Turmeric, ground from Curcuma longa, a knobby root that looks similar to fresh ginger, has been used as an anti-inflammatory in India for thousands of years, says Shailinder Sodhi, who teaches ayurvedic, or traditional Indian, medicine, at Bastyr University, in Kenmore, Wash.

WSJ: Flavor in Curry Favored by Some for Joint Pain

Ella, with its verdant hills and cool nights, is fertile ground for growing many of these spices, such as cardamom, curry leaves and turmeric.

BBC: Foodie paradise in Sri Lanka's hill country