We have established time and again in previous posts that inflammation is the root cause of illness. This isnāt just our opinion; itās a well-known scientific fact. However, you donāt need to turn to Tylenol, Advil or other NSAIDs for bringing down inflammation. We believe the cure lies in nature. We have identified eight anti-inflammatory herbs that relieve pain and other inflammation-induced diseases. Turn to these well before even considering anything manufactured in a lab.
- 8 Anti-Inflammatory Herbs To Naturally Reduce Inflammation
- Anti-Inflammatory HerbsĀ As Natural Remedies
8 Anti-Inflammatory Herbs To Naturally Reduce Inflammation:
1. Cinnamon
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Cinnamon has long been known as a natural remedy for activating insulin receptors and lowering blood sugar. Unbeknownst to most people, this is also one of the top herbs for inflammation.Ā StudiesĀ confirm that cinnamon may be effective in treating age-related inflammatory conditions.
LEARN MORE:Ā 14 Hacks To Eliminate Inflammation Naturally
The spice contains a bevy of antioxidants that inhibit the protein NF-kappaB, which is believed to activate pro-inflammatory genes. The NF-kappaB protein, by the way, has also been linked to premature cell death and cardiovascular disease.
2. Cloves
Clovesā secret weapon is a compound called eugenol.Ā StudiesĀ confirm eugenol has anti-inflammatory effects and may also protect against lung injury. The compound works much the same way that NSAIDs do, by inhibiting the inflammation-causing COX-2 enzyme.
In addition, cloves have powerful anti-fungal properties. Some of the other flavonoids include rhamnetin and kaempferol, which scavenge for and remove free radicals.
We must warn, however, that too much of a good thing in this instance can be a bad thing. Too much clove, especially clove oil, can cause damage to the gums, tooth pulp and mucous membranes. Thereās no need to exceed dosage recommendations.
3. Cayenne Pepper
The capsaicin in cayenne pepper has been widely studied and renowned for its diverse use in holistic medicine. This is one of the anti inflammatory herbs we have discussed at length. We recommend revisiting our post onĀ cayenne pepperĀ and its various benefits.Ā StudiesĀ show capsaicin is potent with pain-relieving analgesic effect and anti-inflammatory properties.
Many topical pain relief creams contain capsaicin as a natural ingredient. This is because it inhibits a chemical known as substance P, which transmits pain signals to the brain. While studies are ongoing, there is also early promising research that capsaicin may slow the growth of prostate cancer cells.
4. Rosemary
This is one of the long-time, favored anti-inflammatory herbs used in tea. It contains a compound appropriately named rosmarinic acid.Ā StudiesĀ show it causes a substantial reduction in inflammation. Thatās not all; rosemary is also known to increase the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which removes the superoxide free radical that induces inflammation. Finally, rosemaryās anti-inflammatory agents inhibit the formation of the prostaglandins protein, a known inflammation trigger.
If you broil your foods in oil, then we recommend adding rosemary. The antioxidants preserve the oilās nutrients and protect it from oxidization.
5. Chamomile
This is a popular herbal tea for soothing and relaxing the mind. It also happens to be one of the best herbs for inflammation thanks to the almost-impossible-to-pronounce compound chamazulene cyclic sesquiterpenes. Among its many benefits, the antioxidant was proven inĀ studiesĀ to have anti-inflammatory effects.
In addition, the rich antioxidants in chamomile are also antispasmodic, meaning it protects the muscles against involuntary spasms. This puts it on the list of anti inflammatory herbs that suffice as a post-workout drink.
There are actually two kinds of chamomile: German and Roman chamomile. While the antioxidant profile differs slightly between the two, both contain anti-inflammatory compounds.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric is another one of the anti-inflammatory herbs we have talked about at length.Ā Turmeric for joint painĀ is especially well documented and a topic we have dived into quite a bit. Like cloves, turmeric suppresses inflammation by inhibiting the infamous COX-2 enzyme.
Turmeric on its own, though, does have subpar bioavailability. For this reason, itās recommended that you combine it with other ingredients that can help āshuttleā the spice into inflamed areas. One effective companion ingredient isĀ bromelain. Another is basic ground black pepper, which is quite a potent herb in its own right.
7. Boswellia
Boswellia is one of the lesser known herbs for inflammation, though that doesnāt mean itās any less potent or promising. Its magic lies in its effect to inhibit the production of the pro-inflammatory 5-LOX enzyme. This underrated herb also plays a role in regulating antibody and immunoglobulin production.Ā StudiesĀ suggest it may play a pivotal role in immune system health.
8. Neem
This is another one of those obscure anti inflammatory herbs. It happens to be a popular remedy, though, in its native India. The entire plant, from the leaves to the root, is rich in flavonoids. In India, locals eat the shoots and flowers as if they were a vegetable. Itās a spice that provides a flavorful but slightly bitter aftertaste.Ā StudiesĀ show the neem plant is not only anti-inflammatory but also pro-apoptotic, meaning that it promotes the death of malignant cancer cells.
Read More:Ā The Science Of Stress & How To Manage It
As an ayurvedic remedy, neem is also used in various applications, including the treatment of fever, urinary disorders, diabetes and intestinal worms.
Anti-Inflammatory Herbs As Natural Remedies:
Inflammation is no joke and can throw your body out of its natural rhythm. Fortunately, nature is abound with remedies, which is why we created zuRelief. Formulated using all natural herbs, zuRelief is guaranteed to help support your joint health and ability to move.