Turmeric Can Replace My Ibuprofen? Wow ?

I know. You’re thinking, “You’ve lost your mind!” But not really, if you have been reading my blogs for any length of time, you know that I only write about topics with solid validated scientific evidence. So, the first thing that I need you to do is to stop thinking about turmeric as an Indian food spice, but instead, as a powerful anti-inflammatory pain reliever. These anti-inflammatory properties are related to compound called curcumin, which is the source of its brilliant yellow-orange hue. When I discuss turmeric powder, know that you can find a pure turmeric or curcumin powder, and that either can effectively be used for pain and inflammation.

Turmeric reduces pain, inflammation and stiffness related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and bursitis. Turmeric/curcumin blocks inflammatory cells in the body, including (COX-2), which is how ibuprofen and  Celebrex, for example, relieve pain. Several studies show that turmeric/curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory properties and modifies immune system responses:

• In 2006, a study showed turmeric was effective at preventing joint inflammation.
• For knee osteoarthritis,  a 2010 clinical trial found that a specific turmeric supplement, containing 75 percent curcumin, provided long-term improvement in pain and function in 100 patients.
• In a small 2012 pilot study, a specific curcumin product reduced joint pain and swelling in patients with active RA better than diclofenac, a prescription drug similar to ibuprofen.
• Regarding longer-term use, a 2008 Baylor University study reported that taking curcumin daily in moderate doses for up to three months was safe.

Based on this information, the next logical question may be how to use the product.  I typically recommend a high grade powder or capsules (more likely to be free of contaminants):

• OA: 400 to 600 mg capsules three times per day; or 0.5 g to 1 g of powdered root up to 3 g per day
• RA: 500 mg twice daily
• Curcumin naturally makes up only about 2 to 6 percent of turmeric powder, so be sure to check the standardized amount of curcumin. If you elect to purchase curcumin only capsules or powder, know that the equivalent dose is a very small amount of turmeric powder that equals anywhere from 8 to 12 mg per dose with the same scheduled times per day as described above.  
• Warning: High doses can act as a blood thinner and cause stomach upset. Avoid turmeric/curcumin if you take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), are about to have surgery, are pregnant, or have gallbladder disease.

Please feel free to comment any questions regarding this or any historical blog topic. And, as always, I look forward to hearing your comments or other topics of interest!