In the Indian subcontinent and the countries that surround it, turmeric is a spice that makes for a very important ingredient in everyday cooking as well as daily life. It's not really the taste and color that lends to the popularity of this spice, but the varied health benefits that it provides for. Don't get me wrong. The taste is quite distinct, slightly pungent and overwhelming. And when in its powdered form, it cannot really be had raw. Looking beyond the taste though, it is one of those multipurpose and versatile natural products that provides for a wide range of benefits to the human body. We will get into the varied healing properties of turmeric as the article progresses. The overriding factor, however, is that turmeric for arthritis pain is proving to be one of the best options to choose from because of its naturally occurring anti-inflammatory properties. Let us get into the details of the same in the following sections of the article. What is Arthritis For people who have been suffering from arthritis pain, there need be no special mention of what the pain is like and how it can affect a person's life. Arthritis is a health condition that affects the joints (where two bones meet and are therefore responsible for the movement of those body parts) of an individual. Arthritis can be of different kinds and brought on by different reasons. It is a condition that is characterized by an inflammation and swelling of joints and the surrounding parts, which then leads to severe pain and a thwarting of natural movements. Generally the pain that is brought on by arthritis is so severe that it affects the quality of the patient's life. In this direction, the study of turmeric for curing arthritis pain has proven to be very encouraging. Why is turmeric known to help patients with arthritis pain? Turmeric for Arthritis Turmeric contains a product called curcumin that lends it the anti-inflammatory properties that are essential in lessening the pain that is caused by arthritis. Curcumin acts upon the protein that is responsible for causing inflammation of the joints, thereby decreasing the effect and the pain. Along with that it helps in inhibiting substances like cyclooxygenase and prostaglandins which are responsible for causing inflammation in the body as well as lowers the histamine levels in the body and stimulates certain hormones that are responsible for flaring the pain. Other than working directly to lessen the pain that is caused by inflammation, turmeric will also lend to several other functions which include strengthening the immune system of a person and thereby preventing the influx of varied conditions. This ingredient is a rich source of antioxidants and therefore prevents the onset of free radicals which weaken the system with diseases. Turmeric belongs to the ginger family and it is said that a combination of ginger and turmeric for arthritis often proves to be more beneficial. Ways to Consume Turmeric Turmeric for arthritis works exceptionally well when consumed as a preventive measure. In that manner, it strengths the body to prevent an attack and the pain that is brought on. Turmeric as a root is highly pungent and has a strong taste that cannot be taken in, in its raw form. The ideal form to consume turmeric is in the powdered form. People in the East will add the turmeric in curries or other foods that are prepared on a daily basis. Thus adding half a teaspoon of turmeric to one's eggs in the morning or even the cereal is the simplest way to consume the same. Another way of having the same is to mix half a teaspoon to a cup of hot milk and sugar and have it piping hot. As a medicine, it can also be consumed as is by swallowing a pinch of the powder with salt and then gulping it down with hot water. Other than that, combining ginger and turmeric is another option that will do wonders for the condition. Brew some tea with both these roots for maximum impact. Add an inch of each root to 2 cups of water and boil along with sugar and tea powder for 15-20 minutes or till the concoction has been reduced to the level of one cup. Then consume hot and fresh. In this manner, the most natural anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling properties of both roots will help in dealing with this condition. One can also consume turmeric in the form of tablets or capsules, after consulting with a doctor about the recommended dosage for arthritis. But in its most natural form, it definitely proves to be more effective. The medicinal properties of turmeric are only just being discovered in the West, but it is something that has been a part of Eastern culture for several centuries now. It is one of those highly effective, preventive and treatment forms that can be used for arthritis and it does not really take much to introduce it in your lifestyle either. Give yourself a chance and see the wonders that this holistic herb can do for you. Here's to a pain free existence.