For patients with arthritis and pain related to inflammation, I often give them a golden paste recipe for them to make at home and to start taking 1/2 tsp. to 1 tsp. per day. It can be nice heated in a cup of coconut or almond milk at night, some people put it in their smoothies in the morning, on salad, or straight off the spoon. The oral bio-availability of curcumin (active ingredient in tumeric) is much improved when it is combined with pepper and fat (like coconut oil or olive oil). The ratios in this golden paste recipe seem to be universal.
Curcumin has been found to have powerful anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-thrombotic properties. Making this recipe at home is a cost effective alternative to buying it in supplement form.
Counter-indications
Do not take if you are on the following medications:
- Blood-thinning medicines like aspirin and warfarin
- Diabetes medications
- Medicines that reduce stomach acid
Always consult your doctor before taking.
Golden Paste Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup tumeric powder
- 1 cup of water
- 1/3 cup of coconut oil (or olive oil)
- 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
Combine tumeric and water in saucepan over low heat and stir until medium consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Take off heat and add oil and pepper. Stir well and allow to cool.
It can keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Extra can be frozen until you are ready to use it.
See pictures below for step by step instruction.
Tumeric powder
Tumeric and water
Turn off the heat when it get to this consistency
Add coconut oil and ground pepper
Voila! Golden paste