Originating from South Asia, Curcuma, or turmeric, is a perennial herbaceous plant and a member of the ginger family. It is particularly valued for its rhizomes (the underground parts) from which the yellow-orange spice is obtained. Though the spice is primarily known as a culinary ingredient, Curcuma also has a number of health benefits.

Persistent chronic pain

Except for ‘mechanical’ nerve compression, which is sometimes resolved by surgery or by shrinking a tumour, it is unfortunately rare for neuropathic pain to disappear completely. On the one hand, damaged nerves do not regenerate automatically. On the other, neuropathic pain responds poorly to both conventional analgesics (paracetamol) and opiate derivates (morphine), thus making its management complex (13).

What conventional treatments are there for relieving neuropathic pain?

It is, however, possible to reduce the perception of pain and regain a better quality of life. Current therapeutic strategies normally combine medication (anti-epilepsy drugs such as gabapentin or pregabalin, antidepressants such as duloxetine, lidocaine patches, capsaicin patches, administration of Botox for localised pain…) with non-drug treatment (transcutaneous or transcranial electric stimulation…) (14).

Unwelcome side effects

It should be pointed out, however, that these classes of drugs carry the risk of significant side effects (drowsiness, dizziness, tremors, coordination problems…) (15-16). They should therefore be introduced gradually under close medical supervision, increasing the dose slowly over several weeks.

• ask your GP to refer you to a specialist pain clinic. The pain management expertise available at such clinics offers a more comprehensive response through a multi-disciplinary and tailor-made approach which allows for constant review of the therapeutic strategy;
• monitor your glycaemia if you have diabetes. The prevention of diabetic neuropathy requires regular checking of blood glucose levels, sudden rises which affect nerve tissue integrity;
• consider physiotherapy. Physio sessions help to prevent muscle atrophy in limbs affected by neuropathy, reduce sensitivity to pain and maintain a degree of mobility (17) ;
• try alternative complementary approaches. Some people find that hypnosis, acupuncture or mindfulness meditation provides some physical and mental relief (18);
• improve your stress management. Neuropathic pain and stress appear to be interconnected (19). When chronic pain leads to anxiety and depression, behavioural and cognitive therapies can be beneficial.

For diabetic neuropathy

For those suffering from diabetic neuropathy, regulating blood glucose levels is critical. Plants such as banaba (in the supplement Glucofit™), which supports glycaemic control, or berberine from barberry, which promotes carbohydrate metabolism, can provide valuable support (with the approval of your diabetes specialist) (20-21).

For curbing nerve inflammation

To slow down the nerve inflammation that underlies neuropathic disorders, you could also try turmeric, which through its curcumin content, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (Curcumin Solution has a form of curcumin 185 times more bioavailable than the standard form) (22). Alternatively, you can find it in synergistic formulations (such as InflaRelief Formula, in which turmeric is combined with 11 other natural substances targeted at inner balance).

This product’s capsules are composed of HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), a plant substance derived from cellulose. HPMC is widely used for medicines and dietary supplements. It contains no animal ingredients, is recognised as safe by health authorities and is considered more sustainable than synthetic alternatives.