The Herb Turmeric Shows Exciting Promise Against Inflammation!

It all started with inflammation in my left leg. I began looking for a natural herbal treatment to fight it. I was researching several, and, one day at lunch I suggested that my wife and family meet and go to a local Indian restaurant. I had never had Indian food, and for some reason felt drawn to go. I ate lunch and enjoyed it. But, driving back to work, I noticed something exciting! My leg felt wonderful! I started researching what was in Indian food, and guess what? I found out about turmeric!

Turmeric Supplements Show Promise in Treating Arthritis

“More than 40 percent of arthritis sufferers in the U.S. report using complementary and alternative medicine, including dietary supplements, and the use of alternative remedies has increased since the FDA issued health warnings about anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex. However, the effectiveness of many supplement ingredients has not been adequately studied. To complicate the matter, over-the-counter supplements are not regulated in the same way as drugs and their composition can vary widely. A new study published in the November 2006 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism examined the effect and mechanism of turmeric (a botanical supplement long thought to have anti-inflammatory properties) on arthritis. Lead Janet L. Funk and Barbara N. Timmermann (currently at the University of Kansas), researchers at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ had already shown in an earlier study that turmeric can prevent joint inflammation in rats. In the current study, they expanded their research to compare the chemical composition of an experimental turmeric extract with those of commercially available over the counter turmeric dietary supplements. They also examined the dosage of the experimental version on joint inflammation and destruction, determined its effect on inflammation markers, and ascertained the mechanism by which turmeric protects joints in arthritis. Initial results showed that a version of turmeric extract that was free of essential oils had a significant impact on arthritis and most closely matched the composition of commercially available supplements. This version was used in subsequent experiments and was shown to prevent acute and chronic arthritis, even when it was administered after arthritis had been induced. In addition, turmeric significantly inhibited joint destruction due to arthritis, and inhibited NF-kappaB, a protein that controls the gene expression of substances that produce an inflammatory response. Turmeric also altered the expression of hundreds of genes involved in joint swelling and destruction and prevented an increase in osteoclasts (cells that break down bone) in joints.”

They are promising further research… but, I am now taking the herb and can report myself that it works almost “miraculously” for me! Why was I “led” to go to lunch where I had never been before to discover this beneficial herb? Because of a loving heavenly Father that cares for his kids!