When my arthritis flares up my shoulders, back, hips and knees ache. But for the most part, since I have discovered turmeric, I am pain free. While doing research for my article Spice Your Way to a Healthier Life I discovered the wonderful anti-inflammatory properties of Turmeric. At that time I was rolling out of the bed each morning in pain so much that I had difficulty getting out of the bed and standing up to walk to the bathroom. It would take minutes before I could place weight on my legs and move properly. It was if all my muscles froze as I slept. I refused to depend on pain relievers. I am already on medication to keep my hypertension under control and to lower my cholesterol. I worry about the damage that constant medication can cause the body, so finding pain relief in a natural remedy was a God send.
Take one to two tablets or capsules every four to six hours:
PharmacyChecker.com quotes the price of 20 Motrin tablets of 200 mg. @ $4.00. Shipping is $10.00. Motrin can be purchased reasonably at most supermarkets and many discount stores. In order for it to be effective it must be taken prior to the onset of pain, unlike Turmeric, which taken once a day will stop pain and inflammation before it attacks. The generic equivalent of Motrin, Ibuprofen can be purchased for a lot less, but the potential damage is still there, along with the understanding that one should not take this product for extended lengths of time. You mean, as I get older, my arthritis and bursitis will get better?
I can purchase one bottle of Turmeric Curcumin at my local health food store. It contains 60 capsules, costs me $9.99, and is worth ten times that. Don't tell the store owner I said that. I no longer experience joint pain or stiffness, and do not take pain pills or worry about the unnecessary side effects they can cause. No more painful mornings, afternoons, or evenings.
Motrin has Potential Side Effects While Turmeric has No Toxicity:
There are several precautions and warnings with Motrin that you should be aware of before taking the medication. For example, there are many potential side effects of Motrin, including high blood pressure, congestive heart failure or swelling, meningitis, and liver or kidney damage. Also, certain people should not take the drug, including those who have an active bleeding condition such as a stomach ulcer.
NSAIDS or Nonsterodial Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are often prescribed for arthritis pain. They effectively relieve pain from swelling and stiffness by stopping the production of some of the pain producing chemicals called prostaglandins.
Curcumin is thought to be the primary agent in turmeric. This agent provides a potent but safe anti-inflammatory which when compared with over the counter medications such as Motrin far outweigh the competitors in benefits. Motrin, being associated with toxic effects such as ulcers, decreased white blood cell counts, intestinal bleeding, and liver damage cannot match the benefits of turmeric, which produces no toxicity.
It's a Beautiful Plant
This plant grows well in tropical climates and is cultivated by taking part of its fleshy stem and planting it in hot moist soil. It is the thick knobby base that is used to boil, dry, and ground to create the distinct bright yellow spice. The same spice is what gives mustard its unique yellow color, and the yellowish hue to curries and Indian dishes.
With proper care, one can grown Turmeric in their home, but it requires a warm temperature and moist soil.
Turmeric as a Tea to Ward off Cataracts:
After removing two quarts of boiling water from the stove add a handful of catnip, rosemary, and lemon balm or Melissa. Add two teaspoons grated ginger, and a dash or two of turmeric. Steep for 20 minutes. Drink warm or cold with lemon juice and honey added for flavor if desired.
Turmeric/Curcumin Helps Prevent Blood Clots
For the Treatment of Amenorrhea
Turmeric has been beneficial in treatment of (the lack of menstruations in women who should be having their normal period). Traditional Chinese and Indian physicians recommend treatment of turmeric. A curry or tea heavily spiced with turmeric can be used.
Athlete's Foot
James A. Duke, Ph.D., author of “The Green Pharmacy”, advises the use of Turmeric oil in the treatment of athlete's foot stating that even at very low concentrations the oil inhibits many common fungi. He recommends using one part oil to two parts water and dabbing the effected area with a cotton ball or clean cloth.
Bunion Relief:
When ingested, the Curcumin in Turmeric capsules provides relief from inflammation. Fresh grated Turmeric can also be applied directly to the bunion for relief of the painful nerve endings.
Turmeric Improves the Bodies' Use of Insulin:
Turmeric, along with cinnamon, bay leaf, and cloves can be steeped in a tea to promote the bodies' ability to use insulin.
May Block the Reproduction of HIV:
In the book “The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs” published by the Reader's Digest Association, Inc. it is suggested that the use of Turmeric combined with Bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapple) improves the immune function and blocks HIV reproduction.
Reduces Sore Throat Pain:
Mix ½ teaspoon turmeric with 1 teaspoon salt in an 8 oz glass of warm water. Gargle.
Nature is Best:
God has provided us with home remedies throughout the ages, but man cannot make as much money off the consumer, when we choose alternative health remedies. I would never recommend that you ignore your doctor's advice or self treat. Annual physicals are advised, and follow treatments when needed, but when it is as simple as bursitis or arthritis pain relief, and you can find a safer more efficient treatment why not give it a try?
