Inflammation is the process by which immune cells protect against injury, infection and other physical stressors. While useful in some instances, inflammation can lead to unhealthy fatigue, pain and debility when it becomes chronic. There are a number of herbal treatments for inflammation, many of which can be found in your spice cabinet or local drugstore.
White Willow
Perhaps the most popular and effective anti-inflammatory herb is white willow. Supplemental white willow is derived from the bark of the willow plant and contains salicylin, the active ingredient in aspirin. It is superior to placebo in treating the pain of osteoarthritis and causes few side effects, according to the National Institutes of Health. Like over-the-counter NSAIDs, willow bark may also reduce the pain and inflammation associated with burns, cuts, insect bites and other minor injuries.
Like aspirin and other NSAIDs, willow bark may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. It also acts as a blood thinner and should be used with caution in people taking other blood thinning medications.
Sida Cordifolia
Long cherished among healers in India, Sida cordifolia is an effective treatment for fatigue, allergy symptoms and inflammation. According to the National Institutes of Health, Sida cordifolia is effective in reducing oral inflammation and the inflammation involved in nasal congestion and asthmatic bronchitis. It is also an effective analgesic and is generally low in toxicity when taken in moderation.
Because it contains ephedrine, Sida cordifolia should not be taken by people with heart disease or other serious health conditions like diabetes. Side effects may include rapid heart beat, increased blood pressure, nausea and insomnia. Sida cordifolia is safest when taken intermittently for periods lasting no longer than two weeks.
Cayenne
More famous for its spicy flavor than its anti-inflammatory properties, cayenne pepper is an effective analgesic and inflammation reducer. It contains capsaicin, which is responsible for the plant's spicy taste and healing properties. When applied to painful joints, capsaicin acts as a counterirritant, causing temporary pain in nerve endings and distracting the brain from underlying sources of pain. When taken internally, cayenne triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkilling chemicals.
Because it can cause painful irritation, cayenne should not be taken internally by those with digestive disorders such as gastric ulcer or GERD.
Ginger
Often used as a remedy for nausea and motion sickness, ginger is also a potent anti-inflammatory herb. It contains compounds called gingerols, which exhibit effects similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen.
According to ABC Science, ginger inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which produce chemicals called prostaglandins that are responsible for causing pain and inflammation. Ginger also thins the blood and, unlike NSAIDs, does not cause gastrointestinal irritation. Both fresh ginger root and dried powder contain gingerols and are comparable in potency.
Unlike cayenne, ginger does not cause temporary discomfort or irritation, and may be better suited for those with gastrointestinal disorders who wish to take it internally.
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