Turmeric has been used as a treatment for inflammation for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional Indian medicine that is practiced elsewhere as an alternative medicine. Turmeric is the spice that gives curry it’s distinctive flavor and color and is also used in making  mustard and pickles. Turmeric comes from the root of the curcuma longa plant and is related to ginger.

Turmeric is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that can damage healthy cells and cell membranes.  Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and in recent studies decreased the duration of morning stiffness for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine study found that turmeric inhibits a transcription factor, which is a protein that controls when genes are switched on or off.  Once activated it binds to genes that produce inflammatory proteins that can result in joint damage.  This study suggests that turmeric may be useful in fighting inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis as well as other diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and asthma.

If you are looking for a natural way to decrease inflammation, turmeric is a good place to start.