or another type of blood thinner medication, or if you have a history of gall bladder disease, it may not be safe for you to take turmeric as a supplement, warns RxList.