turmeric with black pepper

Hello @mschock,

I would like to invite @lorrainechavez to this discussion as they have recently talked about turmeric with black pepper. I would also like to invite @johnbishop, @geneo, @gailg, @speedy, @lisa54, @vonbaron36 and @bonniecanby, as they have all talked about using turmeric in the past as well and may be able to share their experiences.

@mschock, I don't know much about turmeric, what sort of medication or supplement is it? Has it been recommended to you by a provider and if you are comfortable sharing, do you have experience with turmeric?

Turmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous plant of the ginger family. It’s a spice. The raw root is absolutely delicious but turns everything yellow. In order to receive the most benefit black pepper is added.

Hello @mschock, I take turmeric capsules and also use the organic ground turmeric root powder in my breakfast smoothies...normally only about a 1/2 teaspoon or less. I have tried it in coffee but it has a strong taste and not really wanting to mess up my coffee in the morning. I have polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and also have osteopenia. I do think it helps with the inflammation but it's just my opinion. From what I've read, if you take the capsules they need to also contain black pepper extract to aid in the absorption of the Turmeric. There is a lot of information out there on the benefits of turmeric. One of the best websites I've found is Duggie's - Turmericlife.com. Here is a page that talks about the benefits/use for arthritis where it mentions inflammation:
http://turmericlife.com.au/turmeric-for-arthritis/
John

Re: Turmeric with black pepper. When I first heard about the benefits of this product I wondered if I could tolerate it as I do NOT have an "asbestos" mouth in that I can't stand spicy food! But I figured it was worth a try and turmeric is now being hailed to cure just about anything, though that has yet to be proven. If you also do not like spicy food, but wonder if you can tolerate it since both turmeric and black pepper are spicy hot, I got good news....as least from my experience, I have had no adverse effects once it gets into my stomach. I sometimes joke I wonder if you eat something for the VERY first time, does the stomach turn to the liver and ask, "What am I supposed to do with this?" We surely were designed perfectly. @gailfaith

good for you!! Have you had any results. Like relief of joint discomfort

Thanks I'll check it out. I'm sorry it hasn't helped with the inflammation.

Is this safe to use if you’re on methotrexate and plaquenil?

Hello @carolmiletti - you might want to run your question by your local pharmacist or doctor. I have heard that turmeric can amplify some of the side effects of medications being taken but I have no medical knowledge or expertise. I do use turmeric organic powder in my breakfast smoothie and also take a turmeric supplement capsule that has black pepper extract but the only medications I take are prednisone for PMR and spironolactone and hydrachlorathyazide for blood pressure. I've had no problems with these medications. I did find a link that talks a little about turmeric interactions with supplements here:
https://www.rxlist.com/turmeric-page3/supplements.htm
John

Thanks John. This article mentions slower metabolizing through the liver - I will skip it. I used to take turmeric daily till I had to start methotrexate. Not worth risking liver. I’m a slow metabolizer of many meds anyway. Appreciate your help. C

It relieved the pain in my knees