Many herbs have anti-inflammatory properties that may help combat chronic inflammation. Inflammation is an important factor in risk and progression of heart disease, cancer and other conditions. Studies in humans are scant for some herbs with claims of cholesterol lowering and other health benefits. In others, preliminary lab study evidence or human clinical trial studies look good. Also, herbs add flavor and nutrient value to recipes.
Turmeric
Turmeric reduces inflammation and prevents and treats cancer. It may help with heartburn, stomach ulcers and gallstones. It can be taken in teas, as a powder or in capsules or liquid extracts. It can also be used on the skin in a paste. Few clinical health trials with people have been done. However, lab studies suggest that the curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. People with gallbladder disease should avoid turmeric supplements because they may worsen the condition.
Garlic
Garlic subdues inflammation thanks to its high antioxidant content, which helps prevent damage in the body from free radicals. It also strengthens the immune system. Scientific research is not conclusive yet, but garlic is promising in the areas of reducing heart disease and cancer risks. Garlic can be used in cooking or eaten raw, taken as an extract or used as a supplement in capsule form. It thins the blood, so do not use it before surgery.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds and leaves are often made into a paste and applied to the skin to treat inflammation, but few scientific studies exist on its effectiveness. Fenugreek also may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. The herb traditionally is used for digestive problems, menopausal issues and to stimulate milk production for nursing moms.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that is proven in studies to reduce inflammation. Flax also raises the "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and may prevent arthritis, heart disease and inflammatory bowel disease. It comes as oil that requires refrigeration, as ground or whole seeds, in powder form and in capsules.
Artichoke Leaf Extract
Artichoke leaf extract is rich in various flavonoids. Such plant flavonoids show anti-inflammatory activity in lab studies and are being researched as sources of anti-inflammatory drugs, according to the National Institutes of Health. Artichoke leaf extract also was shown to lower cholesterol in a 2007 study at the University of Reading. Reduced cholesterol leads to lower risk of heart disease. The extract is traditionally used to improve health in the digestive and urinary tracts, and has been promoted as an irritable bowel syndrome remedy.
Yarrow
Yarrow is traditionally used to treat inflammation in the digestive tract. It contains flavonoids that improve digestion by increasing saliva and stomach acid. It may also help with stomach and menstrual cramps by relaxing muscles in the uterus and intestine. It comes dried, fresh, in liquid extracts, in capsules and tablets and in tinctures. Few scientific studies have examined yarrow's medical effectiveness.
Rosemary
Rosemary is used topically to relieve muscle pain and spasms and internally support the nervous and circulatory systems. It has antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals in the body and antimicrobial properties that kill some bacteria and fungi in lab tests. It comes as a whole herb, dried, in capsules, in teas and tinctures and in volatile oil, which is for external use only.
Ginger
Ginger is used for joint and muscle pain, and to help with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. However, studies still are unclear on how effective ginger is. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is funding studies to examine ginger's active components and their effects on inflammation. NCCAM also seeks to know whether ginger interacts with any drugs as well as the herb's general safety. Ginger can be eaten fresh or dried. Other common forms of ginger include tablets, capsules, tinctures and teas.
Warning
Herbs can trigger side effects. They can also interact with medicines, other herbs and supplements. Always consult your health care provider before taking herbs.
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