Arthritis is a major cause of disability, pain and suffering in Britain.

There is no cure for it and only treatment for symptom relief is painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs which also cause stomach ulcers and carry other risk of damage to kidneys and blood.

Recently, there has been an interest worldwide among researchers, doctors and scientists as to the anti-inflammatory effect of Indian Ayurvedic Herbs Curcumin (Turmeric extract) and Boswellia Gum on arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

It has also been observed by researchers at the Research Institute in Hyderabad, India, and in Oxford, that these herbs may help inhibit tumour growth in cancer of colon.

Turmeric may also prevent inflammatory bowel disease, slow down the ageing process and prevent degenerative conditions such as heart disease .

The combination of Turmeric and Boswellia has been found to be an effective treatment for arthritis.

Turmeric contains curcuminoids which are thought to be the main active ingredients which help pain, swelling and stiffness of joints in arthritis. Boswellia gum, also called shallaki (frankincense), contains boswellic acid which is a potent pain reliever and antiarthritic, anti-inflammatory agent.

A clinical trial with well-controlled international criteria was carried out by the Central Council for Research at KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India, in 1995, comparing the effect of turmeric and boswellia with modern drugs.

This combination of natural herbal extract was found to have significant pain control, relief of stiffness, reduced swelling and increased mobility without side effects.

As you need reliable sources of the herbs taken in correct doses, we have now obtained these as standardised extracts for our patients at our clinic. Ayurveda lists several beneficial effects of turmeric.

To treat local sprains and bruises or itching of the skin, you can make a paste of turmeric powder in water or honey and apply it on the sprain.

Wrap a flannel around to avoid staining of clothes. It is an excellent anti-allergic medicine.

For treating common cold, coughs, asthma or chest infections, add a quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder and one teaspoonful of sugar to hot milk and drink twice a day.

Turmeric is well known as the queen of spices in the Indian kitchen and gives the yellow colour and flavour to curries.

However it has also been used as medicine in the Ayurvedic System and Chinese medicine for over 4,000 years.

India is the largest producer of Turmeric.

Sangli , a town in the Maharashtra state of India is famous for the cultivation of turmeric.

It is said that, although the workers in the turmeric factories are exposed to turmeric dust all the year round, they seldom fall ill or get lung problems.