How turmeric helped our dog's hip problems and walk normally again by reducing inflammation. It's truly been a miracle natural alternative!
Be sure to read all the way through and see the updates (with video!) at the end!
You guys, I'm SO excited to be able to share with you this alternative remedy for dogs - specifically how turmeric helped our dog's hip issues. It is one of the few things I can honestly say is like a modern-day miracle - but using an ancient spice!
Did you know all the medical benefits of turmeric? The spice that gives curry powder its distinctive hue?
Well, I didn't until I did some research and found that turmeric has been traditionally known to reduce inflammation and that current medical studies validate this time-honored use of turmeric. After using it for our dog, I'm a firm believer in the benefits of turmeric and ready to share it with everyone!
The main component of turmeric that aids in healing is curcumin and, among other things, it's being studied for its:
- Anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. And it has been shown to help with significant reductions in pain and disability associated with the condition.
- Ability to lower the levels of bad cholesterol to help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries and prevent blood clots from forming in the circulatory system.
- Cancer treatment potential - early research studies indicate that turmeric may be an effective treatment for battling some forms of cancer.
- Digestive help - it can be an effective treatment for many stomach conditions including discomfort, bloating, appetite loss, nausea and gas.
- Powerful antioxidant levels (specifically the amount of curcumin) that help remove free radicals in the body. The removal of these free radicals can aid in preventing cellular damage and are an effective way to protect the body from chronic conditions.
Since some of the studies have been conducted on dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, it's become a recommended herbal remedy for dog hip problems as well as cancer and pain treatments (here's an article from Petsafety about using turmeric, as well as this article with owner's results from using turmeric on their dogs).
How Turmeric Helped our Dog's Hip
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I've written about our dog, Samson, before - how he was dropped off in a remote neighborhood in central Oregon and wandered around until my dad and stepmomma found him and took him in. My brother made the trip over the mountains and brought Samson to us Thanksgiving weekend of 2006.
From our research, we think he's a mix of a Swiss Mountain Dog and Lab and he weighs about 80 pounds. His favorite things are to wade in freezing cold rivers and scramble up steep rocks with is big paws. He's also the sweetest dog you'll find with the kind and loyal disposition of mountain dogs.
The Problem
In addition to all the other stuff this dog has done, he's also always favored his right back leg. From the beginning people commented on his crooked gait - some even thought he was limping. Pictures show him always sitting on his left hip and favoring his right. He's also chewed on that leg from the beginning - and has left a permanent mark on his fur.
We did take him to a vet when we rescued him and he seemed to be in great shape, though a little underweight (uh, duh...) and she thought he was about a year old. Apparently, something happened to him in that year to injure his hip/leg or it's something congenital.
About 2 years ago, he started having trouble lifting his right hip up after he'd been sitting or laying awhile. We thought his leg had gone to sleep or something, because he usually stretched and within a few minutes was back to his normal self.
I should mention that "normal" for Samson often involves running like a bullet after squirrels or to greet his favorite person in the whole wide world - Brian.
But in December of 2011, the trouble with his leg and hip became more pronounced and he actually started holding it up for a bit. He never yelped or showed any kind of pain, and would go outside and run like crazy again, so we were confused.
Solutions
After some friends with dogs recommended glucosamine, we tried that for about 3 months - until the bottle ran out. Sadly, there was no difference.
Then my sister, a physical therapist who also works with dogs, took a look at him and felt inflammation in his hip. She recommended turmeric and a gluten-free diet. We had switched to a better dog food years ago that didn't have much gluten in it anyway, but we paid the higher cost for a month's trial of gluten-free dog food. Gulp. However, we forgot about the turmeric recommendation.
We were disappointed to see no change after a month on the new food. Then I remembered the turmeric (sheesh...), and we started him on 1/4 tsp. mixed in with his food in the mornings (we also add water to his dry food - it was recommended to us because he gulped his food down and has been really great in getting him extra water and slowing down his eating). He eats this mixture of food, water, and turmeric with no problems.
The Results
This is going to seem like an exaggeration, but literally within a few days he was NOT holding his leg up anymore!
And within a few weeks we could detect no problems when he walked (we never saw problems when he ran). Turmeric was the only thing that helped right away and now it's become a regular part of his diet.
The Limitation
We have learned, however, that it's not a complete miracle-worker. My sister suggested that we only walk Samson on a leash from now on, as he's at least seven years old combined with a weak hip and his large size (about 80 pounds). Even though the dog has the run of our acre, Brian couldn't stand restraining him on a leash for a longer walk, and so he let him run.
And lo and behold, he ran like a nut after a squirrel into a ditch and came out limping badly. This time the foot didn't hit the ground for any reason and after a few days (of upping the turmeric to morning and night meals) we took him to the vet who declared it was probably his knee. We could pay close to $500 for an x-ray that might tell us something and then spend thousands for a surgery that might fix it...
But we knew his hip was an ongoing problem, and doubted surgery would fix it, because nothing was broken. We gave him some doggie pain reliever (a vet Rx) for a few weeks which helped him put his foot down again and my sister looked at him again, but this time he didn't want anyone messing with him.
After a few weeks on the medicine we gradually took him off and started him back on the turmeric. He was walking almost normally again, but there was still a pronounced limp when walking. We wondered if we'd ever be able to take him on walks again (which he LOVES).
Turmeric Helps Again
However, the turmeric was helping again and by the beginning of the summer Samson seemed almost normal. So I started walking with him on a leash - but only a quarter of his usual walk. As the summer wore on, I was able to gradually increase the amount he walked until he was walking our entire route - and even running a portion with me - with NO LIMPING at all, either during or after.
His gait is completely normal again! Time and doggie medicine certainly helped him through the out-right injury, but we firmly believe it is the turmeric that keeps his inflammation down for the long-haul, allowing hime to do all the things he loves to do.
He still favors the leg, as he's always done, and limps a bit after getting up, but he's able to walk and run like he did before.
So he's one happy, nutty dog. And so are we.
Well - happy, that is. Not nutty or a dog - just wanted to be clear on that.
UPDATE #1 on how turmeric helped our dog's hip:
I've gotten lots of questions about what type of turmeric we've given Samson. It's been a number of years now, so there've been all kinds, though we try to stick to organic. The brand we're using now is Anthony's Organic Turmeric Powder - it's a great price per pound and is easy to get on Amazon. This is another similarly priced good organic option, though we haven't tried that yet.
UPDATE #2:
We continue to give Samson 1/4 tsp. turmeric in his food morning and night and he has no major hip issues other than a stiffness as he gets up from sleeping. Here's a video update we made in 2014 (2 years after the original article) where we explain more - and you can see how he runs like crazy:
We've gotten lots of comments of people who've used turmeric for their dogs, too, with good results - make sure to read through them here and on YouTube.
And let us know how it works for you if you try it, too!
Disclosure: affiliate links in this article will earn commission based on sales, but it doesn't change your price. Click here to read my full disclaimer and advertising disclosure.
diane deferrari says
Thank you for a great video. I'm sure you and many commenters know this by now but it's TURM-ER-IC!
Geno says
I have a German Shepard that is probably around 12 years old and was a rescue dog at least 11 years ago and has been limping around quite a bit in the last couple months and now finds it difficult to even get up and I found this site on You Tube and I am definitely going to give Turmeric a try--in past experience I have had to put down my Dobie at age 17 because of hip problems--thanks for your video
Jami says
Fingers crossed this works for your dog like it did ours!
Sheena Avison says
you would have an even greater result if you made the golden paste. This is Tumeric heated with water till it thickens then add coconut oil and freshly ground black pepper. The heating releases the curcumin which is the active ingrediant and the oil and pepper help it be absorbed. Only takes 10 mins to make but it increases the potency of the turmeric hugely.
Dr Rob says
With all respect to the earlier comment, black pepper is an irritant to the gut. There is a myth circulating and many products accordingly begin sold promoting the addition of black pepper to enhance absorption of tumeric. Abosrption is increased via irritation of the gut which in turn promotes blood flow to the gut, and enhances absorption of whatever is in the stomach. Pepper (white & black) can and often does cause gastritis and peptic ulcers. The addition of a wholesome fat source enhances absorption via stimulation of the gall bladder to empty bile into the gut. A natural and healthy process.
Fresh ground flax seeds are an ideal fat source for pets. Flax meal, in addition to enhances digestion, soothes the gut, improves gut motility (eliminating constipation) gives a gloss & shine to the coat. In addition enhances cardio vascular health. Additionally steamed yellow vegetables regularly in the dogs food (pumpkin, butternut squash) is rich in vitamin a and will help protect vision, healthy skin and wound healing.
Herbs and foods are one group in nature
The following is a recipe I have found works very well for all pets. It provides a well balanced meal for all dogs and cats whatever their breed
Most commercial pet foods are GMO, (despite labels to the contrary) Although you may not have the resources to make this a constant diet for your pet. Even giving it occasionally will be of great benefit to your pet
And your pets will thoroughly enjoy it
2 cups:Cooked brown rice
2 cups:Tuna or chicken
1Tablespoon per cup of fresh ground flax seeds (not oil)
1 heaped Teaspoon Tumeric powder
nb. For pets suffering with arthritis, add
2Tablespoons organic Alfalfa Powder
Mix all ingredients well with distilled water.
Will keep 2 to 3 days refrigerated. Best served fresh
Best regards
Jami says
Thank you for your comment and tips! I'll be adding the flax seeds to our new puppy's homemade diet.
Monica Bolette says
Thank You So Much.
We have used Turmeric as toothpaste, great teeth whitener, and facial cleanser.
Now to use Turmeric as an inflammatory, along with its other helpful nutrients.
So thrilled to help my beloved Scout (4yr old lab.). He has a special place in my heart.
I attended a CPR class before retiring. Cami, Scout mom was exhausted after delivering
9 pups. Cami's 10 pup Scout came out with sack intact so I rupture sack and administer
Infant CPR. Mom and I were so relieved to see him take in his first breath.
I am very open-minded about using Holistic Medicine. Fellow Oregonian(Southern)
Jami says
I sure hope you see the improvement we have, Monica!
Nancy W says
I am so glad I found this post. Our dog Nitro, is a rescue. He is 1 1/2 years old. He has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia in both hips. We have tried glucosamine (Vet IQ) and pain meds but he barely puts any weight on his left leg. He will race around the yard and then limp or hop around inside. The vets are recommending hip surgery BUT I want that to be our absolute last choice. Your experience with giving turmeric to Samson has given me hope. I’ll be trying it with Nitro to see if it will help!
Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Nancy
Jami says
Oh, I so hope this works for your Nitro, Nancy! Let me know if you see any difference.
Lisseth says
Hi Jami : I am worry about my 10 pounds 3 years old mix puddle cause today she start with no hitting the ground with her right leg (Bailey ) I am wondering which is the exactly amount of tumeric do i have to give her ? Thanks so much
Jami says
There's no real set amount - I would start with 1/4 tsp. one time a day and see how it works. Then add a little more if needed.
Jean says
Well Jamie after reading about Samson I started giving 1/4 tsp of tumeric to my sweet anni Louise, a 13year old Pekingese. It was truly amazing how she is getting around. I was gone for three weeks and she didn't get her tumeric. She started screaming in pain so I took her to the emergency vet. After x-rays he said her back was bone on bone. She got pain meds for 5 days but I immediately started her back on tumeric. Almost instantly she was better. She is now off pain meds and only on tumeric twice a day. She runs and plays with the cat and loves to take walks again. This stuff is truly amazing. We went for a day in Amish county and their shops sell turmeric. You get a big container for a lot less money. Thanks for some great advice. Anni Louise said thanks too.
Jami says
I LOVE reading this, Jean - thank you so much for sharing your experience!! I just want everyone to try this at least once because it's made such a difference for our dog. I'm so happy to know that it's helped Anni Louise. 🙂
Linda says
Also, in addition some really good natural vets do chiropractic work on animals and it works miracles for stuff like that!
Jami says
Oh, yes, Linda - my sister is a Physical Therapist and she works on dogs, too!
Jean says
Hi Jami, such interesting info on turmeric. My pup is 13 years old and moving slower. She is a Pekingese and weighs 13 pounds, much smaller than your sweet fur baby. My question is how do I know how much turmeric she needs a day? Thanks for the great info.
Dickie says
I give y dog the golden paste do I have to give him a break on this paste like 5 days on 2 days off than after a month a week off, he has bad hips and a pinched nerve that makes his leg shake .
Baltisraul says
So glad I read your article today!! Mae is 10 yrs old schnauzer/cocker mix (26 lbs) and Jack is 4rys old dachshund/pit bull mix (36 lbs) . No pics included for Jack, It might scare the children. Mae has lower back inflammation from time to time and this sounds like a great solution. My question is, do you believe it might be ok to feed them both the turmeric? The only problem with Jack is that he does not photograph well. ha ha
Jami says
Ha! We haven't found a side effect from Turmeric at all and haven't heard of one from others. We have heard that some dogs won't eat their food with the Turmeric in it, so that can cause a problem. So, I don't think there's any reason why your 4-year old dog couldn't have it, too.
Oh, FYI - our dog is now about 12 and is still going strong, running, jumping, and climbing and we attribute it all to turmeric!
Baltisraul says
Thanks! Will try it starting tonight for both and let you know if they will eat their food with it on and if they do, how it helps Mae.
Sanisha says
Lovely helpful article. 🙂
Jami says
Thank you!
Heidi Lotito says
OMGOSH!!!! Thank you so much! I've tried everything including a gluten free diet, Glycoflex and tramadol. I was considering the intramuscular imjection Adequan, but I'm on disability and my funds just can't keep up these expenses. I just paid to have two cancerous growth removed and his hips have been weak since. I'm so upset. Can you tell me where you get your turmeric and any other suggestions. I have a 10 yr old, old English sheepdog. Thanks so much, Heidi Lotiio
Jami says
Oh, I so hope this works for your dog like it has our Samson, Heidi! We use this turmeric (which is one of the best deals I've found on organic turmeric): http://amzn.to/2t7Y788 Though here is a tip: before investing in that big bag, make sure your dog will eat his food with it in there, since I've had people tell me they couldn't get their dogs to eat it! Start with your seasoning cupboard turmeric and if it's good, buy the bag. If not, you may have to go with a pill you can hide in something your dog will eat.
Have you seen our video on this, too? It shows how we prepare the food: https://anoregoncottage.com/natural-healing-through-turmeric-for-dogs/
Mesha says
How did you combats the cat pee smell? Black pepper is toxic to dogs, so I don't want to give my baby it. It seems to help with her shoulder, which only started bugging her badly a few months ago, but I'm afraid the smell will set my cats to peeing in the house.
Thank you!
Mesha
Jami says
Hmmm, I don't have any experience with cats, Mesha, sorry! We also don't give black pepper to our dog - I didn't know it was toxic, we've just never done it. The turmeric alone has made all the difference. Hope that helps some.
paleo martin says
Wonderful story!
Tumeric certainly is a marvelous drug; I take it myself to cure melanoma as well as giving it to our 11 years old Reta poodle (who still thinks he's about 2).
Paleo Martin, New Zealand
SIana says
I can vouch for this!
I have a shepard mix, 12 years old. Has hip dysplasia and arthritis, she would wake up in the night screaming. We were having to give her her pain meds every 8 hours with out fail or she would have extreme pain.
She wouldn't walk, could no longer go up the stairs, all of this just happened in a matter of weeks.
After exhausting all options we tried tumeric, she's up and about, spends most of her day outside, only takes half a pain med before bed just so we can be sure she'll be able to sleep through the night, no screaming, no wining, barely holding her leg up, runs up the stairs. It's like having my puppy back again.
TRY THIS!
Jami says
Oh my gosh, what a wonderful testimony, Slana! I'm SO happy to know this - thank you.
Michelle Crespo says
Hi Jami,
Do you mind sharing the name of the Tumeric you buy? There are so many brands I can't make a decision. Do I just make sure it's organic?
Jami says
We've bought a number of different brands over the years, Michelle, but are now trying this one: http://amzn.to/2iFugS6
It seems to be the best price with good reviews for organic turmeric (and you're right, there are a lot of brands!).
Kris Pounds says
Can they take tumeric with anti inflammatory medication. Or should I wait to give it when he is done?
Jami says
I don't know, Kris, sorry. I know that turmeric at this level is not strong, so I'd think it would be okay, but not sure - maybe do more research on it? See if it's recommended for people on anti-inflammatory?
Shelley Mourer says
We have a brown lab mix, Cinnamon that we rescued when she was 12. She's now 15. Love her to death. She's on Run Free joint meds, Fresh Factors vitamins, Rimadyl and tramadol. I just found treats with CBD in them. I will do anything I can to make her comfortable. Going to start her tomorrow morning on the turmeric in her food. She eats The Honest Kitchen, grain free since her allergies are severe. I hope it helps.
Jami says
Wow, that's amazing that's she's 15, Shelley - how wonderful you are giving her some great years. 🙂
Queina says
Thanks for the great article ! I'm using bone broth for my dog (a 11 years old wolfdog x lab mix) who has (or had ?) pretty bad arthrisis. Some days he just couldn't get up and we had to feed him on the ground and play mental games with him, pretty sad for a dog that normally walks around 3 or 4 hours a day. Hopefully it works as he's not grunting when laying down anymore and haven't had another arthritic crisis since we began with bone broth.
I might add turmeric to his bone broth though.
Have you heard of the use of turmeric locally ? My furbaby is licking his front paws to the point where the tough skin comes off lately... The vet's cream and anti inflammatory meds don't do a thing on the long run, so we have to put "dog shoes" on him so that it doesn't get worse. Not a fan of knowing the wounds macerating in his sweat though.
Jami says
I had not heard that about bone broth - that's terrific! I haven't read anything about turmeric locally - not sure how that would work - put it in a past of coconut oil or something? But then they'd really lick from the good smell.:)
Sharon Cullen says
HI, I have a 10.5year Boxer with hip dysplasia who has been on oral NSAID. She, like the others, began limping and read on BOXER FORUM that tumeric/Cumurin was the ultimate anti inflammatory so I ordered two bottles, one for me, one for her from EDENS POND which is an Equine Store. I am giving her 1500 mg per day, she weighs 80 lbs and it is recommended 15-20 mgs per pound along with MSN glucosamine and chondrotin . 4 Days and she is already putting more weight on her leg and seems to be getting her GROOVE BACK... Oh! dc'd the NSAID.
Jami says
Wonderful to hear it is already working for your dog, Sharon!
lisa says
I'm so glad I found this article,my dog Stan has the exact same problems as your dog and the first vet he went to was convince it was his crutiate ligaments and wanted to preform a £4,000 double leg op.I could not raise the money and just kept him on short lead walks and anti inflammatory meds ,his limp was constant and he was no longer able to climb stairs or get on sofa but didn't seem in pain .I took him to a second vet who said his crutiate ligaments were fine the problems were birth defects with arthritis in his hind leg and hip problems and said his problems were medical not surgical and to just manage him and keep him on short leash walks as its always when I let him off and he races round like a maniac he comes back limping ,so I've tried various thing and he takes glucosamine and half a buffered aspirin . I started him on a mix of Turmeric,black pepper and coconut oil a few days ago and I'm sure already he's not walking better .I hope it works as well for me as it has for you X
Jami says
Oh, I hope so, too, Lisa! It does sound similar and it really has continued to keep our dog's leg healthy. Every once in awhile he'll limp again for some reason and we just up his Turmeric a bit, make him rest a few days and he's back to normal. I seriously sing the praises of Turmeric to everyone!
Andrea says
I just wanted to let you know that if you add FOOD GRADE Diatomaceous earth along with a mixture of turmeric and black pepper it's like magic to painful joints (any inflammation) in dogs. Black pepper inhances the turmeric's effectiveness. online you can find a great recipe for turmeric golden paste. Which is turmeric, water, black pepper and olive oil. My 13 yr old dog couldn't get up from laying down and groaned in pain all the time. I tried all the joint supplements with zero response. But with diatomaceous earth ( make sure you get food grade) and the golden paste of turmeric she jumps around runs and no more groaning. She is still stiff when getting up but no pain at all. Remember it takes time with all natural products. Also included with her meal is moringa, Mediterranean oregano oil ( I purchase my oregano oil from won with nature) 3 drops a day only for her weight of 65lbs. And deer antler velvet powdered. Hope this helps.
Sara Giambra says
awww!! I'm so happy to read this real person review!! I'm researching tumeric for my older dogs ailments and came across your blog. Thanks for sharing & I hope Sampson has had many more healthy years ?
Theresa says
Thank you for sharing this. I found you through google looking for this type of info. I have been using curcumin on my cat that was diagnosed with osteosarcoma last December. In trying to find something to comfort him til that time came, I remembered a posting from a friend about curumin Because of the anti-inflammatory properties, decided to try it. Six months later, he is eating, running, and not limping anymore. Somewhere in my research it mentioned that turmeric/curcumin also has anticancer properties. Haven't taken him back to the vet, but I doubt if there is any more bone cancer there. My husband is now taking it for his arthritis and has seen improvement. My son and family have a dog with similar history as yours, sounds almost the same. Hoping it will help her too!
Jami says
Great to know your experience, Theresa - thanks for sharing!
Marilyn says
1 tbsp of Turmeric (chased with a swig of water) and a gluten-free/very-low-grain diet has brought my Ankylosing Spondylitis pain/inflammation into remission for three years now (with occasional falling off the diet brings on acute reminders to get back on the regimen).
My 4 yr old Great Pyrenees dog favors his hip and I have just started him on a tsp of turmeric* mixed with 2 tablespoons of low-fat/non-fat Nancy's ( or Zoi Brand) "Greek" Yogurt, mixed into his "Wolf King" (or Taste of the Wild) Dog food. After one week he has improved, seems to be perkier, but his hind leg still gives out if he is hurried, so I let him go at his own pace as he is independent in nature anyway. I think he may need some other supplements like those that I take for my AS, like fish oil and MSM.
* I buy my Turmeric by the pound from Mountain Rose Herbs ( online from Eugene, Oregon). Nancy's Yogurt is out of Springfield, Oregon . I also live in Oregon.
Jami says
Oh, this is so good to know, Marilyn - for both you and your dog! That's a great idea to mix your dog's dose with yogurt, as that may help finicky dogs take it easier than just in water like our dog. Hopefully he'll continue to improve on the turmeric, so I'd give it a good month before adding in anything else, just to make sure he really needs them.
Diana says
Thank you so much for sharing this. What kind of tumeric did you give your dog? The regular grocery store spice or capsules from a vitamin store? Can't wait to try this on my dog.
Jami says
We use the ground turmeric from the grocery store, Diana - it's so inexpensive! Our dog doesn't mind it mixed with the water and his food, though we do know of other dogs who won't eat their food with it in it. 🙁 Then maybe use the pills wrapped in some food to disguise it? Hope it works for your dog! Ours is still going strong and doesn't look his age. 🙂
Karen in Dakota says
Great news!! Suggest you check out on fb for vet-based files/documentation on turmeric for pets and folks.
mindy says
I listen to Coast to Coast every night to fall asleep and have heard dozens of guests over the years proclaiming their love of turmeric. Tons of stories relating to cancer. It never even crossed my mind that it could work for animals as well. Our dog is twelve and definitely moves slower in her old age. I'm gonna read the articles you've linked to. Thanks for sharing!!!
Jami says
Hope it helps your dog move a little better, Mindy. 🙂
Bellabear says
1.5 yes later, zero bleeding.
Jami says
Wow, that's great.
Bellabear says
P.s. I have been giving a 12 lb. Pom 50 MCG vitamin k for 1.5 yrs. In place of prednisone for itp. I was told it won't work, she will bleed out..... When I asked if they tried it, subject was changed..The prednisone was clearly damaging,CBC showed liver trouble. I weaned, and immediately, started Milk thistle 80% Silymarin.125mg a day for 1 mth. Along with Turmeric 95% curcumin. Both human grade and standardized
Bellabear says
Science diet kd corp. Teaches vets curriculum. If you know what's in that you have just learned volumes. Drugs and bagged food are like alcohol and smoking, just great, for the industrys . The first thing doctors or vets jump for are the drugs. Who teaches these vets about their trade? The multi billion $$$$$$$ drug industry. Feed drugs to dogs and children at your own risks. Or should I say theirs. I think Emergency medicine is amazing.,...But the average vet and g.p. haven't a clue, the Hippocratic oath was long forgotten, for the pills they hand out with impunity. Why? Most don't know any better, or the $$$$ is just tooo good....I suspect both. In the end there is no disputing the drug maker taught the drug dealer....
Tina says
I read an article about tumeric and it's anti-inflamatory properties so I started using it for foot pain. Works great, but people don't seem to believe me. I guess it's too bad for them. I'm glad to see this posting.... I will be giving it to my dog from now on as well.
Bill Rod says
I hope more people visit this thread after today's date. Turmeric and Curcumin are wonder spices as most spices are. These natural spices are quickly becoming a target of big pharma because of its potentcy in aiding in so many maladies.
If we rationally think of big pharma, we have to recognize that its motive, like any business, is profitability to its shareholders for which the entity was created in the first place. The research on Turmeric and Curcumin has included many research papers conducted by Harvard School of Medicine, and even reports and studies in the AMA that scientifically substantiate many claims of this wonder spice to include the eradication of cancer cells to inflammation (cause for cancer growth) to detoxification of the blood and liver.
England has already begun taking steps to require nutritional supplements like vitamin B6, B12, and the like to be dispensed by prescription only! This trend is already being realized in Australia as well. If Western multinationals can influence governments to require the dispensing of a nutritional supplement in these parts of the world thus far, how long before we see this in the U.S? The point is, nutrition has always been the cure to man's aliments, not the synthetic chemical compounds that are created in labs to treat only the symptoms of a disease while letting the disease go uncured. This model of care works great for multinational pharmaceuticals, but for the rest of us, leaves us on borrowed time.
So, if the major drug manufactures are looking for ways to patent turmeric, curcumin, and the like, what does that say about its efficacy? I think it speaks volumes! If anyone is interested in how potent these spices are and want to hear the opinion expressed by a PhD at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, please feel free to email me. I will forward you an mp3 audio file containing an interview with this Dr. on a radio program where spices were the topic for the reduction, eradication, and prevention of cancer cells and inflamation.
Vicki Takacs says
To Bill Rod. I would dearly love to hear the talk on spices if you would please email it to me. I wanted to add something here even though it looks like I am way late on this post. I have 14 yr. old cats and one who is 15 and I will tell you what has made a major difference in their health and that is doing my own raw food for them. I cannot do organic but they get fresh ground chicken with livers and eggs and the necessary supplements for cats. Immunoplex, B-50, Vitamin E, Taurine, and salmon oil. Armand my eldest is playing games on the IPad and has even painted some pics. It is not expensive and is not a huge hassle. I spend about an hour once a week cutting chunks off for them to use their teeth on to keep them clean, the rest (thighs and drumsticks I put through a Tarsin grinder I believe it is, bone and all. Then mix up supplements with water and egg yolks, then mix all 3 together and freeze it. You can immediately see a huge difference as their eyes are bright and their coats super shiny and soft. Any dog or cat food that is processed is just not good for them and not good for us either. Please email me if you need help going raw. Processed people food for us I mean, not dog or cat food, just want to be clear on that too lol.
Shannan says
Jami,
Would you believe our poor 7 year old dog just had an awful injury a few days ago? He is not allowing any weight on his back leg. I vaguely remembered you writing this post so I just looked it up today. Holy Cow! My dog Bear has almost the exact same thing that you described - from always favoring his back hip/leg to having a bizarre gait to slightly limping after a good walk/run. But with this recent injury (I dont' know how he did it) it has unnerved me to see him completely lift his leg off the ground and not walk on it at all. He doesn't whine or cry about it, he just doesn't put any weight on it. I went to WINCO bulk section today and bought a bag of tumeric for $1.00 and going to try it! We already feed the dogs Kirkland signature dog food and hoep for hte best. Oh and I think I'll take him to the vet in the next few days to get a muscle relaxer - should help?? Thanks for this post. When I first read it, I didnt' think I would ever use the info -goes to show that you never know how you will impact people's lives! Hope all is well for you as you wind down the gardening season 🙂
Jennifer says
Update on our duck: she is walking much better now! 🙂 We think she may have broken a toe but I am sure that the turmeric is helping with the inflammation. Thank you again for sharing this awesome information! 🙂
Jami says
Good to know it can help other animals- thanks!
brenda from ar says
So much good information here. Thanks for the effort you put into your research and for sharing. It's a powerhouse spice, isn't it?
daisy says
Good to know. I've read that it's good for osteoarthritis, dementia and kids with autism. All conditions which are affected by inflammation. Glad it helped your boy!
Jennifer says
Thank you for sharing this!!!! We have ducks (no dogs) and one recently injured her leg. She is limping horribly and we have been doing everything we can to speed up the healing process. Off to find some tumeric in hopes that helps. 🙂
Jami says
Wow- let us know if this helps your duck! That would be awesome. 🙂
Lee Ann says
Thanks for the info! We adopted an 8 year old blue heeler last summer - who LIVES to run! Only after we adopted him did we learn he had surgery on both back hips and wasn't supposed to run. We were also told he had to eat an outrageously expensive grain free diet. We do let him run, only short distances for fetching a few balls at a time. If he runs too much he limps. I can't wait to try the tumeric. And as for the grain free food. He accidentally got into regular food at a friends house and had the WORST gas ever for a week. I couldn't even let him in the house. He definitely needs grain free. But we switched to the Kirkland brand of grain free and he's completely fine - for MUCH less $$.
Jami says
Oh, it's so hard keeping dogs who love to run down, huh? They just can't understand it. 🙂 Good to know about the Kirkland food - we use the brand now, but didn't know it comes in grain-free as well. And that's definitely a reason to stick to grain free!!
Eoin David Harris says
My now deceased Sadie (a black lab/dalmation mix who lived to fourteen) suffered from canine lupus and another vaguly described auto-immune condition which caused her nails to break off and her ears to have lesions on the inside. After seeing a couple of doctors who specialized in canine immunology, she was put on permanent anti-biotics and steroids. We moved to a new city (SF) and found an holistic vet clinic complete with acupuncture and chiropractor service. When Sadie was in for her annual exam and shots, one of the vets was summoned because she had just come from a conference on auto-immune disorders. She told me that it was her opinion that Kirkland was the best brand of dog food for dogs with these conditions. We switched to Kirkland and although not everything disappeared, she was much better after a month or two - no more waking up in the middle of the night because another nail had come off and left the quick exposed. We have/had three dogs (the others are pit bull mixes - mutts really - and shelter rescues) and all three preferred the Kirkland to everything else we had fed them.
Jami says
Wow, this is so good to know! I will feel even better about buying our dog food at Costco now. 🙂
Tami says
Wish I would have know about turmeric several years ago when I had 2 old, big dogs. I will keep this in mind for the future, thank you for the info.
I am not sure what you mean by doggie advil? Maybe rimadyl or another vet Rx? You might want to clarify that as human advil or any Ibuprofin , even in small amounts will cause liver damage in dogs and should never be given. I am just worried it might confuse someone seeing doggie and advil together. I am not trying to be critical of your writing....I am one of your biggest fans 🙂 I am very involved with animal rescue and think it is GREAT your family was able to save this boy!
Jami says
Oh, yes Tami, I should clarify that! We knew not to give Samson advil - I just don't remember the name of the vet Rx. 🙂 I'll go ahead an add that to the post, just to make sure!
Pam says
Thank you for that info re tumeric. Will definately start it with our 5 yr old rescue. She just recently started limping and favoring her front paw. When a muscle relaxer (vet Rx) did only help for short term, she is now being given Rx antibiotic for possible lymes disease flare-up. When she is off the meds will switch to the tumeric just to make things easier for her and help her once again enjoy her long walks. Again, thanks for the info.
Jami says
Sure hope it works for your dog!
Anne says
Thanks for sharing this! I've had high hopes for turmeric with my 12 year old dog who is stiff in her hind end. I've no doubt it is helping but not sufficiently as yet after 2 months of feeding it to her 🙁 I know the longer the condition has been in place, the longer it takes for the holistic treatments to work, but last year we were regularly walking 1 1/2 hours per day and this year we're lucky to get in 20 minutes. She's taking MSM now as well and thanks to you, I'm going to try a gluten free diet next. Keep your fingers and toes crossed!
xox
Jami says
Oh dear. Every dog is different - we've hear some really respond to MSM/Glucosamine and we're trying it with Samson for that tough-to-get-up stiffness he still has. Hope you find a good combo that works!
BKM says
TURMERIC IS ALSO GOOD FOR MINER WOUNDS,IT HELPS REVOVER FAST