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Q. I’ve been clipping articles from your column for years. I checked them recently to find how to relieve severe lower back and hip pain. I used some turmeric on food, and thirty minutes later I noted an internal warming sensation in the affected back area and a reduction in pain. I later took turmeric capsules and completely cured all of the pain.
About a month later my wife suffered from severe pain and loss of the use of her left arm and hand. Just lightly touching certain areas caused her to cry out in pain.
Years ago she suffered from shingles in that same arm. We therefore suspected that she had postherpetic neuralgia. Since this is an inflammation of the nerves, we decided to try turmeric.
A couple of hours later, on our way to our family doctor, my wife said that her arm felt hot, and the pain was not as severe. Our doctor wanted to schedule an MRI, but it was unnecessary after continued turmeric use. She was completely free of pain after about two weeks.
Have you ever heard of this use of the spice? Maybe this information can help other sufferers.
A. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties (Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, Feb. 2009). Readers have found that this yellow spice has helped with nerve pain, osteoarthritis and psoriasis. Instead of clipping articles, you may want to consult our book, Recipes and Remedies from The People’s Pharmacy, with more details about using food as medicine.
Matt
Turmeric has been a miracle for me, probably because I’ve had everything it’s used for. I’ve had a pinched nerve, I then had a c5c6 fusion, after that I had ocular shingles. I am now still suffering from post herpetic neuralgia in my face plus bottom and top of my mouth. I’m on gabapentin, flexerol, and nortyptaline. Turmeric seems like the only thing that I feel is helping the underlying problem. After taking it, 30 min later I can feel it working and I just want to screem with praise. I can actually feel the pain subside. It’s like having a scratch for 2-3 years and finally being able to scratch it!!!! Love turmeric. I’ll bathe in it one day.
twania daniels
I was told to try tumeric mixed with olive oil around the incision I could take clothes or anything touching my knee after surgery I would writ with gauze so it wouldn’t stain my clothes it worked I cried on and off for three weeks it worked.
donna
United States
I was for short time to mobic but don’t like side effects. I tore my plantar fascia by arch of foot at gym. Don’t like pain but decided to use turmenic, boswellia, ginger, and omega 3. For nerve pain and inflammation without bad side effects. Beings this can take time to heal. 3rd week of this, wearing boot, and staying off of it. Hard but anyway, been able to cope most of the time. Once I b awhile aleve but not much. Staying positive always helpsn
jack
kansas
been taking metanx for neuropathy for 5 mos. no effect. hope turmeric will work.
barb dodge
florida
I used turmeric capsules to relief pain from neuropathy. It did not completely remove the pain but did make it less painful. However I soon found that it upset my stomach and I had to stop using it.
said salim saady
mombasa, Kenya. Africa
I am also a suffer of sciatica and wish to try tumeric today.
Julia
Hi everyone,
I know I am late at this post but I HAD to write my story and tell EACH AND EVERY PERSON that posted their comments about Tumeric and how it has helped each of you, THANK YOU. This has given me so much HOPE to say the least.
I am having my 5th (yes, you read it right, 5th) foot/ankle surgery. I have severe nerve pain and if I am not currently shoving pain pills down my throat then I will be in unrelenting pain. My last surgery I have the incision on my left ankle. If you put your finger right above the center of the ankle bone and go up the side of the calf 6″….that’s where my incision was for my 3rd surgery. I soon developed a ball that I felt and I kept telling my dr. (I know he was skeptical) but had the surgery and sure enough, he opened it up and had to cut further than the “original” incision and there was the nerve, the normal nerve looked like angel hair pasta, the inflamed nerve looked like a fat piece of spaghetti and at the end of that was a “ball” or “stump neuroma”.
He cut it out and tucked the nerve into the muscle. I don’t have sensation ther eas well as other places on my foot/ankle from the other surgeries. Quickly after the 4th surgery I started developing pain that felt like pins and needles and if I BARELY tapped on the incision near the area of my incision I have shockwaves go down all the way to my foot. Now for this surgery he wanted to put me “temporarily” on Lyrica.
I am a researcher, I research everything especially after having SEVERE reactions to LEVAQUIN for mild pneumonia. Never researched medication before until I had every severe reaction you can think of, visual & auditory hallucinations, severe tinnitus and felt as though I was going to mentally snap… couldn’t form sentences/thoughts. I stopped it immediately, most symptoms went away except for the tinnitus. (That’s a whole different story, but please research this med if you ever have to take it. It’s one of the only meds that has a BLACK BOX warning it’s that dangerous).
Back to my current story. I don’t want to take the Lyrica and I read all of your posts. I am going buy Tumeric today b4 my surgery and will take that afterwards. I am soooo afraid that after this surgery other nerves are going to act up again. I can’t keep having surgeries on my left foot. I already look like Dr. Zorro had fun from my knee down to my foot with incision scars and with the nerves being severed, I have no sensation on multiple parts of my calf, foot, ankle and toes/top of foot…. I don’t need another numbed area. Yes, it’s better than pain, but at times it can be scary when I can’t rub my calf and foot and feel anything. It’s creepy and feels like I am touching a “dead person”. But I guess I shouldn’t complain it’s not pain, except for where I am having surgery today. THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME HOPE THAT THIS WILL HOPEFULLY BE MY LAST FOOT SURGERY AND THE TURMERIC WILL HELP WITH THAT AND WITH MY FIBROMYALGIA AND POSSIBLY THE TINNITUS….WHO KNOWS…BUT THANK YOU EVERYONE HERE.
Lisa
missouri
Do you still get that tingling and shooting stuff when you touch your leg? I am very interested to know as I had that done and it was the worst decision I ever made.
tanya
How was cipralex with you? Any other side affects other than back pain? Was prescribed just for depression? And if not for what just highlight. Also is it helpful? In what ways?
SW
I took Mobic 7.5 (Dr. Prescribed) for years. It helped with inflammation. BUT, both my mother & maternal grandmother died of heart attacks. As Mobic has cardiac side effects, I was scared to take it. I have a Masters Degree in Health. Thus, I read a lot of health articles, from notable sources, daily. I discovered there was documented success with Turmeric usage in alleviating inflammation. I stopped the Mobic 6 months ago.
I now take Turmeric that I purchase at Walgreens. It has a 95% standardized dose of Circummin, which aids in alleviating inflammation. I also read several articles that indicated that Turmeric is effective in alleviating “brain fog”. I take a 450mg capsule twice daily. I have been VERY pleased with both the reduction in inflammation and brain fog. I am 56 years young. I took 3 Turmeric per day for about a week. But, a few brownish red spots appeared on my arms. These spots were similar to those of a person who takes a blood thinner. So, I elected to take (2) 450 mg Turmeric capsules daily. I have suffered from Degenerative Disc Disease (advanced stage, Multi level), spinal stenosis, spinal spondylosis, some resulting scoliosis, foramenal encroachment, etc for a decade.
Then, as a result of a wreck in 2011, my pelvic bones, left leg, left ankle, left foot, right arm & right hand were all either broken/crushed and/or severed (but successfully reattached) and/or surgically rebuilt (with titanium plates & screws). Everything functions. Related Arthritis and Inflammation, however, exacerbate the daily pain level from the aforementioned spinal conditions.
I have experienced positive results from the daily (2) X 450 mg daily Turmeric regimen. If I forget to take it, I can tell a difference. When this happens, both my pain level and “brain fog” increase. I’m pleased that, by taking the NATURAL Turmeric, I can avoid the Mobic and it’s cardiac side effects.
Karel S
I’ve been suffering for 9 months with post herpetic neuralgia from shingles. It has been hell. I’m on morphine, fentanyl. Nothing helps the burning pain on my arms and torso. After just 3 doses of turmeric the pain has gone down from 100 to about a 7. I’m hoping they say after 2 weeks on it, one can see even better results so maybe I can finally come off the heavy narcotics.
Katrina
Houston
I pray that you are over the pain from your shingles by now. I was wandering if you could share the brand of Turmeric you were taking.
Thank you,
Katrina
kH
Hi Lynnlivinglife ..Thanks for your good advice and for commenting on my post from 2010..Since then my back pain has been reduced considerably. I no longer take any pain medication or alternative meds. With the aid of the chiropractor I can manage quite well and don’t notice the sciatica that is still there but lays dormant. As long as I don’t rub the muscles too much, I can keep the pain gone..Once I touch my back I know that the pain is still there but only when I push on certain trigger points.
Like you, I take 3,000 IU of D3 and another product called Legaven for my venous insufficiency. Legaven is an extremely good product to help with varicose veins and swelling in the legs and feet. I tried magnesium 500mg/day and had to stop almost immediately due to it’s unpleasant side effects requiring rushing to the bathroom. I sleep well at night and have discovered that the back pain is no longer a concern.
Turmeric or even a teaspoon of regular mustard is still good as an anti-inflammatory and helps with restless leg syndrome and muscle pulls in the legs. I keep a packet of mustard in my purse for emergencies when I am away from home. Often I can get a pulled leg muscle when I am sitting in the car for long drives. I just pull out my handy packet and swallow it. The muscle pull is gone almost immediately.
I am glad it has really helped you too ..Thanks again for your good advice on reducing back pain. It is much appreciated.
LynnLivingLife!
Hey Kathleen – I’m sorry to hear about your pain. I too went through a lot of pain in the same area. I ended up omitting gluten from my diet to lower inflammation and I take a multivitamin, 8000 IU of D3 and 400mg of magnesium glycinate. I’ve also added a turmeric supplement – but haven’t decided on a final one to use yet. My pain is greatly reduced – I would say by 80% and I sleep at night most nights without fibromyalgia pain or restless legs waking me. I wish you the best in finding what will work for you.
maurice
ks
Tonic water is the absolute best for spasms or leg cramps….helps back also. 6 oz a day at bedtime…stops them the first night. you can get diet tonic water also….My dr recommends it…no side effects..
John R.
How much fish oil and turmeric should I start off taking per day to reduce my arthritis and joint pain?
vvvv
how do you use the turmeric?
Sophie, UK
I was diagnosed with cervical spondylosis in 2012 after an MRI, and was in agony with it, especially at night. No analgesics helped much. In my constant surfing looking for answers, I came across a large study which suggested a clear link between turmeric and reduction of inflammation and pain in cervical spondylosis.
After 4 months of being awake half the night in pain, I started taking Life Extension Super Bio Curcumin 400mg, and within a week the pain was almost gone. Apparently curcumin (the active chemical in turmeric) is not easily absorbed and needs to be taken with black pepper to increase absorption.
I ran out for 2 weeks and the pain returned after 8 days without it. I won’t stop taking it, partly because it’s good pain relief but also to protect my health generally. My mum has Alzheimer’s and I’d really prefer not to get it myself…………One caveat to this post-I was also taking omega 3s and ginger too but my gums started bleeding badly (no gum disease) and I realised that they and turmeric are ALL anticoagulants!Oops!
Sharon
United States
You must be careful to buy turmeric from a reliable source and how to take it.
Mr H Karir
Hi, Me and my family are into outdoor sports and get injured all the time. I have had slip disc, nerve pain down my leg and foot, facial paralysis and bad nerve pain in my face and head.
My parents are from India and all my life when ever we get injured we got 1 glass of hot milk and added 1 table spoon of turmeric (huldi in punjabi) and drank it before bed time. You can not overdoes your self on a natural herb.
Indian food has alot of turmeric in it for colour and taste. Also another huge help better then turmeric for nerve repair is pigeon soup. Yes boil a pigeon in water with what ever you want and drink the soup once a day for a week. I was on all sorts and steroid for my facial paralysis but nothing worked after months until i had pigeon soup after 1 week i was normal.
I hope this info will help someone
People’s Pharmacy response: Pigeon soup may be difficult for people in the US to find or want to use. But turmeric certainly has many enthusiasts.
Maha
I am 28 and was diagnosed with disc protrusions 2 years ago… I live in Sudan and here we haven’t got turmeric in capsules..I read about it’s wonders and brought the roots and changed it into powder at home and I started taking it half a spoon as tea twice a day..it eased my pain and now I am taking it only for pain..
Monaque2
Hi I am a 38 year old female who is 7 months out of surgery. I had a SL Ligament Reconstruction in Oct 2012 and since that day I have been in pain. I have sensitivity to touch and elements that cause pain. Therapist thinks I have a trapped nerve in wrist where the pins were once at. I was recently diagnosed with neuropathy and was put on Gabapentin 100mg 3x a day, neuropathy gel apply 2x a day and just give lidoderm patch. I am on amlodipin as well for high blood pressure. Do you think that it is safe for me to take Turmeric?
Rose
I have neuropathy now going on 7 years and only getting worse. I take 800 mg 3 X a day of Gabapentin, 100 mg 3 X a day of Tramadol and 15 mg of Oxycodone. The pain gets so unbearable and the evenings are worse. If I start the Turmeric will I have a reaction between what I am currently taking and Turmeric? Any suggestion would greatly be appreciated. Thank you in advance.
People’s Pharmacy response: We have seen no evidence that turmeric will interact with your medications. The issue is not well studied, however.
jim
Yes
jim
I started to take turmeric after finding out I had cirrhosis but I’ve had multiple back problems for yrs was cause a tremendous amount of pain. After starting a graduated intake of turmeric I was very happily surprised. I was quite the skeptic, but considering the cost I thought it can’t hurt to try. It has helped me in all my conditions including depression and diabetes too along with the others previously mentioned.
You have nothing to lose by trying it and everything to gain. I’ll never stop taking it. I still must take my prescribed meds, but there is no doubt in my mind this spice has helped me greatly.
T.O.
I have been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis. Will turmeric powder help?
TB
Taking tumeric has really changed my life. I suffered from severe psoriasis on my head and within a month of taking everyday my psoriasis is gone.
JRW
Can you please tell me if the spice worked for your fibromyalgia please thank you!!
jm
I have severe back pain like a knot in my muscle and soreness and numbness in knee any advice welcome.
P.K.Sethi
I have read with great interest the various articles. For the last ten days I have been having pain in my left upper arm only around midnight mainly and today I decided to find if there were other people who had similar experiences. Reading through the experiences of various people was enlightening. I would be grateful if someone can give details of use of turmeric ie how much, with water/milk/other liquids. Are there other indian natural spices that can be taken along with turmeric?
P.K.Sethi
azmina
my mummy has nerve pain in mouth does turmeric help her?
B.L
My wife wants to try it for her fibromyalgia, what dose did you take and how often?
Nancy L.
THANKS PEOPLE. I have learned a lot already from your voices. Turmeric seems to help pains with such a variety of symptoms and illnesses. I am going to go buy some very soon;- as on my Ultrasound X-rays it showed I have a cluster of blood vessels with benign liver lesions. I’m a woman and they get them more than men do. I have chest and stomach pains and pains under the left lower rib areas that are so gnawing and don’t go away. Turmeric is on my list for certain now, because I do not like having these pains bother me so much! Thanks for saying where to go to buy it. And also, I really do like mustard, since you said it is in mustard as well. Nancy
Mary
Dear SM: I am by no means a medical professional, having said that I would like to offer a few suggestions of “remedies” that have helped my idiopathic neuropathy. (I am 50) and mine affects my right leg and WAS horrible in my feet. Gabopentin was prescribed in the beginning and that did help the tingling and burning some. I went off that and now take Turmeric & Bromelain, 450 mg which is helping as well; Cymbalta 60mg a day; and increased my B vitamins. I had been in pain for two years and now feel almost as good as “new”.
One thing I’ve also read quite a bit about and have done myself is cut Gluten out of my diet; not because it bothers me intestinally like a lot of people, but, because I read/heard that a sensitivity (not allergy) to Gluten can cause neuropathic type pain. Hope your dad gets well :)
-Mary
Sm
I would like to know if anyone can tell me does tumeric help people with neuropathy or severe nerve damage my dad is only 59 yrs old and has been suffering from it.
SG
Is Tumeric safe to take if you also take an 81mg aspirin every other day?? I’ve seen it’s not good with Coumadin, so wondering about the aspirin. thanks!
Dawn L.
Tumeric is wonderful for joint and back pain but did you know that it works wonders for getting rid of mouth ulcers, warts and soft tissue cysts? My dog got Lichen Planus in its mouth and suffered painful ulcers. The vet said nothing really could be done and the condition would clear up within 6 months. I bought a packet of Turmeric powder and mixed in 1 teaspoon twice a day in the dog’s wet food. That was 3 weeks ago. The blisters have gone so I shall keep up a maintenance programme of Turmeric once a week in its food.
Another visiting dog aged 19 developed a big transparent cyst behind its ear two months ago. The vet aspirated it but it came back one month later. I gave it One teaspoon of turmeric powder twice a day in its food and I have noticed this morning that the cyst is drying up.
Next I shall try and persuade my MS suffering husband, who is complaining of spinal and back pain, to give it a try. He would pose more of a problem to being used as a guinea pig since he is of the mindset “Hm! didn’t work for me! Nothing does!” Watch this space!
essdeigh
I suffer from degenerative disc disease and recently had an epidural injection for a large protrusion and another herniated disc in my lower back. It’s been unbearable. I currently take a regular aspirin every day and can no longer take Advil due to stomach issues. I really want to try the turmeric and was wondering if there’d be any problems along with my aspirin therapy? Help~
Joseph
I’ve been on coumadin for three years and also take tumeric 475mg capsule daily, it cleared up psoriasis in my scalp. My family doctor advised just be consistent with what you take and your diet (thinners and high vitamin K foods). Assume you have regular blood coagulant checks – it’s up to the medical terch administering the text to keep your coumadin dosage to a level that maintains you in range. This approach has worked well for me.
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE:
Joseph,
We worry about the interaction between turmeric (curcumin) and Coumadin (warfarin). We have heard reports that some people are more susceptible to bleeding (hemorrhage). Please double-check with your MD to make sure you are not getting into the danger zone!
BC
After a spinal fusion surgery which repaired two discs leaning on the sciatic nerve, the nerves are still firing down my leg to the bottoms of my feet. Do you think turmeric will alleviate some of these symptoms?
Shirley
Hello… I read your website here today…. and I am very hopeful that what I read will help me. I am 83, I don’t go to Dr.s but believe in natural things… I don’t like to take Ibuprofen etc…. but I am in such pain in my right leg hip and back. It seems to move around so I do believe its fybromyaglia… I do go to my Dr once a yr for blood work and that’s all. She tells me it is just arthritis…. could be…. but I need help.
After seeing that over the years some of the supplements I have been taking for pain all had ginger and turmeric in them (and they were so costly and didn’t give me relief)… so I am still searching for help…. the only RX,s I take are 1 sleeping pill 30 mg at night (I lost my husband a few yrs ago) and also a water pill. Those 2 things are the only RX I take. I don’t know what my blood sugar is or what the symptoms would be if it gets too low?….. can you tell me please?….. I do take 2 glasses of water a day with a tablespoon of Braggs Vinegsr and a tablespoon of honey mixed in…. I note that you have a warning to people that take blood thinners….( which I don’t take)… does it seem to you … with what I mention above that 1teaspoon of the spice Turmeric and 1teaspoon of the ginger spice would hurt me?
I just took one of each with water…. how long does it take to ease up on the pain? I just took one teaspoon of each of the spices.. ( store brands)… Thank you for your help!
Rachael M.
Hello, My mother has Neuropathy in her feet and is interested in turmeric. Is there any medications that she cannot mix with this, and how much should she take?
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: IF SHE TAKES IT IN CAPSULE FORM, SHE SHOULD FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE LABEL.
TURMERIC DOES NOT MIX WITH WARFARIN (COUMADIN). WE HAVE HEARD FROM PEOPLE WITH ELEVATED INR ON THIS COMBO AND WORRY ABOUT THE DANGER OF BLEEDING.
Angela G.
My 20 year old daughter has been diagnosed with Hidradentitis Suppurativa. She has been taking 1 tsp of turmeric twice daily, with black pepper and hot water (nasty). My concern is that when she returns to college, she will not continue this regimen, so I purchased just today Turmeric concentrate Curcumin 95, 500 milligrams from a health food store. Are the capsules mentioned above as effective?
Angela
Gina
I take so much Medication it is hard to say if it helps or not. I am on Neurontin, Trileptal, and Paxil for my Neuralgia. I will say I am having more trouble with pain now that it is warm outside. Believe me I feel for you.
Masroor K.
I am also suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia. Did you get any relief by taking turmeric. Please do answer.
Sarah F.
This information has been so helpful, thank you so much for posting! My boyfriend is having bad nerve pain after having had shingles but he can’t afford doctors, so these turmeric capsules sound like they’re worth a shot! Thanks again! :)
Sharon
Rose, saw your comment. I too have neuropathy in both feet (very severe) and currently take 2400 mg Gabapentin which I would love to get off. I hate the drug but am doing whatever it takes to ease the pain. Am praying Turmeric will help me as it has others. Can you tell me how long it was before you noticed improvement? Were you taking anything else at the time you started the Turmeric? Thanks and hope you are continuing to improve.
Rose
I look forward to Peoples’ Pharmacy weekly. Have been taking Curcumin 95 500mg daily (concentrated form of Turmeric).
I did a lot of research, the best is as close to pure as possible and the max I found was 95%. Have neuropathy in both feet, has been helping. Taking for 2 weeks only so far. Suggest going on the internet for this as I did, what drug stores offer is not 95% Curcumin. Also take 1 cap Chelated Magnesium (200mg) + Super Omega 3 1000mg daily.
Mary
I was diagnosed as having idiopathic radiculopathy which results in pretty bad nerve pain mostly in my foot but also affects buttocks and leg. My neurologist has me taking Gabapentin for the nerve pain 500mg 3x a day, I’m slowly going off that and would like to try the more natural Turmeric supplement. Can Turmeric be taken with the Gabapentin or should I wait until I’m (hopefully) done with the Gabapentin?? Thank you!
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: TALK THIS OVER WITH YOUR DOCTOR. WE DON’T KNOW OF AN INTERACTION BETWEEN TURMERIC AND GABAPENTIN.
B. B.
In the Seattle times you mention a person that got some relief from neuropathy using turmeric. They did not mention how many milligrams per day they took, only an undisclosed size capsule. Can you let me know what there dose was? I have suffered aprox 6 yrs and would like to try it.
thank you in advance, and also for your column
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: THIS PERSON WAS TAKING 900 MG PER DAY.
Marilyn A
For some time I have been having increasingly bad pain in my right knee, left hip and lower back. I was getting so depressed because I was barely functioning. A friend recommended turmeric, so I decided to try it. Up to that point I had been living on ibuprofen every day (way too much). Since the first turmeric tablet I have not needed another ibuprofen.
And the results with the turmeric are much better than with ibuprofen. Also my energy level is better. The lady in the health food store also recommended fish oil and I have been taking that also. But I know that the turmeric is helping the pain and inflammation as I started it first and noticed results even before the fish oil. I will definitely recommend turmeric to anyone who can take it.
B.A. Aguirre
Back in July I purchased a bottle of Turmeric with Bromelein at the health food store just after writing about my Fibromyalgia. I took it for 3 months and found the pain gone and I believe I am in remission now. I have stopped taking it but feel if the problem returns I can begin again. Thank you for this wonderful web site. I never would have known that this option was available to me. Keep up the good work!
Gina
I actually have not been very faithful with the Turmeric. What has helped me the most is paxil to even my mood. I take 10mg morning and night. And tell your friend with TN to stay out of the heat and cold. I take Trileptal, Nuerontin, and Paxil but I feel like I have a life again.
DAB
Rachel c: I haven’t taken turmeric for pain, mostly as a preventive natural medicine. I was just offering sources of what I believe are the best quality products available in capsules. I usually find the roots in Asian stores (Seattle) and eat it as a sort of “relish” ground up with lemon and honey. Turmeric has many vital components, like curcumin, and some powdered versions may lack most of those; nearly impossible to tell unless you trust the source.
rachel c
Hi,
I was wondering if the tumeric has helped you with the tn pain. I hope so. Please let me know, as I have a friend who suffers tremendously too and i would like to help her.
please e-mail me; rachel-clarke@live.ca
thank you and all the best!
Luanne M.
My right knee began to hurt very bad and the back of my leg was hurting also for about four days,finally, I took 1 diclofenac and it eased the pain a little after two or three hours but by bedtime I was hurting again. I bought a bottle of Turmeric at Walgreens –450mg capsules and took one with a large glass of water, within thirty minutes I was walking without any pain at all. I am definitely a believer of turmeric.
Patty
My 35 year old daughter suffers with fibromyalgia. Can she take take turmeric safely during pregnancy? Are these amounts what is in normal ethnic food that women in other countries eat daily?
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WHEN IT COMES TO ADDING SUPPLEMENTS IN PREGNANCY, WE ALWAYS SUGGEST CONSULTING THE OBSTETRICIAN PROVIDING THE WOMAN’S CARE. EATING CURRY ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK IS UNLIKELY TO POSE PROBLEMS, BUT TAKING CAPSULES OF CURCUMIN IS DIFFERENT. WE DON’T KNOW IF IT IS SAFE.
D. I
I only hope and pray everyone reads this and passes it on. Folks with arthritis, gout, MS, cancer, high blood pressure, etc., etc.
Turmeric has such a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver cleanser, helps remove toxins from your body and does a magnificent job with no ill side effects.
Dosage pure organic ground turmeric root: 1 tablespoon a day.
Mix- 3 Tablespoons of diced raw onions
1/4 Teaspoon black pepper
1/4 Teaspoon sea salt only
3- Tablespoons of Olive Oil
Mix thoroughly, place on saltine crackers and eat away, drink plenty of water, 2 eight ounce glasses if you can. I do.
This is my own personal recipe, I use this everyday for two weeks, after starting to feel great, cut back to 5 times a week. After 3 months I take it 4 times a week.
Gina S.
I am a 38 year old female with Multiple Sclerosis. I have been interested in Turmeric since I saw that it relieved nerve pain for some people as I also have Trigeminal Neuralgia. I picked some up today and now I found it posted on another site that it showed promise in slowing MS progression in mice. Now I am really excited to start taking it.
DAB
A couple reputable sources of turmeric capsules are OrganicIndia.com and LifeExtension.com. Also Dr. Mercola at Mercola.com sells the OrganicIndia brand. If you can find the raw root (rhizome, related to ginger, but orange), it is best, but only a few Asian stores seem to carry it in the U.S. If you find some, grind in food processor with skin included, add lemon juice and honey to taste, and take a tsp per day to keep the doc away. But do not take if you are on a blood thinner.
B.A. Aguirre
I am a 61 year old female and I was just diagnosed with fibromyalgia after more than 15 years of being treated for arthritis/spinal stenosis. The doctor put me on Lyrica and oxycodone for my pain. Previously I was taking Cymbalta before it just stopped working. I went off Cymbalta and had a very hard time dealing with the side effects of withdrawal even though I had Dr.’s instructions.
Now he wants to put me on another med to treat the withdrawal problems. I have had it with pain and sleeping pills! I will drive myself to the health food store and start taking turmeric. I am at my wits end and hope this is the answer to my prayers. I will definitely notify P.P of the results.
jf
I take medication for Type II diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. Is it safe to take turmeric for the pain of neuropathy in my feet, a result of diabetes?
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WE DON’T KNOW OF ANY CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR YOU. BE SURE TO KEEP MONITORING YOUR BLOOD SUGAR. TURMERIC MAY LOWER IT, AND YOU DON’T WANT IT TO DROP TOO MUCH.
Tarin
I wonder how soon after surgery can you take it? I am off Mobic for 30 days post foot surgery. I ache everywhere. Thank you for the info.
s.h.
I have used capsules because there is no taste and it is concentrated; and, as mentioned above, mine has Bromelain, also which is supposed to help with spinal/back pain; (I have read in some medical news articles that some Drs. inject Bromelain into spine for problems; that’s all I know about that…); but different brands have different strengths; read the labels; I like one that is a blend of both the root and concentrates WITH the Bromelain; cheaper will work but it takes more; it is a cousin to Ginger, which is great for nausea…… so turmeric might even help in that way, also; who knows; I just know that when I go with out it completely for a few days, I CAN really tell it!
Kathleen
I have taken Organika Turmeric 500mg tablets since Saturday afternoon.. (two days ago).. I still have pain in my back but it is less severe. However, I am unsure about taking this since it thins the blood. Cipralex also thins the blood. Is it safe to use..??
I am at the point where I will use it anyways. My back pain is just unbearable and it is a constant pain. When you can’t bend your knee, you try just about anything to relieve the pain. Hopefully it won’t thin my blood too much.. I would appreciate any comments about this..I know you are not suppose to take Warfarin and also coumadin since they thin the blood too.
I feel a lot better and it has been only 2 days with 2 pills 500 mg/day.
PS
Forgot to check box for comments re use of turmeric and ginger while taking a blood thinner, so am checking this box.
PS
I used to use ginger and turmeric as a tea and an anti-inflammatory. But now I am on a bloodthinner, Coumadin, because of heartbeat irregularities. I read that they both are blood thinners and I have been unable to use them very much. As they are some of my favorite herbs this is distressing to me. Anyone out there have further info re these herbs, and their use while taking blood thinners?
orrin
How many milligrams did you take?
s.h.
Well, I have taken different forms of turmeric in capsules; some, like from wal-mart or walgreen’s, are weaker; you can get concentrate like curcumin; (some health conscious folk think a blend of whole herb and concentrate is good); I have consistently been taking one that also contains some Bromelain; This one is from natural factors; 450 mg I use it because the Bromeline is supposed to help with back or spine pain, etc. and reduce inflammation, especially in the back… have read about it; anyway, some good concentrates are good; this one is turmeric powdered extract (root) 300 mg and curcumin 95% 285mg and Bromelain from pineapple STEM 1000 GDU
I find it in a few different places/health food stores; I have taken 1 daily with breakfast; if taken between meals, it (Bromelain) is supposed to help the back/spine better (have read it in articles); I have taken just the turmeric concentrate alone in capsules and I would start with 2; it is KIN to ginger; I am taking it for inflammation and preventative; against fibromyalgia and Alzheimer’s disease… I can tell a difference when I DO NOT take it; after a few days I feel achy and can not think as clearly.
There are a few things I take religiously: magnesium , D3, turmeric (if nothing else) like on a trip and limited space, etc. HOPE THIS HELPED; the higher the % and concentration of the turmeric in the capsule, the better; read the label; if the dose is to take two or three capsules, compare to the strength to ONE capsule in each brand….. but this natural factors brand complex, I started with 2 a day, then after a few weeks (2006) I went down to one daily; if my husband’s knee starts to hurt, I give him a second one(he takes one per day); and I use castor oil on his knee area, rubbed into the skin; great.
winston s.
Good article on Turmeric for back pain BUT, not once was it mentioned what quantity to take. Are we to guess this or is there a pertinent recipe? Thanks.
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: IT WOULD BE SENSIBLE TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE BOTTLE IF CAPSULES ARE USED. OTHERS HAVE FOUND THAT ONE-HALF TO ONE TEASPOON DAILY OF THE GROUND SPICE CAN BE HELPFUL. REMEMBER THAT TURMERIC DOES NOT GO WELL WITH WARFARIN!
J. Ellis
Fifteen years ago I had a benign spinal cord tumor that was 90% removed through surgery. Subsequent radiation killed the remaining tumor. Over the years, as my spine has settled and curved due to the laminectomy, I have had increasing nerve pain that bands around my upper body. I took one turmeric last week after reading the Graedon’s newspaper column, and I was SHOCKED at the results. It was unbelievable how it completely took the sensitivity to touch that had plagued me away. Thank you so much for all your helpful and life changing information.
Gerry Anne M.
I have understood about the benefits of taking turmeric, but I’m sure that I have a “clipping” somewhere that advises not to use turmeric with coumadin. So, I have not used turmeric. Can you comment on this?
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WE HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL REPORTS FROM PEOPLE ON COUMADIN WHO HAVE TRIED TURMERIC. IT CAN RAISE THE INR TO DANGEROUS LEVELS.
r riv
How many milligrams should you take a day and how many times?
MCS
How much turmeric must one eat to get relief from low back pain from degenerative spine?
Would pills from GNC work better than the spice?
Thanks,
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: MANY PEOPLE REPORT SUCCESS WITH 1/2 TO 1 TEASPOON DAILY. WE DON’T KNOW IF THE PILLS WOULD WORK BETTER. IF YOU DO THIS EXPERIMENT, PLEASE LET US KNOW THE RESULTS.
Kathleen
I am so excited to find a remedy for my back pain… I can’t wait to get some turmeric capsules and give it a try… My lower back is in constant pain and I go to the chiropractor for a 30 minute current treatment and adjustment. Usually I go every two weeks. If this remedy works I will be so happy.
I had a botched epidural in 1976 and ever since then I have had pain in my lower left hip and down my left leg. Right now the pain in my knee is unbearable and especially in the early morning when I wake. If I sit too long at the computer and then stand up, I walk or move very slowly with a cane. Eventually, I am able to walk without the cane… I can’t go downstairs without holding the railing and going down sideways. My hip will not tolerate forward movement down the stairs. Now because my knee is so painful, I cannot go upstairs either without a lot of effort and torture.
I am at the end of my rope with this pain. Ever since I was put on Cipralex for depression and anxiety last year, I have noticed my back pain getting worse. hopefully turmeric will help. I cannot take aspirin or advil for pain since it is not recommended in combination with Cipralex.
CAR
For the past 13 yrs. I have daily taken turmeric special formula & I know it helps my arthritis pain because I have had 3 knee joint replacements & was required to not take the capsules prior to surgery. I couldn’t wait to get back to taking the capsules as it has made a huge difference in my pain levels. Also, have felt it’s been beneficial in keeping me cancer free at this point. I had breast cancer in 1991 & couldn’t take tomaxifo-n as I was highly allergic to it. Have also consumed other herbal products & to date have had to recurrence of the breast cancer.
cj
Turmeric is also in some mustards. I have used it for muscle spasms.
Sharon
What “goop” are you talking about in dementia patients? My mother is in the first stages of dementia and I need to know what to look for.
TW
Enjoyed reading about the good things turmeric has done. I put 1/4 teaspoon in my oatmeal each morning. I also put 1/4 teaspoon ginger and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in same mixture. How much turmeric and ginger should be taken to be of value? I use the spice itself from a spice shop.
Jesse A. R.
Where can I buy turmeric?
Cindy B
I am 62 and still work a full schedule in my landscape maintenance business. In part, fish oil capusles and turmeric make this possible. I learned about both from People’s Pharmacy. At lunch time, I take another fish oil cap and a of Turmeric capsule if my feet and ankles are giving me an argument and in about an hour I am good to go back to work for another 4 hours.
Madallen
What dosage turmeric do you take? Do you suggest a specific brand name?
HLD
Are there any unusual side effects from taking turmeric, I have fibromyalgia and would like to try the capsules. My cousin had a reaction to this particular spice. What is the recommended daily dose?
thanks
Helen
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: REFER TO THE DOSAGE ON THE LABEL, SINCE THE CAPSULES MAY VARY IN STRENGTH. ONE COMMON RECOMMENDATION IS 400 MG THREE TIMES DAILY:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/turmeric-000277.htm
SOME PEOPLE ARE ALLERGIC TO TURMERIC. IF YOU DEVELOP A RASH, DISCONTINUE IT IMMEDIATELY, AND DON’T TAKE IT IF YOU ARE ON WARFARIN.
s.h.
I have been using turmeric since 2006; capsules; from a good health food store; I would recommend any one with fibromyalgia (do’t have it ) to take turmeric; it seems to reduce inflammation; anywhere; when I get low and use the big box store brands I do not get the same results.
Takes much more for close-to-the-same-results: I take three cheapie capsules to get close to relief and health benefits of 1 higher end concentrate brand; I take it because it reduces inflammation in the body; take it for prevention of what could be; in India, it is consumed daily in foods, etc. and used in medicines; it is called “holy spice”, I read.
I have read that it could be used to help the brain against dementias; seems to help with preventing that goop that seems to build up with dementia/Alz patients…. just doing it just in case….. not makin’ any claims. I SURE FEEL different when I run out of it completely for a few days; I begin to ache like fibromyalgia trying to come back……