If you are anything like how I used to be, you are popping far too many ibuprofen tablets (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin & Nurofen) for everything ranging from headache, backache and other muscular aches and pains. Whilst ibuprofen is great at reducing pain and inflammation, there are many adverse effects from long-term use… The side-effects of long-term ibuprofen (and other NSAIDs) use can include nausea/diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension (high blood pressure), increased risk of heart attack, increased risk of kidney cancer, erectile dysfunction and more… Luckily nature has provided a safer, natural alternative – turmeric.
Ibuprofen (and other NSAIDs) work by inhibiting an enzyme, COX-2 (or Cyclooxygenase 2) that causes inflamed areas of the body to become painful and more inflamed. Block the enzyme and you block the pain and reduce the inflammation. Turmeric is high in a compound called curcumin, and it too is a COX-2 inhibitor! Unlike ibuprofen, very few people experience any side-effects from drinking turmeric tea, after-all, turmeric has been eaten and drunk in South Asia for 1000s of years. You should however not drink turmeric tea when pregnant or breast feeding.
Turmeric Tea Recipe
2 tablespoons of grated fresh turmeric root, or 1 heaped teaspoon of ground turmeric
4 cups of water
Honey/fresh lemon to taste
click here for instructions
Tip: Fresh turmeric root or powder does stain worktops, plates, fingernails. It will come off eventually, but I suggest wearing gloves and using a chopping board.
Source: knowledgeweighsnothing.com
