Hi @emp308290 There are so many positive studies regarding the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric with one of its components called curcumin. Black pepper acts as a bio-enhancer, allowing the curcumin to be utilized in the body. Without the addition of pepper it is not as helpful.

I can tell you that Golden Milk (a blend spices that I make keep on hand) or Republic of Tea Turmeric Tea are staples in my house. It’s what I use in place of aspirin or Advil if I have aches or pain. This week I had the unfortunate incident of spraining my ankle. Thankfully it’s not broken but it’s heavily wrapped and it was really painful. I’m not able to take aspirin or Advil products, which would reduce inflammation and Tylenol did very little to help ease the pain. So I’ve been drinking a cup of the Republic of Tea Turmeric powder twice a day for the past two days and it’s helped immeasurably! So I will vouch for the use of turmeric for a pain reliever.
I’ve found some articles for you which will help explain how turmeric works and why it’s necessary for it to be combined with pepper to bring out the magic.
https://nutritionfacts.org/2022/04/11/why-pepper-boosts-turmeric-blood-levels/
Here is an excerpt from this link:

“Why Black Pepper with Turmeric?
The Indian spice turmeric, which gives curry powder its characteristic golden color, is so beneficial that my Daily Dozen recommends we get at least a quarter teaspoon every day. Why should we pair it with black pepper?

Key Active Ingredients
Curcumin in Turmeric
Approximately 5 percent of the spice turmeric is composed of an active compound called curcumin, which is responsible for turmeric’s bright yellow color.

Piperine in Black Pepper
About 5 percent of black pepper by weight is comprised of piperine, a compound that gives the spice its pungent flavor. Piperine is a potent inhibitor of drug metabolism. One of the ways our liver gets rid of foreign substances is by making them water soluble so they can be more easily excreted. But, this black pepper molecule inhibits that process.

How Do Turmeric and Black Pepper Work Together?
Within an hour of consuming turmeric, we get a little bump in the level of curcumin in our bloodstream. We don’t see a large increase because our liver is actively trying to get rid of it. Would taking just a quarter teaspoon’s worth of black pepper suppress that process? Indeed. By adding just a little black pepper, the bioavailability of curcumin shoots up by 2,000 percent, as I discuss in more detail in my video Boosting the Bioavailability of Curcumin. Even just a little pinch of pepper—1/20th of a teaspoon—can significantly boost curcumin levels. And guess what a common ingredient in curry powder is besides turmeric? Black pepper.”
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https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/turmeric-and-black-pepper
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https://organixx.com/turmeric-and-black-pepper/
However, if you are taking any medications you should contact your doctor or pharmacist to see if there are any interactions or contraindications for taking turmeric. I had to avoid it for a couple of years while on some medications. But thankfully I can take it again because it’s been really a game changer for me.
May I ask what pain you’re trying to alleviate? You’ve posted this in the bones, joints and muscle group, do you have arthritis or muscle issues?

Hello @emp308290. I'd like to add my welcome along with @loribmt, who has graciously come in with quite a nice and knowledgeable response to your question.

You will notice that I have moved your post into an existing discussion on the same topic, which you can find here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/turmeric-with-black-pepper/

I will let you digest the great content Lori has offered and answer her questions as well.