Chronic inflammation can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. While it’s important to work with a healthcare professional to address underlying causes, certain herbs may offer potential benefits in managing chronic inflammation. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten herbs known for their healing properties and discuss how they can be used. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new herbs, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are taking medication.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before incorporating any herbs or supplements into your routine.
I’m a huge advocate for herbalism. Not only are you taking control of your health, but you’re filling your body full of good nutrients that are provided by nature, rather than drugs created in a lab. Plus, a lot of pharmaceuticals mask symptoms rather than cure disease. That doesn’t mean that they don’t have their place, but in this family we prefer to take the natural route before resorting to pharmaceuticals.
A few things to note before diving into the top ten herbs to help with chronic inflammation.
- Herbs for chronic inflammation are not fast acting, but they are long lasting. Many herbs take weeks (sometimes months) to feel a difference. But once the body starts to react, you’ll get longer lasting results if you keep using the herbs
- Inflammation is the symptom, not the disease. If you’re dealing with chronic inflammation, you probably feel like it’s the disease. I’ve dealt with the pain and discomfort of chronic inflammation for 20+ years. It took me a long time to find out that dealing with my chronic inflammation was partly due to lifestyle, but also because of an underperforming liver and a faulty endocrine system. Herbalism helped me balance my entire system.
- Herbs cannot undue an unhealthy lifestyle. If you choose to jump into herbalism without changing your bad habits (smoking, drinking, eating fast food, not exercising, not drinking enough water, not getting enough sleep, too much caffeine, etc) then you aren’t allowing them to properly support your health.
Now that we’ve covered those, here are the top ten herbs I’ve used to help with chronic inflammation.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric contains a powerful compound called curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits various inflammatory markers and enzymes in the body. You can incorporate turmeric into your diet by using it as a spice in cooking or by taking curcumin supplements.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation. It can be consumed in various forms, including fresh ginger root in teas, grated ginger in recipes, or as a supplement. However, individuals taking blood-thinning medications should exercise caution and consult with their healthcare provider before using ginger.
I prefer to cook with ginger, as the flavor of the teas is too much for me. Using ginger in stir fries, soups, sauces, and more, adds a nice flavor while also making it easy to incorporate this herb into my life.
Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Green tea contains polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Sip on 2-3 cups of freshly brewed green tea daily to harness its potential benefits.
Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, has been traditionally used to alleviate inflammation. Its active component, boswellic acid, can help reduce inflammation and improve joint health. Boswellia can be taken in the form of capsules or tablets, but it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper dosage guidance.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary contains rosmarinic acid, which exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. It can be used as a flavorful addition to your meals or brewed into a tea. Rosemary essential oil may also be used topically after dilution with a carrier oil.
Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a compound that provides the spice’s heat and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. It can be added to dishes to add flavor and promote inflammation reduction. Topical creams containing capsaicin can also be used for localized pain relief, but caution is advised to avoid skin irritation.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic contains sulfur compounds that possess anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporate fresh garlic into your meals or consider garlic supplements. If you’re like us and love to cook with garlic, this one shouldn’t be difficult to add more of.
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)
Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can be consumed as a herbal tea or taken as a supplement.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage contains rosmarinic acid and other compounds with anti-inflammatory effects. It can be used in cooking or brewed into a tea for potential benefits.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
Cinnamon possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Add cinnamon powder to your meals, sprinkle it on oatmeal or beverages, or consider cinnamon supplements.
Conclusion
While these ten herbs have been associated with potential anti-inflammatory properties, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s body reacts differently. Consulting with a qualified healthcare professional is crucial before introducing any new herbs or supplements into your routine, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or are on medication. They can guide you on proper usage, potential interactions, and appropriate dosage to ensure your safety and well-being.