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.
“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.”
~~~ https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/turmeric-and-black-pepper
~~ 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?
Just a caution... I use turmeric and put a friend on it. He happened to tell his cardiologist who pointed out that he was taking Eliquis and turmeric could amplify the drug's effects. Here's an excerpt of blood thinners including aspirin and Advil that can cause a problem with turmeric.
***************
"Turmeric is a blood thinner. So if you are on other blood-thinning medications, you shouldn’t take turmeric or turmeric supplements because doing that could increase your risk of bleeding and bruising or even make the other medications less effective.
Blood thinners include:
Heparin
Coumadin (Warfarin)
Aspirin
Plavix (Clopidogrel)
Voltaren, Cataflam and others (Diclofenac)
Advil, Motrin and others (Ibuprofen)
Anaprox, Naprosyn and others (Naproxen)
Fragmin (Dalteparin)
Lovenox (Enoxaparin)
Turmeric can also interfere with your body’s absorption of iron supplements and antacids."
Quick Single Serve Golden Milk:
1 cup of almond, oat or full fat coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
Black Pepper
Big pinch of Ginger
Big pinch of Cinnamon
Big pinch of Cardamom
Raw Honey to taste
Heat milk on low heat. Off heat. Stir in seasonings well. Top with honey.
Enjoy!
Quick Single Serve Golden Milk:
1 cup of almond, oat or full fat coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
Black Pepper
Big pinch of Ginger
Big pinch of Cinnamon
Big pinch of Cardamom
Raw Honey to taste
Heat milk on low heat. Off heat. Stir in seasonings well. Top with honey.
Enjoy!
Quick Single Serve Golden Milk:
1 cup of almond, oat or full fat coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
Black Pepper
Big pinch of Ginger
Big pinch of Cinnamon
Big pinch of Cardamom
Raw Honey to taste
Heat milk on low heat. Off heat. Stir in seasonings well. Top with honey.
Enjoy!
I love cardamom and Raymond Chandler's writing. I was reading one of his Bay City (Santa Monica) mysteries where a bar served cardamom pods with gin and tonic drinks to the local corrupt power structure.
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.
“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.”
~~~ https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/turmeric-and-black-pepper
~~ 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 Lori. I am sorry for the delayed response. For the past 5 years I have had bad lover back pain. I am a retired FedEx driver. I didn’t feel comfortable relying on pain medication on a daily basis. I am also a veteran and while I was at the VA clinic the other day for another issue, a Vietnam vet shared with a few of us in the waxing are about how he has been mixing turmeric, black pepper, and water. That it did wonders for him and he only uses that method for his pain. I wasn’t able to ask him more because my name was called. Prior to that , and before he shared hi experience we were talking about what sites we trusted when it came to research on the web. Mayo Cinic was the one and it helped him decided to try the mixture. When I got home from my appointment, I immediately went to this sight and joined. Because I live a vegan lifestyle I also search for organic natural ways for cures. I do have other joint issues but the lover back is the biggest. Just tilting my head while doing lite cleaning causes tension in the back muscles. I have to test it after 10 minutes.
Thank you thank you so much for all you information you have provided. I will definitely research. I am so happy I joined this website
😊🙏
Hello Lori. I am sorry for the delayed response. For the past 5 years I have had bad lover back pain. I am a retired FedEx driver. I didn’t feel comfortable relying on pain medication on a daily basis. I am also a veteran and while I was at the VA clinic the other day for another issue, a Vietnam vet shared with a few of us in the waxing are about how he has been mixing turmeric, black pepper, and water. That it did wonders for him and he only uses that method for his pain. I wasn’t able to ask him more because my name was called. Prior to that , and before he shared hi experience we were talking about what sites we trusted when it came to research on the web. Mayo Cinic was the one and it helped him decided to try the mixture. When I got home from my appointment, I immediately went to this sight and joined. Because I live a vegan lifestyle I also search for organic natural ways for cures. I do have other joint issues but the lover back is the biggest. Just tilting my head while doing lite cleaning causes tension in the back muscles. I have to test it after 10 minutes.
Thank you thank you so much for all you information you have provided. I will definitely research. I am so happy I joined this website
😊🙏
Hi @emp308290 First, let me thank you for your service to our country and also, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I’m happy you joined this website too! I hope you’ll take the time to peruse the 70+ groups in the forum. Each one has hundreds of conversations on almost any medical subject. Feel free to jump in with replies where your medical or lifetime experiences might be able to help someone else out with an answer or encouragement.
I’m a little biased but I also think Mayo Clinic is the best source for accurate and dependable medical information. ☺️
I really hope the turmeric blend works for you. Remember to check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if there’s any reason for you not to use it. It can interfere with some medications. Another member, @callalloo posted this reply which is very helpful. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/732605/
It can also affect people who are prone to kidney stones so make sure you drink a lot of water if you use this daily to help relieve inflammation.
One other thing I’d like to mention, I’ve really suffered from similar issues with my neck, shoulders and upper back when tilting my head. Just a simple trip to an art gallery, looking up at a painting, would be enough to trigger muscle spasms. I couldn’t wear turtlenecks, a scarf, or carry a purse. What really made a difference for me long term are regular massages with a physical therapist who specializes in Myofascial release and acupuncture in the same area. I also roll out the area on either side of my spine and my upper shoulders with a LaCrosse ball to keep the muscles relaxed. I feel human again!
Have you tried a massage or acupuncture? Let me know how the turmeric works out!
Hi @emp308290 First, let me thank you for your service to our country and also, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I’m happy you joined this website too! I hope you’ll take the time to peruse the 70+ groups in the forum. Each one has hundreds of conversations on almost any medical subject. Feel free to jump in with replies where your medical or lifetime experiences might be able to help someone else out with an answer or encouragement.
I’m a little biased but I also think Mayo Clinic is the best source for accurate and dependable medical information. ☺️
I really hope the turmeric blend works for you. Remember to check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if there’s any reason for you not to use it. It can interfere with some medications. Another member, @callalloo posted this reply which is very helpful. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/732605/
It can also affect people who are prone to kidney stones so make sure you drink a lot of water if you use this daily to help relieve inflammation.
One other thing I’d like to mention, I’ve really suffered from similar issues with my neck, shoulders and upper back when tilting my head. Just a simple trip to an art gallery, looking up at a painting, would be enough to trigger muscle spasms. I couldn’t wear turtlenecks, a scarf, or carry a purse. What really made a difference for me long term are regular massages with a physical therapist who specializes in Myofascial release and acupuncture in the same area. I also roll out the area on either side of my spine and my upper shoulders with a LaCrosse ball to keep the muscles relaxed. I feel human again!
Have you tried a massage or acupuncture? Let me know how the turmeric works out!
Hello @loibmt,
I'll actually be 57 in November. There nay have been some confusion when I mentioned that the gentlemen at the VA who provided me some information was a Vietnam vet. It might have come across that I was the sane age. I only mention that because I wouldn't be able to join the 70+ group. Tomorrow I'm going to shop for organic turmeric and pepper if possible. If I am successful I with try in Thursday morning. I read the article on what medications would be harmful. Luckily I only take thyroid medication. Knock on wood . I'm just not quite sure if it would be best to take it in the morning , afternoon or before bedtine. I'm usually better in th morning . Maybe because from sleep. I just don't know if taking in more than once a day , even in smaller potions, would it do harm. I've never had kidney stones or gallstones. I have all organs minus a hysterectomy16 years ago. I drink plenty of water daily. But maybe I'm a tad nervous of a reaction. But hopefully if I do discomfort right away. Sometime the same day.
Fingers crossed.
Hello @loibmt,
I'll actually be 57 in November. There nay have been some confusion when I mentioned that the gentlemen at the VA who provided me some information was a Vietnam vet. It might have come across that I was the sane age. I only mention that because I wouldn't be able to join the 70+ group. Tomorrow I'm going to shop for organic turmeric and pepper if possible. If I am successful I with try in Thursday morning. I read the article on what medications would be harmful. Luckily I only take thyroid medication. Knock on wood . I'm just not quite sure if it would be best to take it in the morning , afternoon or before bedtine. I'm usually better in th morning . Maybe because from sleep. I just don't know if taking in more than once a day , even in smaller potions, would it do harm. I've never had kidney stones or gallstones. I have all organs minus a hysterectomy16 years ago. I drink plenty of water daily. But maybe I'm a tad nervous of a reaction. But hopefully if I do discomfort right away. Sometime the same day.
Fingers crossed.
'Start small' is my gastroenterologist's advice for eating or drinking anything unfamiliar. And notice any reaction. If its tolerated well, one can increase the consumption level.
Hello @loibmt,
I'll actually be 57 in November. There nay have been some confusion when I mentioned that the gentlemen at the VA who provided me some information was a Vietnam vet. It might have come across that I was the sane age. I only mention that because I wouldn't be able to join the 70+ group. Tomorrow I'm going to shop for organic turmeric and pepper if possible. If I am successful I with try in Thursday morning. I read the article on what medications would be harmful. Luckily I only take thyroid medication. Knock on wood . I'm just not quite sure if it would be best to take it in the morning , afternoon or before bedtine. I'm usually better in th morning . Maybe because from sleep. I just don't know if taking in more than once a day , even in smaller potions, would it do harm. I've never had kidney stones or gallstones. I have all organs minus a hysterectomy16 years ago. I drink plenty of water daily. But maybe I'm a tad nervous of a reaction. But hopefully if I do discomfort right away. Sometime the same day.
Fingers crossed.
I can tell you from experience, if I use Golden Tea with milk or the Republic of Tea blend of turmeric more than once a day it does cause a little heartburn for me. This past week with my sprained ankle I drank it several times a day because I can’t take any Advil or aspirin products. The pain relief was amazing. But, with that amount, it did cause a little irritation in my stomach. Tums and drinking some milk helped. That’s why maybe ask at the health food store. They’re usually very good with offering guidance for natural supplements.
So I’d suggest a smaller amount to begin. I drink mine either as tea or in warm milk which is really delicious and soothing. During the summer, I’ll even brew it up and put over ice for an afternoon lift. Some people drink golden tea with milk at bedtime and find it relaxing. I generally drink mine in the afternoon while I’m working on projects. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong time. If it’s ok to use when you’re on thyroid meds, then perhaps the best time is to take any turmeric product several hours later
I don’t think you’ll feel a reaction. This is more like drinking a soothing, herbal tea. There’s no caffeine. There are turmeric teas, supplements, recipes for Golden Tea, or just adding it to food.
I’ve never tried the pre-measured capsules or prepared supplements. But I have a good friend who does and it’s just part of her daily vitamin/supplement intake with no issues at all.
It will be interesting to see what you think about it. Let me know, ok?
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Would you mind sharing your recipe for Golden Milk?
Just a caution... I use turmeric and put a friend on it. He happened to tell his cardiologist who pointed out that he was taking Eliquis and turmeric could amplify the drug's effects. Here's an excerpt of blood thinners including aspirin and Advil that can cause a problem with turmeric.
***************
"Turmeric is a blood thinner. So if you are on other blood-thinning medications, you shouldn’t take turmeric or turmeric supplements because doing that could increase your risk of bleeding and bruising or even make the other medications less effective.
Blood thinners include:
Heparin
Coumadin (Warfarin)
Aspirin
Plavix (Clopidogrel)
Voltaren, Cataflam and others (Diclofenac)
Advil, Motrin and others (Ibuprofen)
Anaprox, Naprosyn and others (Naproxen)
Fragmin (Dalteparin)
Lovenox (Enoxaparin)
Turmeric can also interfere with your body’s absorption of iron supplements and antacids."
https://www.medicinenet.com/which_medications_not_to_take_with_turmeric/article.htm-
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3 ReactionsQuick Single Serve Golden Milk:
1 cup of almond, oat or full fat coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
Black Pepper
Big pinch of Ginger
Big pinch of Cinnamon
Big pinch of Cardamom
Raw Honey to taste
Heat milk on low heat. Off heat. Stir in seasonings well. Top with honey.
Enjoy!
This looks delicious, thanks!
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Hug
1 ReactionPS [Off-topic alert but short ..]
I love cardamom and Raymond Chandler's writing. I was reading one of his Bay City (Santa Monica) mysteries where a bar served cardamom pods with gin and tonic drinks to the local corrupt power structure.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHello Lori. I am sorry for the delayed response. For the past 5 years I have had bad lover back pain. I am a retired FedEx driver. I didn’t feel comfortable relying on pain medication on a daily basis. I am also a veteran and while I was at the VA clinic the other day for another issue, a Vietnam vet shared with a few of us in the waxing are about how he has been mixing turmeric, black pepper, and water. That it did wonders for him and he only uses that method for his pain. I wasn’t able to ask him more because my name was called. Prior to that , and before he shared hi experience we were talking about what sites we trusted when it came to research on the web. Mayo Cinic was the one and it helped him decided to try the mixture. When I got home from my appointment, I immediately went to this sight and joined. Because I live a vegan lifestyle I also search for organic natural ways for cures. I do have other joint issues but the lover back is the biggest. Just tilting my head while doing lite cleaning causes tension in the back muscles. I have to test it after 10 minutes.
Thank you thank you so much for all you information you have provided. I will definitely research. I am so happy I joined this website
😊🙏
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsHi @emp308290 First, let me thank you for your service to our country and also, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I’m happy you joined this website too! I hope you’ll take the time to peruse the 70+ groups in the forum. Each one has hundreds of conversations on almost any medical subject. Feel free to jump in with replies where your medical or lifetime experiences might be able to help someone else out with an answer or encouragement.
I’m a little biased but I also think Mayo Clinic is the best source for accurate and dependable medical information. ☺️
I really hope the turmeric blend works for you. Remember to check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if there’s any reason for you not to use it. It can interfere with some medications. Another member, @callalloo posted this reply which is very helpful. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/732605/
It can also affect people who are prone to kidney stones so make sure you drink a lot of water if you use this daily to help relieve inflammation.
One other thing I’d like to mention, I’ve really suffered from similar issues with my neck, shoulders and upper back when tilting my head. Just a simple trip to an art gallery, looking up at a painting, would be enough to trigger muscle spasms. I couldn’t wear turtlenecks, a scarf, or carry a purse. What really made a difference for me long term are regular massages with a physical therapist who specializes in Myofascial release and acupuncture in the same area. I also roll out the area on either side of my spine and my upper shoulders with a LaCrosse ball to keep the muscles relaxed. I feel human again!
Have you tried a massage or acupuncture? Let me know how the turmeric works out!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsHello @loibmt,
I'll actually be 57 in November. There nay have been some confusion when I mentioned that the gentlemen at the VA who provided me some information was a Vietnam vet. It might have come across that I was the sane age. I only mention that because I wouldn't be able to join the 70+ group. Tomorrow I'm going to shop for organic turmeric and pepper if possible. If I am successful I with try in Thursday morning. I read the article on what medications would be harmful. Luckily I only take thyroid medication. Knock on wood . I'm just not quite sure if it would be best to take it in the morning , afternoon or before bedtine. I'm usually better in th morning . Maybe because from sleep. I just don't know if taking in more than once a day , even in smaller potions, would it do harm. I've never had kidney stones or gallstones. I have all organs minus a hysterectomy16 years ago. I drink plenty of water daily. But maybe I'm a tad nervous of a reaction. But hopefully if I do discomfort right away. Sometime the same day.
Fingers crossed.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction'Start small' is my gastroenterologist's advice for eating or drinking anything unfamiliar. And notice any reaction. If its tolerated well, one can increase the consumption level.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionIf you’re heading to a health food store to get your turmeric and pepper, you might want to check with them regarding proportions. There are also turmeric supplements on the market you might want to consider. I found a little article that gives some pointers on what to look for in a supplement.
https://consumershealth.org/turmeric-curcumin-supplement-guide/?msclkid=86984109ac0a1511357223e049f6f4ff
I can tell you from experience, if I use Golden Tea with milk or the Republic of Tea blend of turmeric more than once a day it does cause a little heartburn for me. This past week with my sprained ankle I drank it several times a day because I can’t take any Advil or aspirin products. The pain relief was amazing. But, with that amount, it did cause a little irritation in my stomach. Tums and drinking some milk helped. That’s why maybe ask at the health food store. They’re usually very good with offering guidance for natural supplements.
So I’d suggest a smaller amount to begin. I drink mine either as tea or in warm milk which is really delicious and soothing. During the summer, I’ll even brew it up and put over ice for an afternoon lift. Some people drink golden tea with milk at bedtime and find it relaxing. I generally drink mine in the afternoon while I’m working on projects. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong time. If it’s ok to use when you’re on thyroid meds, then perhaps the best time is to take any turmeric product several hours later
I don’t think you’ll feel a reaction. This is more like drinking a soothing, herbal tea. There’s no caffeine. There are turmeric teas, supplements, recipes for Golden Tea, or just adding it to food.
I’ve never tried the pre-measured capsules or prepared supplements. But I have a good friend who does and it’s just part of her daily vitamin/supplement intake with no issues at all.
It will be interesting to see what you think about it. Let me know, ok?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction