Organic Herbs To Decrease Inflammation

Herbal remedies have been used for many years to help treat inflammation. The Cleveland Clinic states that inflammation is the process in which your body's white blood cells and other agents ward off infection and foreign substances, including bacteria and viruses. Inflammation is often accompanied by swelling in the affected area. Before you use or consume organic herbs to treat your inflammation, talk with your doctor to determine what herbs are most appropriate for you.

Inflammatory Conditions

Many health conditions involve excessive inflammation. Possible causes of inflammation, according to the Cleveland Clinic, include rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, gouty arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. Acute musculoskeletal injuries, such as muscle strains, ligament sprains and bone fractures, may also cause excessive swelling. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with inflammation include redness in the injured area, joint swelling, joint pain, joint stiffness and decreased joint function and range of motion.

Herbs for Inflammation

Certain herbs are known for their anti-inflammatory action, or their ability to reduce the level of swelling and inflammation in your body. According to Dr. William A. Mitchell, Jr., naturopath and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," anti-inflammatory herbs include turmeric, pineapple, licorice root, feverfew, nettles, milk thistle, white willow bark and meadow saffron. Other herbs that have anti-inflammatory action are arnica, ashwagandha, burdock, calendula, devil's claw, dong quai, fennel, ginger, ginkgo, lavender, passionflower and slippery elm.

Most Popular Herbs

Some herbs are more commonly used to help treat your inflammation, such as turmeric and pineapple. Turmeric, which is used as both a spice and herbal medicine, is a plant that thrives in the tropical areas of South Asia. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is its main active constituent in combating inflammatory conditions. Mitchell notes that turmeric has been helpful in treating joint inflammation, inflammation caused by autoimmune conditions, myalgia and neuralgia. Pineapple stems contain a substance called bromelain that is also helpful in treating your inflammation. Bromelain, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, is especially effective at treating infection- and sports-related inflammation.

Considerations

Before you use or ingest any substance, including organic herbs, to help treat your health conditions, meet with your doctor to discuss procedures, alternatives and risks. Herbal supplements can have powerful effects on your body, just like pharmaceutical drugs. If you are pregnant or are a nursing mother, you should exercise great caution when taking herbs, as certain herbs can affect the health or your unborn or newborn child.