Pain and inflammation from arthritis can keep you from having an active life but Curcumin combined with Willowbark can pain relief to help you get back into the swing of things. This spice and herb combination can help reduce and prevent the inflammation that causes pain:

• Reduces inflammation
• Relieves back and joint pain
• Improves joint mobility
• Relieves mild headaches

How do these two natural remedies help pain relief?

• Curcumin Curcumin comes from the spice turmeric and is known for giving Indian curry spice its color and taste. Chinese medicine practitioners have used Curcumin for centuries to treat inflammation and digestive disorders. This spice has the ability to block the body’s enzymes and cytokins that cause inflammation. One study showed that curcumin lessened joint pain and swelling better than NSAID’s, (non-steroidal drugs.) Curcumin also helps prevent DNA loss when cells replicate. When cells lose DNA data they lose bits of their information, which can lead to disease and aging.

• Willowbark Willowbark comes from the Salix Alba willow tree and has been used for treating lower back pain and arthritis since the 5^th century B.C. In 1897 Felix Hoffman of Germany developed aspirin, a synthetic version of salicin or salicylic acid, the active ingredient in Willowbark. Willowbark is nature’s aspirin that combines salicin with other antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols making it an even more powerful anti-inflammatory. Willowbark works slower than aspirin at reducing pain but lasts longer and is easier on the stomach. A two-week study showed that 240mg of standardised Willow Bark reduced osteoarthritis pain by 14 percent. Another study that lasted four weeks showed that 39 percent of those who took 240mg of Willow Bark has less lower back pain, during the last week of the test, than those who took a placebo.

Other helpful ways to decrease inflammation from arthritis

• Diet Reduce your intake of wheat, dairy, sugar and processed foods, as they all contribute to inflammation. Add more leafy green vegetables, fruit, fish and whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa. Drink at least 8 medium sized glasses of spring water per day.

• Exercise Low impact exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga or tai chi can help keep both you and your joints moving in a good way.