Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

Many chronic diseases result from inflammation on the cellular level or in one or more (or all) body systems.

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, the body’s white blood cells and substances they produce protect us from infection with foreign organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. chronic inflammation has been linked to arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

To help fight inflammation. there are a number of excellent anti-inflammatory herbs that also are delicious and satisfying.

Ginger

Research has shown that ginger has a better therapeutic effect than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to treat pain and inflammation. Ginger also inhibits the activation of several genes involved in an inflammatory response.

It provides natural properties that help with pain, indigestion, stiffness, headaches, and just about any health woe you can imagine. It’s technically a root by nature but can be bought in spice form with other dried spices. If you can get your hands on fresh ginger from the produce department, optimise it however possible. Check out our tips to use ginger if you’re new to using it, or try a ginger tea, juice with it, add it to a smoothie, or peel it and shred into entrees.

Cinnamon

This popular spice is made from the bark of cinnamon trees native to China, India and Southeast Asia. In addition to being anti-inflammatory, it can also lower blood sugar in diabetics by activating insulin receptors. cinnamon also has a host of compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can lessen the likelihood of cellular damage and chronic disease.

Researchers have concluded that the health benefits of cinnamon can be obtained in the form of its pure bark, essential oils, in ground spice form (which is bark powder), or in extract form when its special phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidants are isolated. These compounds make cinnamon one of the most beneficial spices on earth, giving it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, immunity-boosting, cancer and heart disease-protecting abilities.

Cloves

Cloves have been used as an expectorant, and to treat upset stomach, nausea, and inflammation of the mouth and throat. Research is still mixed, but evidence suggests that they may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Clove oil can be applied directly to the gums to help with a toothache or for pain control during dental work. Cloves have been shown to reduce mouth and throat inflammation. Cloves can also be used to treat diarrhoea, nausea, hernia, bad breath and as an expectorant.

The powdered or whole dried flower buds are delicious in many savoury dishes as well as in desserts and hot drinks.

Cayenne

It may seem surprising, but fiery cayenne can help put out the fire in your gut! That’s because it’s rich in capsaicin, a potent anti-inflammatory substance. Capsaicin affects the gut in ways that protect against ulcers. It’s also an inhibitor of substance P, a neuropeptide associated with inflammatory processes.

Cayenne contains a range of flavonoids and carotenoids antioxidants that scavenge free radicals to protect against the cellular damage that leads to inflammation and disease

cayenne is a member of the nightshade family, and you may be sensitive to it. It is also almost as likely as black pepper to have high amounts of mould toxins in it. Quality matters and storage conditions matter greatly for this spice.

Black Pepper

If cayenne is too hot for you maybe you can try some black pepper, the milder black pepper too has anti-inflammatory properties. Known as the “King of Spices,” black pepper has been valued for its flavour, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Studies show that the chemical compounds of black pepper, particularly piperine, may be effective in helping to combatting the early acute inflammatory process.

Garlic

Known as the stinking rose, garlic is used in many cuisines around the world to add flavour to food, but it’s also been used as an ingredient in traditional herbal medicinal for centuries, both in its fresh plant form and as a powder. Research shows that garlic has many medicinal benefits but, for the purpose of this article, we shall stick to its anti-inflammation benefits.