Tumeric is spice that some pain management specialists recommend for joint pain caused by sports injuries. Popular in Indian cuisine, this orange and yellow powder can relieve mild knee and elbow pain in otherwise healthy individuals.
According to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, the active ingredient in turmeric – curcumin – can be as effective at pain relief as ibuprofen. Another study by researchers at Baylor University Medical Center, reported that turmeric is safe in moderate doses.
Although many Westerners ingest turmeric only in curry and other spicy dishes, this South Asian spice may have application may have medicinal properties for pain management.
