Aside from anti-inflammatory drugs, some herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammation. Herbs such as Fenugreek, St. John’s wort, Indian frankincense, and gotu kola all have anti-inflammatory properties. Learn about these and other herbs below. You can also try consuming them in teas or adding them to food.
St. John’s wort
It is commonly used as a natural treatment for depression and conditions associated with it, including anxiety and menopause symptoms. There is some scientific evidence that St. John’s wort has benefits for mild to moderate depression, and it is also used to treat heart palpitations, premenstrual syndrome, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In some countries, including the United States, St. John’s wort is only available with a prescription.
Gotu kola
Did you know that gotu kola can help with inflammation? Its anti-inflammatory effects are well-known in traditional medicinal practices. Its properties may be beneficial in the relief of symptoms associated with arthritis and joint pain. Here is a brief review of the evidence. For now, it is best to seek the advice of a health practitioner if you have been experiencing symptoms of inflammation. However, there are many myths about the benefits of gotu kola.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a herb that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is effective for inflammation and has been shown to have numerous beneficial properties. It contains fiber and protein and is rich in vitamin B6 and iron. It also tastes good! Here are a few of the most common ways to use fenugreek. Use a tea made from it or a powder to treat inflammation.
Indian frankincense
For centuries, people have been burning Indian frankincense to relieve belly aches. But did you know that it also has other health benefits? This fragrant oil may improve the symptoms of arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and psoriasis. It may even help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries of people with heart disease. It can also help relieve the symptoms of asthma. Here are some of the benefits of burning Indian frankincense:
Spearmint
Inflammation is a common problem, and spearmint may help alleviate the symptoms of this condition. In fact, several studies have shown that spearmint can inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells. In particular, the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties inhibit iNOS expression. This means that spearmint has potential to prevent or treat inflammatory conditions such as colon cancer and IBD. However, these findings must be confirmed by further studies.
Paprika
Paprika is known to be full of antioxidants, which are compounds found in many plants. Antioxidants are known to protect our bodies from oxidative stress, a process that may lead to damage to our cells and eventually to disease. Antioxidants also play an important role in the fight against cancer and other diseases. Paprika is a rich source of antioxidants, so you can eat it in large quantities without worrying about causing any harm.
Paprika reduces inflammatory response from UV damage to skin
Paprika is rich in antioxidants, including Vitamin C. These antioxidants absorb free radicals in the skin and help it remain radiant. To use paprika for a facial, apply it to clean, dry skin and leave it on for 15 minutes. You may experience tingling afterward, but the paprika will moisturize your skin while decreasing inflammatory response from UV damage to skin.
Paprika reduces abdominal fat area and BMI
Among the foods rich in xanthophylls, paprika has shown some promising results in terms of reducing abdominal fat area and BMI. This compound has antioxidant activity and anti-metabolic properties, which could be of significant value in the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. In this study, paprika consumption significantly reduced the abdominal fat area of obese subjects and lowered BMI and their body mass index (BMI).
Capsaicin in chili peppers
It turns out that the active ingredient in chili peppers, capsaicin, is the solution to a long-term problem: intestinal diseases. Researchers at Duke University found that the active ingredient helps fight inflammation by activating a specific nerve cell receptor. The disorder, which is characterized by recurring abdominal pain and cramps, affects up to two million Americans. Capsaicin has long been used as a treatment for cluster headaches, a symptom of inflammatory bowel disease.
Curcumin in turmeric
The compound curcumin, which is present in turmeric, is a potent antioxidant. It has the ability to reduce inflammation by inhibiting key mediators, including adhesion molecules, growth factors, and cyclooxygenase. It can also inhibit a key gene, nuclear factor kappa B, which is implicated in the production of COX-2. These inhibitory effects of curcumin have important implications for the prevention and treatment of inflammation in various diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.