Turmeric Tea Can Be Just As Effective As Medication For Managing Osteoarthritis Pain

 In general, osteoarthritis-related joint pain can be managed through a variety of treatments. In most cases, the first step in treatment involves over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain.

Although both of these medications are effective in relieving mild to moderate osteoarthritis symptoms, there is a risk of negative side effects. Both NSAIDs and acetaminophen have been shown to cause liver damage. Moreover, NSAIDs can cause stomach upset, as well as cardiovascular dysfunction and bleeding problems.

A growing number of patients are turning to natural remedies, such as herbal tea, to treat their osteoarthritis pain in order to avoid negative side effects. And, it turns out that one herbal tea, in particular, is just as effective as medication, according to experts.

There is, growing evidence that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may alleviate joint pain. 

According to a study published in the medical journal Trails, turmeric is just as effective as diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug. In the clinical study, 139 patients were given either 500 milligrams of curcumin three times a day or 50 milligrams of diclofenac twice a day. Interestingly, both groups showed a similar improvement in pain severity.

Despite this, researchers observed something surprising about the way patients tolerated curcumin. “Curcumin has similar efficacy to diclofenac but demonstrated better tolerance among patients with knee OA. Curcumin can be an alternative treatment option in the patients with knee OA who are intolerant to the side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,” researchers explained in their results. 

In light of the recent buzz surrounding turmeric’s ability to treat joint pain, many are turning to it as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis. One way to reap the natural benefits of this soothing spice is to drink Turmeric Tea.

Read more about Turmeric Health Benefits Here.

All India Institute of Ayurveda Launches Dietician, Ayurveda Ahara, Poshana Sahayak Courses

 The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) here has started two new courses for the 2022-23 academic session.

The new courses added by the AIIA, an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH, are the Ayurveda Dietician Course and the Ayurveda Ahara and Poshana Sahayak Course. The courses have been launched to promote interdisciplinary Ayurveda studies and are affiliated with the Health Sector Skill Council (HSSC) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), according to a statement issued by the institute.

The Ayurveda Dietician Course is a specialisation programme for professionals with a BAMS degree and is aimed at meeting the rising demand for specialised practitioners in Ayurvedic hospitals and medical centres.

The Ayurveda Ahara and Poshana Sahayak Course is open for high-school graduates seeking a career as Ayurvedic diet assistants. There is a lot of demand for such professionals at health resorts, wellness centres and hospitals, the statement said.

"Diet plays a very important role in Ayurveda. It supports the body's healing process and accelerates the creation and reconstruction of vital cells. Several common diseases such as gastrointestinal ailments are directly influenced by the food we consume. That is why Ayurveda lays strong emphasis on identifying the right foods for the body.

"In the last few years, the demand for diet assistants and experts in the field of Ayurveda has been growing, and hence, the new courses will help Ayurveda professionals get jobs in hospitals, health resorts and wellness centres within India and abroad," said Professor Tanuja Manoj Nesari, Director, AIIA.

Both the courses are for a duration of six months and the candidates will be selected on the basis of an entrance test. The institute has invited applications from the eligible candidates at the official website - aiia.gov.in

 The last date for submission of applications is March 31.

Herbs that can help you stay cool this summer

 The heat of the summer seeps into our system, saps away our strength and leaves us dehydrated. This calls for having foods that cool our bodies and rejuvenate our minds. 

Ayurveda advises a regimen for all, which helps to avoid dehydration and to maintain vitality in the summer season [Grishma Ritucharya].

check out a range of easily available herbs that can help you stay cool this summer.

Sabja and chia seeds

Sabja and chia seeds are good sources of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which have great anti-inflammatory properties. These can be used in multiple ways and have great health benefits. You can soak these seeds in water, coconut water or coconut milk for four-24 hours and then have them. The seeds can also be used in salad dressings, smoothies as a thickening agent, ice-creams and even lemonade for that flavoury creaminess.

Citrus

Lemon, orange and pomelo are great sources of vitamin C and ascorbic acid which help extract nutrients from our food. Lemon is also a good source of dietary fibre, citric acid and iron. We can use pomelos as core ingredients for salads. It tastes a bit sour, so we can add them to salads as syrup or eat raw flakes. They taste great as an iced juice too.

Leaves

Mint, rosemary, basil, thyme and oregano have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These leafy herbs help with constipation. The detox drinks using various leaves have become popular after the pandemic. These detox drinks are fancy names but old concepts in Ayurveda. They make one feel energised and refreshed.

Khus, sandal and rose syrup

The sandal is not just applied externally but is very flavourful when added to summer drinks. Pure sandal powder may not get along very well with lemon, but the combination with rose syrup (sharbat) is great with a pinch of cinnamon. Herbs such as rose, khus and sandal have anti-inflammatory properties and are best to beat the summer heat.