11 Herbs, Spices and Extracts That Help Combat Inflammation

Inflammation is one of the leading causes of chronic diseases, illness and pain. Thankfully, inflammation can be combated with all-natural remedies that are often found in your kitchen or garden.

In this article, you’ll discover inflammation-fighting foods and supplements that will help you live a happier life. We’ll cover everything from things you’re likely familiar with, like ginger, to the not-so-common, like all-natural CBD tinctures. So, keep reading to find out more!

More About Inflammation

Before we jump into the remedies, it might be good to better understand what inflammation is. Too many folks think it is entirely negative, and we must rid our bodies of it all. The truth is inflammation is essential for survival and is an important immune function. Unfortunately, disease, illness and pain can result when inflammation is left unchecked. But why is that?

According to research, if inflammation continues in the body beyond the time it’s needed, this creates serious problems. This has been linked to joint pain, arthritis, psoriasis, allergies, asthma, acne and autoimmune diseases.

Fortunately, in many cases, inflammation can be treated with natural remedies often found in your kitchen or garden. Here are eleven inflammation-fighting foods and supplements that will help you to live a happier life.

1) Turmeric and Curcuminoids

Turmeric has long been used in traditional medicine. The polyphenol curcuminoids in turmeric are anti-inflammatory. Studies have shown that the inflammation-fighting compound of turmeric, curcumin, can reduce inflammation in some cases even more so than an over-the-counter painkiller.

You can add turmeric to your foods at home by using it in your cooking or by taking a turmeric supplement.

2) Ginger

Another spice that’s great for inflammation is ginger. In addition to inflammation, ginger has been shown to have antioxidant properties and be an antibacterial and antifungal agent.

You can add it to your food at home or take a daily ginger supplement. However, when using it in food, be careful, as it packs quite the flavor punch. You might not be used to such a potent taste if you haven’t used it much.

3) Boswellia

Resin from the Boswellia serrata tree has been used for centuries to treat inflammation.  The main chemical compound, boswellic acid, has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the body.

Most people take this one in capsule form. However, be mindful if you’re taking ibuprofen, aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as they may interact with them.

4) Chamomile

This herb has been used for centuries to treat inflammation in the body and specifically help with inflammation of the digestive tract. It is also a mild sedative, which means that it can help you sleep better by calming inflammation and reducing anxiety.

Most people think of chamomile tea with this one, but it too is available in a capsule form now. The way you choose to take it is entirely up to you!

5) St. John’s Wort

Another inflammation-fighting herb is St. John’s wort.  It has long been used as an antidepressant but is gaining traction in other areas as studies confirm its anti-inflammatory properties. So when you take this, you’ll find it benefits multiple regions.

You can take a St. John’s wort supplement as a capsule or in a liquid tincture. The tincture can even be added to your food at home by using it in salads or soups.

6) Evening Primrose Oil

This is another supplement that is being used for a variety of ailments. When it comes to inflammation of the digestive tract, sore throats and painful bruises, they can often be treated with evening primrose oil. It contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that has been shown to reduce inflammation.

You can add evening primrose oil to your food at home, or you can take it as a supplement much the same as St. John’s Wort.

7) Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the body and help with inflammation of the joints specifically. They’ve also been researched for a connection to improving depression, diabetes and high blood pressure.

You can eat more inflammation-fighting foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids by including oily fish in your diets, such as salmon, tuna, trout and herring. But if you’re not a seafood fan, you can reach for a container of capsules instead or walnuts and hemp, flax and chia seeds.

8) Cannabidiol 

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a compound in hemp plants. It doesn’t cause psychoactive effects like THC, which is derived from marijuana. Studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce inflammation in the body with few to no side effects for most people. CBD is also said to help with inflammation in the digestive tract.

CBD products are available in various forms, including CBD tinctures, capsules, gummies and even topical creams that can be applied directly to the area that is sore or in pain.

9) Cardamom

Cardamom has been used as a treatment in Ayurvedic medicine for inflammation and digestive problems. Studies have shown cardamom’s ability to reduce inflammation of the stomach, bowels and respiratory tract.

It’s available as a supplement or in foods at home, depending on how eclectic your spice rack is.

10) Nettles

In addition to general inflammation, nettles have been used to specifically treat inflammation in the urinary tract and kidneys and inflammation that causes coughing.

You can add them to your food at home or take a nettles supplement, much like other options on this list.

11) Burdock Root 

Rounding out the list, we have the burdock root, rich in inflammation-fighting compounds called arctiin and lactic acid. The role of lactic acid in the cell-signaling process involved in inflammation is still being investigated and really intrigues researchers.

You can use it in your culinary pursuits and whip it up as part of a dish. However, it’s available as a capsule from the health food store as well.

That’s Not All!

These are just some inflammation-fighting herbs, spices and extracts that you might have in your kitchen or garden. For more ways to fight inflammation naturally, reach out to friends, family and relatives. Many of the natural remedies familiar to people have been around for a long time for good reason.

If inflammation is affecting your daily life and causing pain, try these inflammation-fighting remedies. You will feel better!