As one of the more popular herbal supplements on the market today, turmeric offers patients and other users many health benefits, including the treatment of minor health disorders and diseases. In addition to these benefits, turmeric has also been shown to be an effective method to treat pain relief from an organic standpoint. Available in many supermarkets and drugstores, turmeric is available in pill form, powder or as a liquid extract.
Gallstone Pain Relief
One of the more common uses of turmeric in regard to pain relief focuses on the herbal supplement's natural ability to break down gallstones within a patient. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), turmeric is effective in breaking down the calcified bile often responsible for the formation of gallstones within the gallbladder. Inflammation often results when a gallstone becomes lodged within the organ, causing a great deal of pain and discomfort for the patient. Once the stone is broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces, the patient is typically able to exude the gallstone in the form of waste product.
Ulcerative Colitis
Another major benefit of taking turmeric is the herb's ability to organically and naturally treat symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), turmeric supplements may help maintain remission in patients with a pre-diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, which can be a precursor to eventual colon cancer. According to the UMMC, in one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, people whose ulcerative colitis was in remission received either curcumin--the active ingredient in turmeric--or placebo, along with conventional medical treatment, for six months. As more research continues to be conducted about the benefits of turmeric and the treatment of ulcerative colitis, patients seeking an alternative treatment method may have another option with this herbal supplement.
Arthritis Pain
According to the UMMC, another major benefit that turmeric offers to patients in the realm of pain relief is the herb's natural ability to decrease inflammation and pain for those suffering from arthritis. Discussed on the UMMC website, one study of people using an Ayurvedic formula of herbs and minerals containing turmeric, as well as winter cherry, Boswellia serrata and zinc, significantly reduced pain and disability. While it is still difficult to know if turmeric itself is solely responsible for these effects, researchers are hopeful that continued studies will shine light on the herb's continued pain-relief abilities for the treatment of arthritis and other inflammation conditions.
Pain with Inflammation and Swelling
The NCCAM suggests that turmeric contains an active constituent, curcumin, which has been known to decrease inflammation associated with minor forms of trauma in many patients. As swelling and inflammation decreases in a wound, the level of pain associated with the pressure on the affected area will also lessen.
Skin Pain
A less-common use of turmeric in the form of liquid extract-based lotions focuses on the direct application of turmeric ointment onto the skin in order to treat minor skin irritations and inflammation. According to the NCCAM, while more research needs to be conducted to document the full extent of treatment success via turmeric ointments, preliminary research has shown a beneficial reactivity when turmeric is applied to rashes and painful skin irritation.
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