If you suffer from common aches and pains, you probably take painkillers, such as ibuprofen, to make the pain go away. But did you know that turmeric may just be as powerful in relieving pain as OTC painkillers?
A new study found that the anti-inflammatory polyphenol in turmeric helps reduce pain and ease muscle swelling just as effectively as ibuprofen. The researchers monitored about 109 participants, all of which suffer from knee osteoarthritis.
One group was given turmeric and the others were given ibuprofen. Results show that both groups saw significant improvements in mobility and pain management.
In a Lancet review last year, typical ibuprofen was found to be as toxic to the heart as the banned anti-inflammatory drug Vioxx which has contributed to tens and thousands of deaths from cardiovascular disease each year. This is an important factor to why evidence-based natural alternatives are extremely important, especially when they involve culinary spices that are already known to be safe, affordable, accessible, and time-tested.
A study titled efficiency and safety of curcuma domestic extracts in patients with knee Osteoarthritis. TH atrial was conducted with 109 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis who were randomized to receive 800mg a day of ibuprofen or 2,000 mg of turmeric per day, for a period of six weeks.
The researchers measured pain on walking, stairs, and basic functions of the knee assessed by time spent during 100-m walk and going up and down a flight of stairs, as the primary outcomes.
After six weeks, significant improvements were observed in both groups, with all primary outcomes similar, except the turmeric group showed slightly better performance on the 100-m walk and less self-reported pain going up an down a flight of stairs, Also, the turmeric group showed less adverse events. The subjects rated themselves to have higher satisfaction with the treatment results in the turmeric group versus the ibuprofen group.
Image courtesy of: priyaanzusufoli
