Inflammation is a sign that your body is trying to repair tissue damage or fight off invading pathogens. This is normal, but persistent inflammation can lead to chronic illness. Rheumatism, arthritis and eczema are examples of chronic inflammatory disorders. Conventional treatments for chronic inflammation include steroids and non-steroidal drugs, like ibuprofen and aspirin. While effective, these medications can cause stomach upset and lead to serious internal bleeding and other side effects. Herbal anti-inflammatories are safer, especially if your inflammation is chronic.
Indian Echinacea
Indian echinacea (Andrographis paniculata), also known as creat, king of bitters and andrographis, is a shade plant with smooth leaves and white flowers with purple markings on the petals. The plant is native to South Asia and is used in the Indian ayurvedic medical system to treat fevers, infections and liver disease. The anti-inflammatory properties of Indian echinacea were reported in a study in the 2009 issue of the "Archives of Pharmacal Research." The researchers found that derivatives from andrographolide and other chemicals in the plant had significant anti-inflammatory action with low toxicity.
Turmeric
Tumeric (Curcuma longa), also known as Indian saffron, is a South Asian root used in cooking and herbal medicines. Its primary constituent, curcumin, has the ability to switch off, or down regulate, the signaling molecules that produce inflammation. A study in the 2010 issue of the "Journal of Medical Microbiology" found that curcumin reduced lung inflammation caused by bacterial pneumonia.
Licorice
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a plant belonging to the pea, or legume family. The licorice plant is popular in Asian and western herbal medicines and cooking. The root contains glycyrrhizin, which gives the plant the sweet flavor known as licorice. Glycyrrhizin is an anti-inflammatory that works by binding to steroid receptors in the body and mimicking the effects of steroids. Asthma is an inflammatory disease often treated with steroids. A 2006 study in "International Immunopharmacology" found that glycyrrhizin opened airways, reduced lung inflammation and alleviated asthma symptoms.
White Willow
White willow (Salix alba) is a tree found throughout Europe and Asia. Herbalists have used its bark for centuries to treat fevers, infections, headache and arthritic pain. The active ingredient in white willow bark is the anti-inflammatory salicin, which metabolizes to salicylic acid. Herbalist David Hoffmann, in his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," states that salicin is considered to be the original source of aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid. The two chemicals share anti-inflammatory actions, but salicin does not seem to cause the same gastrointestinal distress or internal bleeding that aspirin may.
References
- "Archives of Pharmacal Research"; Analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and toxic effects of andrographolide derivatives in experimental animals; Suebsasana S, Pongnaratorn P, Sattayasai J, Arkaravichien T, Tiamkao S, Aromdee C; September 2009
- "Journal of Medical Microbiology"; Curcumin alone and in combination with augmentin protects against pulmonary inflammation and acute lung injury generated during Klebsiella pneumoniae B5055 induced lung infection in BALB/c mice; Bansal S, Chhibber S; January 2010
- "International Immunopharmacology"; Glycyrrhizin alleviates experimental allergic asthma in mice; Ram A, Mabalirajan U, Das M, Bhattacharya I, Dinda AK, Gangal SV, Ghosh B; September 2006
