Turmeric, a yellow-colored spice found across the world, from American yellow mustard to spicy Indian curries, is one of nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatories.  In fact, Dr. James Duke, a world-renowned ethnobotanist (a scientist that studies the relationship of people and plants) found that turmeric does a better job treating chronic inflammation than many current pharmaceuticals and it has very few side effects.  Turmeric contains over 20 different compounds that fight inflammation with at least six acting as direct COX-2 inhibitors.  Since the COX-2 enzyme causes inflammation leading to swelling and pain, turmeric can reduce these symptoms by blocking the COX-2 enzyme.  Several studies have shown turmeric and curcumin (a component of turmeric) to be effective in treating pain from all forms of arthritis.  Turmeric may also help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and certain forms of cancer.  Turmeric can also help with pain from fibromyalgia.

Turmeric is usually taken as a dietary supplement with a dose of 500mg twice per day.  For those of you that are a bit more adventurous, try brewing turmeric tea – watch the video below to learn how. For more information of treating your arthritis, visit a board-certified Austin pain management doctor at Capitol Pain Institute.

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