Q: I have arthritis in my knees and back.  To minimize the pain, I have been using hemp oil, rosemary and turmeric.

I created a shaker with rosemary, turmeric and black pepper, which I use on my eggs and salads.  Hemp oil is my replacement for olive, oil and butter.  I drizzle the hemp oil on toast and shake my rosemary-turmeric mix onto it.  It is delicious and, more importantly, I do feel less discomfort.  This is not a cure-all, but it does make a difference, for which I’m thankful.

A: This is an intriguing combination.  Rosemary and turmeric both have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be why your arthritis is less painful.  Adding black pepper to your mixture along with hemp oil aids the absorption of turmeric.

• Article by Joe and Teresa Graedon
• Copyright The Seattle Times