Hi,
First time writing a post bit have been an avid reader of many.
Does anyone take turmeric to help with their RA? I'm currently on weekly benapali injections but it doesnt seem to be having any impact😬
I've heard lots of people take it but I've no idea where to start, there are so many brands out there.
Any advice greatly received 🙏
I took it for ages as I read so much about it but actually the amount you need is HUGE everyday to make it truly work but not in RA. I stopped taking it and after a year on it, there was no huge change when I came off it. I think based on what I have read it might help mild cases of arthritis but there is no true science behind it. But I could of course be wrong here but not found any verified info.
I seem to recall too that you need a large amount to make a difference to RA inflammation/any pain, and did I read that you need to have a turmeric supplement with enough black pepper in it to make it more effective? I’ve never taken it but was contemplating it before my med kicked in. Sorry it didn’t work for you. 😑
Funny I had to come off the one with black pepper when on MTX as it caused a side effect of coughing and it was someone on here who said black pepper with it not good. Soon as I stopped cough stopped🤪
I can cough at a sniff of black pepper 😝 although I do like it in food. I was hesitant re the turmeric because of the black pepper.
Hi how long have you been taking Benepali
Been taking benepali for 6 months. Seemed to have an impact initially but have been in so much pain recently, wondering if I should try introducing some complimentary meds while I'm waiting for my next consultation.
I took tumeric for a few months with no effect.
I recently bought turmeric with black pepper to see if it might help my hands. Got a strong dose, just been taking for 2 weeks, giving it a go 👍 x
Thanks for the reply. What dose are you taking?
Hi I saw ur question in my email then couldn't find this...found you now 😊...here is a photo of the turmeric. I thought I'd try it as I had a steroid injection in my wrist a few months ago but it wore off quickly and was sore again...I know turmeric is said to be a natural anti inflammatory spice but whether is helps arthritis I've no idea...
It has 2,160 mg of turmeric per 'serving ' think that means per tablet... suggests 2 to 3 per day but I just take one. They also have ginger root and black pepper in the capsule. (Ihave psoriatic arthritis) Can't remember the cost but I got them on Amazon. xx
Try aspercream for pain
I don’t know anything about the effects of turmeric but I would suggest if Benepali doesn’t work for you that you have a discussion with your rheumatology team. A change in medication may make all the difference.
Dear Mumatron,
My advice is 'Simple and Safe'..... Check With Your 'Own' Doctors/ Consultants, BEFORE Trying ANY Natural/ Hemeopathic Substances.
The 'Health Fraternety' recommend, quite frankly, All manner of 'Miracle Cures'- for Many illnesses- most of which I personally would, at the very least, treat with Caution.
I DO use Montabello Cherry Extract, to help prevent Gout- a common Side Effect after Kidney Transplant (July 2013)- however this is with the Full Knowledge of my Consultant.
I'm not saying 'Don't' I'm just suggesting Caution.
AndrewT
My doctor laughed when I talked about taking turmeric. He said if it worked people in his country (India) would not suffer from RA. Having said that I am a great believer in trying things, but double check it is ok with your medication first
My Doctor at pain clinic told me to buy some turmeric with black pepper. I will have to try it . x
I spoke with my rheumatologist about this at my last consultation and she agreed it was worth trying for inflammation. I take tablet format with black pepper as it helps with absorption Also use it when cooking.
Hi I take curcumin 12000mg. C3 complexIt’s the active constituent of turmeric. Been on it for a 2 years. I now only need one capsule. It has helped me tremendously with stiffness. Took me a while to find the right one as others from herbal shops did not work. Not sure if I am permitted to say where I buy it from. ( get back to me if you are interested and I’ll try). I DO continue with my RA meds though it’s NO substitute.
Thanks form your reply. Would you mind sharing what you use? Thank you 🙂
I too asked my consultant as have been on Turmeric (with black pepper) for years. She said that it was maybe worth it but had also heard that fresh turmeric was perhaps more effective. I honestly don't know if it helps but in my weird logic I am too frightened to stop taking it in case it is doing good.
Please discuss with your rheumatologist first. I purchased prescription strength turmeric that is available in Australia, in its pure form rather than the capsules here in the U.K. I was told although you couldn’t use it with warfarin it was fine with antiplatelets. Not long after starting it, I noticed the stiffness and pain was much less, however I was getting covered in bruises. When I researched it further I found it was contraindicated with antiplatlets, so had to stop. It interacts with so many meds, including diabetic meds, sulfasalazine, amlodipine. Also any drugs that use the enzyme P450 where drugs are broken down in the liver, it can result in delay clearing the drug leading to toxic levels or cause the drug to metabolise faster resulting in not reaching therapeutic levels. The P450 is involved in the metabolism of about 40% of medications, so there is a real possibility your on something that uses it. People have this false impression because these are purchased as supplements they are safe. I learned the hard way by trusting a rep for the company, and spent £70 on the pure turmeric powder, it did help for the short time I took it. Apparently it is the equivalent of taking ibuprofen.
Here is a good site listing many of the interactions:
There is some evidence that it could reduce inflammation. So I tried it - I found all I got was indigestion! And the powder makes a horrible stain if you spill it...!
I took it recently for 6 months to no effect. I have been told you need to take the most expensive makes to have any effect. Nance now stopped taking it.
Hi, I’m taking methotrexate and a biologic and I took a high strength turmeric tablet for about 6 months and unfortunately didn’t notice any difference to my RA. I would ask the rheumatologist or rheumatologist nurse and seek their advice.
Tried it before I knew I had RA, on a friend's advice. For me it was like trying to fend off a cougar's attack with a fly swatter. No kidding.
Tried turmeric upon rheumatologist advice before being diagnosed. It didn't work, however, I was breaking open the capsule and using it as a spice a little at a time.
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