Turmeric!  Turmeric has been used for thousand of years in Ayurveda (the traditional medicine system in India) to relieve arthritis, stomach  ailments, skin diseases and many other issues. Turmeric is the root from a plant called Curcuma Longa, which belongs to the Ginger family. Turmeric usually is found in a yellow powder form and is used in curry’s, and other foods as a spice or to add color.

Why Turmeric? There is a substance in Turmeric called Curcumin, which may help to reduce inflammation. Several studies have shown Curcumin to reduce symptoms in Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Osteoarthritis. The anti-inflammatory Curcumin works by hindering the enzymes  lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2. These two enzymes maintain and promote inflammation. Curcumin in pill form can be easily found in all health stores.

During my yoga training, not being a fan of unnatural remedies, I investigated joint pain relief.  Hundreds of studies and pages on the benefits of Curcumin where easily accessible. I started off by taking two 400 milligram capsules a two times a day (this is heavier dose not recommended to start out). Two weeks of intense knee pain, not being able to dive into any deep hip poses, and magic! Two days of supplementing and the joints were finally feeling happy! I swear by this remedy and know how well it worked for me.

If you are feeling pain in the joints I highly recommend Curcumin for relief.  Finding a natural remedy that addresses the problem and doesn’t just hide the issue (like pain pills) is what we should be looking for in taking control of our health.