There are plenty of herbs that are used to treat inflammatory conditions naturally.
Ginger and turmeric are the most popular ones, but there are several other anti-inflammatory herbs also that can be equally effective. Following are some of the most popular herbs that have proven their effectiveness in curing inflammation.
The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of ginger make it one of best herbs for inflammation. If you are suffering from cold-related congestion, just sipping a cup of ginger tea can bring great relief to you. Medical studies have also confirmed that ginger can reduce prostaglandin level quite significantly and thus can be very helpful in relieving arthritis pain.
Many clinical studies have gone as far as in saying that the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of ginger are far more effective as compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Ginger is also widely available in capsule and tea forms, which you can get from any health food store. In general, you can take 500mg to 100mg of ginger capsules two times daily just after your meals. However, powdered dry ginger is believed to bring better results.
Turmeric is a herb that is used as a spice in foods. However, turmeric tablets and capsules are also sold for medicinal use. It carries a distinctive sharp flavor. This herb is strongly recommended for almost every type of inflammatory disorder that includes auto immune conditions, tendonitis, arthritis and others. The main anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric is called curcumin.
The general dosage recommendation is 400-600mg thrice daily. Though turmeric is usually a safe herb, pregnant women are advised not to use it unless their doctor suggests them otherwise. Extended use of turmeric can also cause certain side effects.
Slippery elm is another very common herb that is widely used in herbal tea. Its bark, in particular, carries powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The bark of slippery elm is used to treat an array of other health conditions also, such as gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, sore throat and cough.
It is a very gentle and safe herb with no side effects at all. It is available in most health food stores in both capsules as well as powder forms.
Feverfew is a daisy-like flower with yellow center surrounded with white petals. As the term suggests, this herb is very helpful in treating fever. But, it also carries potent anti-inflammatory properties. You can take it in the form of tablets and capsules, but make sure you consult a licensed herbal practitioner first.
The anti-inflammatory elements are found in licorice roots, which are particularly very beneficial in the treatment of chronic hepatitis infection, peptic ulcers, mouth ulcers, cold and cough. Licorice is sold in capsule and powder forms, but chopped roots of licorice are also very popular that are used to prepare licorice tea.
The anti-inflammatory compounds available in aloe vera work not just externally but internally as well. This herb is very popularly used to soothe skin burns, to heal wounds and even to cure peptic ulcers. It is available in the form of gel and juice. Depending upon your specific condition, you may be advised either to consume it or to use it topically (such as, on burns).
Holy basil is another herb that is used to treat an array of inflammatory conditions. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients in holy basil leaves have been found to be tremendously effective against peptic ulcers, high cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis, sore throat, flu and cold. Health food stores sell them in the form of grounded or dried leaves. However, pregnant women or those who are trying to conceive are strongly advised to avoid this herb.
This herb has been used since ancient times for the treatment of arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma and other inflammatory conditions. Various clinical studies have been conducted on boswellia and there are now strong medical evidences that confirm the presence of powerful anti-inflammatory compounds (medically known as beswollic acids) in it. Inflammatory conditions are generally caused by the formation of certain enzymes in the body. Boswella restricts such enzymes formation.
The resin secreted by this herb carries powerful anti-inflammatory properties that are believed to be as effective as ibuprofen medications. Various medical studies have also found its effectiveness in relieving pain caused by rheumatism and fibromyalgia. You can get it not only in the form of tablets and capsules but also in their raw form, such as resins and gums. This herb should also be taken under the guidance of a trained herbal practitioner.
Bromelain is an enzyme that is extracted from pineapple stems. Inflammation is caused by the growing levels of prostaglandins hormones in the body. Bromelain does not only relieve inflammation and pain but it also heals connective tissues and muscles.
Devil’s claw is a popular anti-inflammatory herb that are conventionally used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, but it has also been found to be very beneficial in soothing pain and inflammation caused by tendonitis and osteoarthritis. A recent study conducted on 259 people found that those who took Devil’s claw regularly for eight weeks benefitted so much that they stopped taking any pain medications after that. Researchers even believe that this herb also improves the quality of life for the arthritis patients who take it regularly.
White willow bark contains anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving compounds that are as effective as popular medications like aspirins. It can be very beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis, joint pain, acute back pain, neck pain and knee pain.
Arnica is used as a very effective herbal remedy to cure sprains, bruises and an array of inflammatory conditions.
In Japan and China, baical skullcap is used for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, but in the western countries, it is mainly used in the treatment of arthritis, pelvic inflammation and asthma only. Various medical studies have found the anti-inflammatory compounds of this herb to be as effective as prednisolone, which is believed to be a very good anti-inflammatory medication.
Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate and an array of other polyphenols, which make this herb a powerful natural medicine for various inflammatory conditions. In addition to that, green tea can also be very effective in preventing skin tumors. Arthritis patients can get tremendous relief by drinking green tea regularly.
Though, the herbs mentioned above are very popularly used for inflammation, you are advised to get it in proper dosage as prescribed by a licensed and experienced herbal practitioner.
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