The traditional medical system tells you there is no cure for arthritis.
That doesn’t stop them from pushing pain relievers and steroid drugs.
One specific type of spice, however, has been found – in repeated studies – to be more effective than the leading drugs for arthritis.
Without the dangerous side effects.
Turmeric, the golden-yellow spice in many curry dishes, has long been prized for its health benefits.
Curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its color, is responsible for most of its healing properties.
Especially for arthritis:
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1. Anti-Inflammatory Power: Curcumin can inhibit inflammatory cells from spreading and block pro-inflammatory signals. In some cases, it has proven more effective than low doses of prednisone.
2. Relief for Osteoarthritis: Turmeric matched ibuprofen in reducing pain and stiffness in a clinical trial with knee osteoarthritis. An impressive 96% of participants reported satisfaction with turmeric. And they experienced fewer stomach issues than those taking ibuprofen.
3. Enhanced Absorption Techniques: Curcumin is poorly absorbed in the body, but new methods improve its effectiveness. Nano-emulsions — tiny particles in an oil base — triple absorption in lab animals. And direct injections into joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) yielded results comparable to the drug methotrexate. Without the side effects.
4. Alternative to Traditional Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: In a study on osteoarthritis, curcumin outperformed diclofenac, a common NSAID, with fewer adverse effects. Additionally, turmeric’s water-soluble polysaccharides were effective against acute and chronic inflammation, similar to curcumin.
5. Potential in Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: A turmeric essential oil called Elemene is promising for managing ankylosing spondylitis, a condition in which joints, especially in the spine, fuse over time. In a study, Elemene reduced inflammation-related cells in the affected joints after just 48 hours.
Turmeric has a long history in traditional medicine. But science is still uncovering its full potential as a natural alternative for managing inflammation and reducing pain.