Inflammation is one of your body's natural protective mechanisms. When foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria, appear, your body produces chemicals and white blood cells in defense. In the case of some illnesses, such as arthritis, inflammation becomes excessive, causing tenderness, pain, swelling, stiffness and fever. In addition to medical treatments and sufficient rest, numerous herbs may help alleviate inflammation. Since herbal remedies may pose side effects, seek guidance from your doctor.
Thunder God Vine
Thunder god vine is an herb native to Japan, China and Korea. It has been used in China as a natural health remedy for more than 400 years for conditions involving immune system overactivity and inflammation. As an oral supplement, thunder god vine is used to treat heavy menstruation and chronic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Supplements contain the herb's extract. Though it shows promise for reducing inflammation, additional research is needed, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Potential side effects include hair loss, diarrhea and menstrual changes.
Willow Bark
Willow bark has been used as a natural pain remedy for centuries, particularly in Europe and Japan. Its bark contains salicin -- a chemical similar to aspirin. Though research is limited, willow bark may reduce pain and inflammation associated with bursitis, osteoarthritis, tendinitis and menstruation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Willow bark is available in dried herb, powdered herb and tincture form, which consists of the herb, water and alcohol. Potential side effects include mild stomach upset, stomach bleeding and, if you consume excessive amounts, skin rashes, vomiting and stomach or kidney inflammation. Since willow bark contains salicin, willow bark is not recommended if you have an allergy or a sensitivity to salicylates.
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw means "hook plant" in Greek, which is appropriate since its fruit is covered with hook-like particles. African devil's claw is used to ease inflammation associated with atherosclerosis, fibromyalgia and forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and gout. Taking powdered, oral devil's claw supplements daily may help reduce your need for anti-inflammatory medications, according to "The Inflammation Syndrome: The Complete Nutritional Program to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, Arthritis, Diabetes, Allergies, and Asthma" by Jack Challem. Devil's claw is available in liquid extract, dried root, powdered capsule, tea and tincture form.
Feverfew
A member of the sunflower family, feverfew has been used for centuries in European natural remedies for headaches, fever and arthritic pain. Though its effectiveness in alleviating inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, remains unproven, according to the UMMC, laboratory tests have upheld its anti-inflammatory properties. Liquid extract and tincture are the standard forms used for arthritis. Potential side effects of feverfew include gas, indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and anxiety.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Thunder God Vine An Introduction to Probiotics
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Willow Bark
- "The Inflammation Syndrome: The Complete Nutritional Program to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, Arthritis, Diabetes, Allergies, and Asthma"; Jack Challem; 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Feverfew
