Turmeric as an anti-inflammatory

It’s one of the top-rated supplement makers because of the third-party testing and pricier than most. I use some of their products. Costco sells organic turmeric in a big plastic tub that also has pepper in it. I use a small scoop whenever I make a batch of lentils or whole grain to freeze in my batch cooking regimen. That way I have some on most days. I also add pepper for double assurance.

I’ve been taking curcumin (turmeric) since November from a company called Thorne. I’ve used it in the past with no improvement, but this time it’s really working for joint pain. I feel like a new person. I suspect it’s also working on lungs as I’m getting better but can’t be sure whether it’s from the curcumin or other treatments. Thorne is a good company because they include black pepper in the pills and curcumin can’t be absorbed without an accompanying absorption agent. I think that’s why it’s been working this time.

@mmahlik ,

I have read ingredients and can not see block pepper listed. Is it another name in the ingredients?

Thanks arvin

@arv10 Often pepper is listed among the ingredients as peperin. If it is missing, I would pass on that brand.

CAUTION: If you take blood thinners (including aspirin, Plavix or Warfarin) or you have had blood in your sputum (hemoptysis) or bleed easily, consult your doctor BEFORE using curcumin or turmeric or products containing them. This is experience speaking...

@sueinmn I was taking turmeric before being diagnosed in September 2025. I was prescribed antibiotics (azithromycin, rifampin, and ethambutol 3x/week; the doctor stopped the ethambutol in December). Before taking the antibiotics, I searched for information on negative drug-supplement interactions, and turmeric was one, so I stopped taking it.

But I've also read turmeric can have a beneficial synergistic effect when taken while on antibiotics (NIH paper from 2021). So perhaps the caution regarding interactions was from an overly risk-averse perspective-can't recall where I read it. Perhaps taking turmeric on days when I'm not taking antibiotics would be helpful.

@arv10 Often pepper is listed among the ingredients as peperin. If it is missing, I would pass on that brand.

CAUTION: If you take blood thinners (including aspirin, Plavix or Warfarin) or you have had blood in your sputum (hemoptysis) or bleed easily, consult your doctor BEFORE using curcumin or turmeric or products containing them. This is experience speaking...