20 Top Anti-Inflammatory Herbs To Help Alleviate Pain | Page 2



# 9 – CINNAMON


Who doesn’t love cinnamon? Added in coffee, cakes, brownies and pastries, cinnamon does more than enhance flavor and aroma. It also works wonders for the health. One is by reducing the body’s inflammatory responses.

Warning: Usually, this herb doesn’t have any side effects. But in rare cases, it can cause mouth irritation. Taken in extremely large doses, it can cause liver ailments. People taking antibiotics, blood thinners, heart medications, and drugs for diabetes are not advised to take cinnamon supplements.


# 10 – PARSLEY


Parsley is packed with vital nutrients like vitamin A, B complex, vitamin C and vitamin K. Apart from effectively treating digestive disorders and kidney ailments, this herb can also treat inflammatory problems, and prevent inflammation with its roster of immune system-boosting nutrients.

Prior to this study, in 2002, a study published in the Journal of Natural Remedies illustrated that the active components in this herb, namely the tannis, triterpenes, and flavonoids had substantial anti-inflammatory effects in animals.

Warning: Over consumption of parsley can cause headaches, kidney damage, and convulsions. Juice, seeds, and oils made from this herb should not be consumed by pregnant women as they’ve been associated with contractions of the uterus and miscarriage.

# 11 – GUGGUL


The powers of this herb can be compared to that of NSAID drugs like ibuprofen. Guggul has long been used as a detoxifying ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine.
Warning: Because of its blood-thinning properties, this herb must not be used with other platelet aggregation-reducing medications.

# 12 – NEEM


In India, neem is famous as the “divine tree” and it’s not a surprise why. Neem leaf and seed extracts are known for their antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and of course, anti-inflammatory properties. This is an excellent essential oil product mixed with a carrier oil or water, for the skin and can also be sprayed on plants to get rid of mealy bugs.

Warning: Neem is generally safe but extremely large doses can pose risks to kidneys and liver. Neem bark and oil are not safe for consumption for pregnant women.


# 13 – ALOE VERA


Aloe vera is the go-to herb for treating skin burns and wounds. Now, we get to know more about its anti-inflammatory properties that also work inside the body. That’s because it has a cooling effect on the digestive tract, making it helpful for people with peptic ulcers and other inflammatory disorders.

Warning: Since aloe vera is a potent laxative, it should be taken with caution. Consult your doctor first before taking an aloe vera supplement especially if you’re expecting.

# 14 – SAW PALMETTO


Derived from the saw palmetto fan palm, a plant native to the southern part of the United States, this one is an amazing herb that can treat a wide array of health conditions including urinary tract inflammation and testicular inflammation. It does many other things too like stimulate the appetite, boost the metabolism, aid in digestion, and empower the thyroid gland.

Warning: Possible side effects of saw palmetto include dizziness, nausea, headaches, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, lower libido, gas, and loss of appetite.


# 15 – ASHWAGANDHA


Ashwagandha, an herb that’s commonly grown and used in Pakistan, India, Africa, and Spain, has a long list of medicinal uses—anti-stress, aphrodisiac, immune function booster, and many others. But let’s focus on its anti-inflammatory activity.

Scientific Research: Among the many bodies of research done on this herb, one study demonstrated that its anti-inflammatory properties were at par with a hydrocortisone cream with 5 mg/kg dosage. Another study showed that among five plants evaluated for fighting inflammation, findings pointed to Ashwagandha as the one with the highest capability.

Warning: Use of this herb may possibly bring some side effects like nausea, drowsiness, flatulence, irritation of the gastrointestinal system, diarrhea, vomiting, and lowering of the blood sugar level, particularly for diabetics

# 16 – GOTU KOLA


Used in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Madagascar, Gotu Kola is known for its wound healing properties and for treating an array of ailments including varicose ulcers, lupus and eczema. This slender plant with fan shaped leaves is also said to aid in meditation, helping a person develop an energy center at the top of the head. Findings point out that Gotu Kola is capable of treating inflammatory diseases of the skin.

Warning: Too much use of this herb can cause some side effects like nausea, stomach upset, drowsiness, and itching.

# 17 – NUTMEG


Native to India, nutmeg has been utilized for its medicinal properties since the 16thcentury. Among its long list of health benefits is its ability to destroy pathogens that cause diseases. Dr. Joseph Pizzorno and Dr. Michael Murray, authors of The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods explain that nutmeg can effectively block more than 25 bacteria species. Nutmeg oil is used as topical ointment for soothing painful muscles and joints.

Warning: Caution should not be taken when using nutmeg supplements. Overdose can cause delirium, hallucination, and other mental problems.



# 18 – CLOVES


This fresh-tasting spice is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and is therefore not only useful in the kitchen but also as a herbal medicine. Cloves are beneficial for pain relief, especially for the teeth and gums, and help to reduce inflammation, which is associated with many chronic diseases.

Cloves contain manganese, vitamins C and K, magnesium, calcium and fiber. Cloves also contain significant amounts of an active component called eugenol, a substance helpful for relieving pain, killing bacteria and reducing inflammation. Eugenol and other components of clove combine to make clove a mild anesthetic as well as an anti-bacterial agent, which have been used in conjunction with oral pain relief.


# 19 – CILANTRO


The anti-inflammatory and detoxification power of cilantro, a medicinal herb whose seeds are known as coriander, is greatly underrated and largely unknown in Western culture today.

But if you suffer from a chronic inflammatory disease, which can manifest itself as arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, heart disease, brain fog, fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome, and a number of other debilitating illnesses, then cilantro just might be the natural solution for you.

As far as inflammation is concerned, researchers from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, India, found that rats given a powdered extract of coriander seeds to treat rheumatoid arthritis experienced far less swelling and inflammation compared to rats given a steroid treatment for the condition.

The research team also found that coriander extract can alleviate joint inflammation associated with other types of arthritis as well.

# 20 – BLACK PEPPER

Last but not least, we have the black pepper. There’s more to this spice than just being salt’s flavoring partner. As the most common culinary spice in the world, it’s one thing that can’t go missing in anyone’s kitchen. It has also been recognized for its anti-inflammatory activities.

These herbs are backed by scientific research to be effective in curbing the annoying problems of inflammation. But as there are some possible side effects, it’s a must to consult a health practitioner first before using any of these.

You may enjoy growing an herb garden. Learn how and enjoy fresh, tasty and chemical free herbs that you grew yourself.

Warning: Black pepper is generally safe. But it’s not advisable to apply it on the skin or allow it to get into the eyes, as it causes redness and burning sensation.