Turmeric – that bright orange spice you use to make curries yellow offers a myriad of health benefits, treating arthritis pain being one of them. While some patients suffering from joint pain and arthritis result to ibuprofen, a drug that has been proven to have serious side effects, others consider taking turmeric, which is a great natural alternative.

But why are physicians recommending turmeric over ibuprofen in the treatment of arthritis pain? Is it just because it’s a natural alternative or is there’s more to it? Here are some convincing science-backed reasons why you should consider turmeric for arthritis pain instead of ibuprofen.

Turmeric is more effective than Ibuprofen

Turmeric contains an active ingredient known as curcumin, which gives it the Latin name ‘curcumin domestica.’ This component is what is credited with its many health benefits. Scientists have been eager to discover the real reasons why this remedy works so well on arthritis patients, more than Ibuprofen does.

A research published in the Journal of Clinical Interventions in Aging showed clearly that this is not a myth. It sought to determine the safety and efficacy of this extract in functional movement and pain reduction, and the results were amazing.

The study involved 367 participants, who were randomly chosen and assigned into two major groups: one that would get 1,200 milligrams of ibuprofen daily, and the other whose members would get 1,500 milligrams of turmeric extract daily. Both teams were observed for four weeks.

While both groups reported reduced pain, those patients who took turmeric showed significant improvement compared to those in the other group. They had better relief from the pain and satisfied with the treatment.

Ibuprofen use comes with some serious side effects

Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug that works by reducing the production of hormones that cause pain and swelling in the body. It has been used by arthritis patients for long, but the dangers it poses are serious. Latest studies have linked this drug to a number of side effects, with the most severe one being a risk of a stroke and heart attack.

Besides the risk of heart disease, Ibuprofen can also cause intestinal and stomach bleeding, both of which can be fatal. The worst thing is that these conditions can progress without any warning for patients on the drug, and more so in older adults.

Other side effects you might suffer include:

Being a natural herb, turmeric, on the other hand, is considered very safe, provided you take it in the right dosage. Now, this is good news for patients suffering from arthritis. They can be sure to have a safe drug whenever they are in pain without the worry of having some long-term consequences.

Turmeric is an all-natural turmeric root

One thing we all can agree on is that people are looking for natural ways to cure certain diseases and infections. From colds and flu to warts and cancers – you name it and there’s an effective remedy for it. Unlike ibuprofen that’s prepared in the laboratory with chemical ingredients, turmeric is purely natural.

Better yet, it is readily available in most homes and you don’t have to rush to the drug store to get it. If you want it in capsules form though, they are available online, just make sure you get your package from verified and reliable dealers.

So, how do you take turmeric?

Good question. Well, most people suffering from arthritis do not get the full benefits of turmeric.  The reason for this is simply because they don’t take it the right way. If you choose to go with capsules, it is recommended that you take 500 mg four times per day, for four to six weeks.

If you want to make your own remedy, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric on scrambled eggs every day.  You can also add it into your salad dressings, sauces or soups. Increase your intake to 1/2 teaspoon after a week, and then to 1 teaspoon after a month. If this is a lot to do, just add 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder in 1 quart of boiled water and drink when cool. Do this once per day and joint pain will be a thing of the past.

Conclusion

Ibuprofen is a popular pain reliever used by arthritis patients across the globe. However, recent studies have suggested that it causes severe side effects, some of which can be life-threatening. Patients with the risk of heart disease or those who want a more effective remedy for arthritis pain can opt for turmeric.  The can take it in capsule form or homemade. Both are good.  There’s enough science backing that this remedy, which has been in use for ages, does really work better than Ibuprofen.

So, if you are in a lot of joint pain, you now know the better alternative. Go natural and be safe! If you have questions or concerns, kindly comment and I will answer them.