294 Curcumin – Nature's Painkiller [17 Nov 2014]

Curcumin is a natural phenol found in turmeric root which gives this Indian spice, used in curry dishes, its bright yellow color. Curcumin is used in herbal medicine primarily to relieve pain and inflammation. In India’s traditional Ayurvedic medicine, curcumin has a long history in the treatment of asthma, allergies, sinusitis, liver disorders, rheumatism and wound healing. Curcumin is now being scientifically explored for several other potential purposes – besides its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin has demonstrated antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective and antiarthritic benefits.

Like most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), curcumin inhibits the COX2 enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain in the body; but it does so more completely and more safely than NSAIDs. The problem with curcumin though is that it is very poorly absorbed. One method used to enhance absorption is the addition of piperine, an extract of black pepper. Another method, used in Europe, attaches the curcumin extract to a phospholipid and adds turmeric essential oils to create a special extract called BCM-95. BCM-95 is up to 10X better absorbed than regular curcumin, and is significantly better than the combination with piperine.

Curcumin is very safe, even at high doses. One possible caution is that it may suppress iron metabolism so anyone using curcumin long term should monitor his blood iron levels. Interactions with other medications are rare with BCM-95.

The BCM-95 extract is available in Canada in two formulas. A full strength 750 mg capsule of BCM-95 is effective for all types of inflammation and also offers long term pain relief. The other formula has 450mg of BCM-95 plus 100mg of Boswellia serrata extract (better known as Frankincense) – another herb with proven joint-pain relieving properties – and is more effective for immediate pain relief. Customers who have used these formulas tell me they are amazed at how quickly they have experienced relief from pain and swelling.

See www.europharmausa.com for more information.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.