Curcumin for Pain Relief

Turmeric is one of the commonly used spices in some of the Southeast Asian countries, especially India. It is believed that this spice has been used in these regions through the centuries. Apart from being used for culinary purposes, curcumin is an important ingredient of the traditional medical system of India, called Ayurveda. Turmeric is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine too. Actually the yellow-colored spice called turmeric is derived from the ginger-like roots of the plant Curcuma longa. The root with brownish skin and orange flesh is dried before grinding to make turmeric powder. So, turmeric is equally popular as a spice as well as a natural remedy. It is said that the medicinal properties of turmeric is due to the presence of curcumin, which imparts the yellow color to the spice. According to recent studies, curcumin is highly effective in relieving pain.

What is Curcumin

It is one among the three curcuminoids found in turmeric. It is a natural phenol that is responsible for the yellow color of turmeric and is also said to be responsible for the health benefits of this spice. Curcumin is said to have anti tumor, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is said to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent as well as an antioxidant. Traditionally, turmeric is used in treating certain medical conditions, like, gastrointestinal disorders. Being a powerful antioxidant, curcumin is believed to lower cholesterol, thereby preventing various medical problems like heart attacks.

As it blocks the action of free radicals in the body, curcumin reduces the risk of certain diseases and also fights aging. According to recent studies, this compound is suggested to be useful in the treatment of cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin benefits include its use in lowering high blood sugar level and also for detoxification purposes. Various studies support the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, which is now widely promoted as a safe alternative to the common pain relievers.

A Natural Anti-inflammatory

Of late, curcumin has been promoted as a natural pain killer. Humans have been aware of its anti-inflammatory properties, for a very long time. This is established by the fact that turmeric has been an important part of the traditional medicine of India, for thousands of years. Some of the recent researches too support this finding.

The body enzyme named COX-2 is primarily responsible for pain and inflammation. According to researchers, curcumin acts upon this enzyme and blocks it, thereby reducing the inflammation and pain. So, it is now used in relieving the pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis, asthma and colitis. But, as of now, there is no conclusive proof for the effectiveness of curcumin in relieving pain and studies (about use of turmeric for pain relief) are still underway.

Recently, a study was conducted to compare the effects of curcumin and commercial pain killers, in relieving pain. It was found that curcumin is effective in relieving pain, to the same extent, as that of commercial painkillers. It is also suggested that apart from being effective in relieving pain, curcumin does not cause most of the side effects associated with commercial medication.

So, curcumin is claimed to be effective for pain relief and many of its users are satisfied with the results. There are many who vouch for the effectiveness of this compound in reducing pain and inflammation. But, there is no scientific evidence for the same. So, it is always better to consult your doctor and seek his opinion about use of curcumin for pain relief. If you want to reap the health benefits of this herb, then, you may also include it in your diet (in moderate amounts).