8 Herbs And Spices To Combat Inflammation

Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or disturbance from imbalance or an outside source. It is meant to help your body heal and repair itself. However, inflammation can become a problem if your body becomes chronically inflamed and won’t shut down the process. Chronic inflammation at the cellular level has a large role in every symptom and form of disease we know.

The truth is modern culture provides much of the source, such as air and water pollution, poor food quality, and stressful lifestyles. Being aware of the problem and where it comes from is only the first step in changing it. It’s a long that takes time, diligence, and sacrifice to walk. That said, you can begin to combat inflammation by adding natural remedies for inflammation. Herbs and spices have long been used to help heal the body. Here are some of my favorites.

Turmeric

The anti-inflammatory agent in turmeric is the yellow pigment, called curcumin. Turmeric has been used in medicines for a long time to treat inflammation, digestive disorders, and even wounds and infections. Fresh or powdered turmeric is delicious in curries, soups, and many other dishes. It can be added to fresh vegetable juices too, or in hot drinks. Turmeric and curcumin supplements are also available.

Green Tea

 

Green tea has been talked about as an aid for cardiovascular disease for a while, but it can also be effective as an anti-inflammatory, especially for arthritis. It can also help with inflammation in the digestive tract, making it great for those with conditions like Chrons disease. Aim to drink three or four cups of green tea daily, or take green tea extract in pill form. Remember, it can contain caffeine, so check the label for content.

White Willow Bark

White willow tree bark has been a treatment for pain and inflammation for hundreds of years. Some studies show it has an effect that is comparable to aspirin but with fewer side effects. You can take a small amount daily for ongoing conditions, or take an herbal blend that contains white willow bark for specific ailments.

Chili Peppers

There are many varieties of hot peppers that all contain capsaicin (the substance that makes them hot). This substance also has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.  You can use the powdered version or fresh peppers in your cooking, or take a supplement combined with other herbs for an anti-inflammatory blend. 

Black Pepper

Black pepper isn’t just to sprinkle on your food for taste. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. The flavor of black pepper comes from a chemical called piperine. In low doses, piperine can reduce inflammation, so you don’t need to add much to your food to get the benefits. 

Rosemary

Rosemary has performed well in studies and shown protective effects against oxidation and inflammation. A normal amount of rosemary added to dishes like soups, sauces, and salads is all you need to help promote the healing of inflammation. It is also good for the brain!

Cloves

Clove oil can be put directly onto the gums to soothe a toothache or pain from dental work. Clove can help to reduce inflammation in the mouth and throat from other sources like gingivitis, viruses, and bacteria. Clove can also be used to treat other conditions, including bad breath and nausea. Add cloves powdered or as whole dried flower buds to savory dishes, desserts, and hot drinks. 

Ginger

In some cases, ginger can have more effect than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of pain and inflammation. It also helps to inhibit the activation of some genes that can cause an inflammatory response. Try using ginger tea to calm a tummy ache or digestive ailments.

**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Women’s lifelink, it’s owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors, and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.