Turmeric, otherwise known as curcumin, is one of the most incredibly healing spices – its ability to reduce inflammation has been well documented. I take it every day along with hemp seed oil and have noticed a significant reduction in the pain in my right arm (probably due to using my mouse/computer too much). If I miss a couple of days the pain starts creeping back.

Last week I had an email asking if turmeric would work as well for pets as it does for people. After a search through the archives, I found this recipe for Golden Paste that a customer, Jane, sent in. She uses it for her dog and has had great results. All you need is 1/4 of a teaspoon twice a day – that’s for a labrador-sized dog and humans alike.

For animals you can mix the paste in with their food, for your self you can mix it into a hot drink or put it on a rice cracker and eat it that way, turmeric has a slightly bitter, warm taste and the pepper adds a little kick.

Here’s what you need

½ cup Turmeric powder

1 cup Water

1/3 cup good oil like Kiwi Hemp Seed Oil

2 tsp Ground black pepper

And here’s how to make it

Mix the water and turmeric powder in a saucepan and heat until boiling. Simmer for a few minutes until it turns into a thick paste. Take off the heat and then whisk in the oil and the black pepper. Once cool pour into a small glass jar with a lid and store in the fridge.

For more information check out www.turmericlife.com.au which is a site created by an Australian vet who encourages people to give this paste to their dogs, cats, and horses.

If you’d like more information on turmeric’s many uses check out this site for 101 uses, or read this article for a review of the health benefits of curcumin from the International Journal of Research and Review. 

Thanks to Chinh Le Duc and Taylor Kiser for the beautiful images.

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