Inflamma tion is a good thing; it's part of the body's immune response to injury. When it becomes chronic, it's a pain. For thousands of years we've experimented with herbs that remove the swelling, pain and stiffness of inflammation. Here are a dozen of the most common anti-inflammatory herbs and how you might use them.
White Willow Bark – (Hyssopus officinal) contains salicin from which aspirin is made and has effects similar to aspirin except that it's a little slower acting and lasts longer.
Boswellia – (Boswellia serrata) known as Indian frankincense, has long been recognized for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It can be used instead of aspirin or ibuprophin without stomach upset. It is also known to lower bad cholesterol.
Ginger – (Zingiber officinalis) has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and sugar-moderating effects in the body. Ginger has similar effects as over-the-counter and prescription NSAID’s: it suppresses the synthesis of prostaglandins — but with fewer side effects. Scientist now think that ginger extract may inhibit or deactivate genes that encode the molecules involved in chronic inflammation.
Turmeric – (Curcuma longa), an ancient culinary spice native to South East Asia, has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent for centuries. Sometimes called cucurmin; it is a mild COX-2 inhibitor, but works differently from the prescription-strength drugs that can increase your risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. Like Boswellia and ginger, it seems to prevent joint inflammation by blocking the production of prostaglandins and activation of inflammation-regulating genes.
Arnica – (Arnica montana) is used for relief of bruises, stiffness, and muscle soreness in herbal medicine. Arnica is available as a salve for bruises and sprains for the same anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving purposes. It is used as a homeopathic remedy to aid healing after tissue injury or surgery.
Neem – (Azadirachta indica) calms inflammatory skin conditions, joint pains and muscle aches. All parts of the tree can be used. Oil extracted from the leaves and seeds have demonstrated anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-diabetic and anti-viral properties.
Holy Basil – (Ocimum Sanctum) is used to treat heart and lung problems, cold, flu and sore throat. Holy basil oil is found to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and other medicinal properties that are effective against arthritis, diabetes, high cholesterol, peptic ulcers as well as chemotherapy and radiation poisoning.
Aloe Vera – (Aloe barbadensis) while known for healing wounds and skin burns, Aloe Vera’s anti-inflammatory properties cools inflammation in the digestive tract such as peptic ulcers when drunk as a liquid or gel.
Licorice Root – (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has the strong anti-inflammatory compounds that are effective against coughs, colds, mouth ulcers, peptic ulcers and even chronic hepatitis infection. It can lead to high blood pressure if taken for too long.
Feverfew – (Tanacetum parthenium)is an anti-inflammatory herb can help to lower fever and reduce aches and pains including headaches--even migraines. It takes a while for feverfew to work so it is best used to prevent migraines.
Slippery Elm – (Ulmus fulva) has been used for coughs, sore throat, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, arthritis as well as other inflammatory conditions. It is used as an ingredient in lozenges and herbal teas.
Devil's Claw – (Harpagophytum procumbens) is approved for use by the German government is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory for arthritis and joint pain.
Eucalyptus – (Eucalypti aetheroleum) in the form of the extracted oil, reduces pain, spasms and inflammation, stimulates local blood circulation, the detoxification of tissues, and reduces nerve inflammation and pain so it is useful for neuralgias such as sciatica. Eucalyptus reduces pain and inflammation due to chronic arthritic conditions. It even stimulates the mind and provides clarity.
Other Resources
Herbs can be serious medicines that interfer with pharmaceuticals. Check with your health care provider if you're unsure about how an herb will affect you. The following websites will give you much more information on specific herbs.
HerbWisdom.com provides an excellent overview of many common herbs.
Here's an excellent website that you can use to investigate the safety of a particular herb that you'd like to use.
Please note: The information here is not to be followed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal health and necessary treatments.
