September 03, 2024

Herbs that fight inflammation

Inflammation is a term that has often been associated with something that is negative and we need must always ‘fix’, however these days we much more educated with so many sources of information at our fingertips.
Most of the time inflammation can be a good sign that the body’s natural innate defence systems are working to heal, repair and fight off pathogens and therefore we support it rather than supress it.
This response should be temporary, when it becomes a chronic state that is where we need to take action.
Some of our favourite herbs and spices that help the body with inflammation are:

Ginger

Ginger contains more than 100 active compounds, such as gingerol, shogaol, zingiberene, and zingerone which are likely responsible for its health effects, including helping reduce inflammation in the body. The studies found ginger may reduce inflammatory markers in the body and therefore may reduce joint pain and increase joint mobility.

Turmeric

The heavy hitter. It’s packed with over 300 active compounds, the main one of course being the most studied antioxidant called curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Numerous studies have shown that curcumin can block the activation of NF-κB, a molecule that activates genes that promote inflammation. Curcumin studies have shown it have pain relieving benefits that rival common non-steroidal drugs with nasty side effects.

Green tea

Camellia sinensis is packed with healthy compounds called polyphenols, in particular epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Studies have linked these compounds to benefits for the brain and heart, and may also help people lose body fat and reduce inflammation. Green tea polyphenols also appear to be beneficial for many inflammatory health conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, gum diseases, and more.

Juniper berry

Anti-oxidant rich and full of anti-inflammatory compounds such as flavonoids, these dark purple berries may help fight free radical damage in the body and reduce inflammation.

Calendula

Calendula or Marigold has amazing healing properties both internally but also topically. It may have the ability to help heal many inflammatory skin conditions, as well as cuts and bruising.

Withania (Ashwagandha)

Withania not only has been known to decrease the impact of stress on the body, but studies have also shown that Withania may help reduce levels of inflammatory proteins such as interleukin-10 (IL-10).

 

Sip the benefits of these herbs in Little Wildling Co tea and powder blends:

 

 

Sources:
 
Written by Leonie Sutherland

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