ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Top 10 Anti-Inflammatory Herbs
If you’re in search for the best anti inflammatory herbs, you’ll find this article useful. There are numerous herbs that have been proven to aid in various health problems such as inflammation, infection, blood clotting and more. However, they also come with potential side effects just like the artificial medications we buy from drugstores, but to a lesser degree of course. Below are the top 10 herbs you can use to treat inflammation with a short description of its benefits, risks and other health concerns.
What is inflammation?
Before we proceed with our discussion of the top anti inflammatory herbs, it’s necessary that we talk about what inflammation really is, what are its causes, and the like. Scientifically speaking, inflammation refers to a condition that occurs when the immune system reacts to an injury, irritation, infection and other external changes. We normally associate inflammation with skin problems. When you see a reddish bump on your skin, you’re most likely to say its inflammation. People usually consider it as normal. But sometimes, internal inflammation can take place which may lead to more serious health problems.
The inflammatory response in the body results from the release of chemicals including prostaglandins and cytokines by the white blood cells. Usually, this condition is treated using antibiotics and corticosteroids. Inflammation has many causes. It can be triggered by allergy, muscle injuries, blood clotting and the like. Normally, this swelling will subside but in chronic cases, it will not. Here’s what usually happen. First is the entry of bacteria. Next is the contraction of the lumen of blood vessels which triggers blood flow. This will then lead to swelling, destruction of the microbes and tissue repair. At this point, everything goes back to normal.
Turmeric
This herb is widely used in Asian and Mexican dishes. Experts recommend turmeric to people with inflammatory diseases such as tendonitis, arthritis and other autoimmune illnesses. The advisable dosage of turmeric extract is between 400mg and 600mg which should be taken 3 times a day. Many studies have been conducted to test the effect of turmeric in the human health. Researchers from the Oregon State University found out that turmeric can aid in arthritis. Turmeric can also address swelling and pain which comes along with the inflammation.
Ginger
In many countries especially in Asia, ginger is used as a natural anti-inflammatory medicine. In a 1992 study conducted at Odense University in Denmark, it was found that people with inflammatory illnesses experience relief from inflammatory symptoms when taking ginger supplementation. In the said study, 75% of the participants who took ginger supplements reported that they experienced relief after taking ginger. In another study published in the Journal of Medical Food, the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have been comprehensively discussed. It can be ingested or taken orally in a form of tea or supplement. Allergic reaction to ginger may cause several symptoms including headache, nausea and diarrhea.
Boswellia
Also called Indian frankincense, this is among the anti inflammatory herbs that are also used to address joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis. It also comes in supplements and natural drug treatments. In a 2005 study, it was found that Boswellia treats inflammation by destroying a type of cytokine which is involved in chronic inflammation. Unlike the standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NADs, Boswellia doesn’t cause irritation in the stomach. This herb causes boswellic acids which reduce inflammation in several ways. First, it boosts blood flow. Second, it prevents the inflammatory white cells from damaging tissues. And lastly, it blocks the chemical reactions that trigger the inflammatory responses of the body.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a popular spice that is used in international cuisines. This evergreen shrub is cultivated in many parts of the world. Aside from enhancing the taste of foods, it is also used in tea. Aside from the anti-inflammatory properties of this herb, rosemary is also known for its tonic, diaphoretic and its tonic effect. On a very recent research, it was found that rosemary has a stimulant and analgesic effect too which is mostly found it its oil. The anti-inflammatory characteristic of rosemary can be attributed to the flavonoids and Rosmarinus acid.
Garlic
This is one of the most common anti inflammatory herbs that you can always find in your kitchen. Garlic is also considered as a natural antibiotic and is widely used in many countries to address various health problems including sinus infection. In fact, it has the same effect with penicillin. Garlic is also a health tonic just like rosemary. As an anti inflammatory medication, garlic works by altering the cytokines which trigger inflammation. This pungent and flavorful herb was also found to be useful in the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, common cold, and cholesterol.
Licorice
Many of us are very much familiar with licorice as a candy and not as one of the anti inflammatory herbs. This plant is widely used in many countries as a remedy that can be taken with other herbal medications. Licorice is also considered as an anti depressant drug, anti ulcer, anti fungal, and immunity booster. This herb is also used in treating asthma, liver problems, fungal and viral infections, arthritis, prostate enlargement, gingivitis, tooth problems, and many more. This herb also contains high amount of flavonoids which makes it an anti inflammatory medicine. However, studies show that too much consumption of Licorice can trigger palpitations, difficulty in breathing and other heart problems.
Cayenne
This is one of the most powerful anti inflammatory herbs that are also helpful in improving blood circulation. Cayenne powder is also rich in vitamin B, B complex, and vitamin C. It also contains high amount of calcium and potassium which are essential nutrients that the heart needs. This herb is also said to aid in the treatment of arthritis, post herpetic neuropathy, psoriasis and cancer.
Cinnamon
We all love this herb for coffee and we use it to add enhance the aroma of cakes, muffins and other pastries. But other than its culinary benefits, cinnamon can also help you achieve a healthier body in many different ways. New studies suggest that cinnamon reduces the risk of inflammation. Eating too much of fatty foods can cause inflammation in the internal organs which later on can lead to the development of heart disease.
Parsley
Parsley is among the anti inflammatory herbs that are very rich in vitamins and minerals. It is fully packed with vitamins A, B, C and K. Traditionally, parsley has been used to treat kidney problems, painful menses, digestive disorders, etc. This popular spice is also known to prevent the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of cancer. Because of the nutrients it contains, this herb for inflammation is also used to boost the immune system. Studies found that parsley, when combined with asparagus can be a powerful cure against inflammatory disorders.
Basil
The last but not the least of our top anti inflammatory herbs is basil. People suffering from arthritis are advised by many doctors to eat fresh basil. This fragrant herb is commonly used in salads and as flavor in pasta dressings.
* These anti inflammatory herbs should be taken under the supervision of a health professional. If you’re currently taking medications, you should ask your doctor whether it is okay to take both the natural and synthetic medications at the same time. If you noticed any negative side effects such as itchiness, headache, nausea and other forms of discomfort, you should immediately stop taking it and look for another treatment.
Balance ph diet
ph Level ph Scale ph Balance
pH Scale, pH Level, pH BalanceWhat does 'body pH' mean?
The pH, which is an abbreviation for ‘power of hydrogen’, is a measuring unit of acidity and alkalinity of a solution. It is numerically equal to 7 for neutral solutions, increasing with increasing alkalinity (14 = maximum alkalinity) and decreasing with increasing acidity (0 = maximum acidity). The urine, blood, saliva, digestive juices and the fluids inside and outside the body’s cells each have an optimum pH level, whereby blood pH is the most telling of all.
At rest, the normal blood pH of a human being is slightly alkaline, with a pH around 7.4 on the pH scale. Anything above that value is considered alkaline; anything below is described as acidic. Both, in their extremes, are life-threatening for the human body; if the pH value drops below 6.8 or increases above 7.8, the cells of the body cannot function properly anymore and the human will die.
The pH, which is an abbreviation for ‘power of hydrogen’, is a measuring unit of acidity and alkalinity of a solution. It is numerically equal to 7 for neutral solutions, increasing with increasing alkalinity (14 = maximum alkalinity) and decreasing with increasing acidity (0 = maximum acidity). The urine, blood, saliva, digestive juices and the fluids inside and outside the body’s cells each have an optimum pH level, whereby blood pH is the most telling of all.
At rest, the normal blood pH of a human being is slightly alkaline, with a pH around 7.4 on the pH scale. Anything above that value is considered alkaline; anything below is described as acidic. Both, in their extremes, are life-threatening for the human body; if the pH value drops below 6.8 or increases above 7.8, the cells of the body cannot function properly anymore and the human will die.
How does pH imbalance affect our body?
The pH level, the acid-alkaline measurement of our bodies, affects every cell in our body. A constantly imbalanced pH level won’t be tolerated by our internal system as well as our entire metabolic process. Both depend on a healthy alkaline environment through pH balance. By consuming too many unhealthy, acid forming or acidic foods, the growth of harmful bacteria, fungus, yeast and other micro organism is promoted within our body, which may result in obesity (we create fat cells to carry acids away from our vital organs), allergies (the absorption of undigested proteins due to an overly acidic body is a major cause of allergy conditions), fatigue (an over-acidified body produces toxins and weakens the body’s ability to produces enzymes and hormones) and many other unhealthy conditions.
How to achieve pH balance?
A diet, which consists of a proper acid alkaline balance of foods, will help to transform your body's pH balance from dangerously acidic to healthy (slightly) alkaline. Above that, you should add plenty of alkaline water to your daily diet.
A proper alkaline diet suggests taking in at least 80% of alkaline foods, like green vegetables or grasses, and never more than 20% of neutral and acidic foods. Eating green foods, vegetables and alkaline foods will help our internal fluids to achieve a natural pH balance as the acidic environment inside the body will be eliminated. That means, by eating vegetables all day long, or taking sprouted greens dietary supplements, and avoiding acid forming and acidic foods, the body’s pH level will gradually be balanced. When pH balance is achieved, your body will start to restore its overall health.
TIP: Easily test your pH level at home, e.g. with the pH test stripes of InnerLight. These test stripes have a distinct color change for each half pH unit and work best for testing saliva and urine pH levels.
The pH level, the acid-alkaline measurement of our bodies, affects every cell in our body. A constantly imbalanced pH level won’t be tolerated by our internal system as well as our entire metabolic process. Both depend on a healthy alkaline environment through pH balance. By consuming too many unhealthy, acid forming or acidic foods, the growth of harmful bacteria, fungus, yeast and other micro organism is promoted within our body, which may result in obesity (we create fat cells to carry acids away from our vital organs), allergies (the absorption of undigested proteins due to an overly acidic body is a major cause of allergy conditions), fatigue (an over-acidified body produces toxins and weakens the body’s ability to produces enzymes and hormones) and many other unhealthy conditions.
How to achieve pH balance?
A diet, which consists of a proper acid alkaline balance of foods, will help to transform your body's pH balance from dangerously acidic to healthy (slightly) alkaline. Above that, you should add plenty of alkaline water to your daily diet.
A proper alkaline diet suggests taking in at least 80% of alkaline foods, like green vegetables or grasses, and never more than 20% of neutral and acidic foods. Eating green foods, vegetables and alkaline foods will help our internal fluids to achieve a natural pH balance as the acidic environment inside the body will be eliminated. That means, by eating vegetables all day long, or taking sprouted greens dietary supplements, and avoiding acid forming and acidic foods, the body’s pH level will gradually be balanced. When pH balance is achieved, your body will start to restore its overall health.
TIP: Easily test your pH level at home, e.g. with the pH test stripes of InnerLight. These test stripes have a distinct color change for each half pH unit and work best for testing saliva and urine pH levels.
Alkaline and Acidic Foods
Alkaline Forming-* agar, ALFALFA(sprouts), almonds, APPLES(apple cider), apricots, artichokes, BANANAS, beets, beet tops, blackberries, blueberries, BROCCOLI(did you eat yours?), Brussel sprouts, burdock, cabbage, cantaloupe, carob, CARROTS, cauliflower, CELERY, celeriac, chard, cherries, chives, COCONUT, CRANBERRIES, cucumbers, currants (fresh), dandelion greens, DATES, dill, dock, endive, figs (dried), flaxseed, GARLIC, GRAPES, Grapefruit, green beans (fresh), guava, huckleberries, Irish moss, KELP, kohlrabi, leeks, LEMONS, lettuce, LIMA BEANS (fresh), limes, loganberries, loquats, mango, MELONS, millet, mint, molasses, mulberries, muskmelons, mustard greens, nectarines, okra, Olives, olive oil, ONIONS, ORANGES, papaya, parsley, parsnips, passion fruit, Peaches, Pears, persimmons, PINEAPPLE, plums, Pumpkin, radishes, RAISINS, Raspberries, rhubarb, Romaine lettuce, rutabagas, sea grass, sorrel, Soybeans, Spinach, squash, Strawberries, Swiss chard, tangerine, turnips, Vegetable oils, water chestnuts, watercress, watermelon. [* Take "Microhydrin"(Silica Hydride) to make your Blood pH ...Alkaline.]
Eating "ACID-FORMING" Foods(or DRUGS) is like putting a BUFFER(filter) in your Brain, that WILL restrict YOUR "Connection" to the God head ("DIVINE ENERGY SOURCE").
Acid Forming (Avoid)asparagus, barley, beans (dried), beechnuts, BEEF, BREAD, buckwheat, BUTTER, cashew nuts, Cereals, CHEESE, chestnuts, Chicken, CHOCOLATE, cider vinegar, clams, cod liver oil, Cottage Cheese, Cornmeal, cottonseed meal, cow peas, crab, cream, EGGS, farina, FISH, FLOUR, frog legs, Halibut, HAM, hazelnuts, hickory nuts, hominy, HONEY, horseradish, Jello, kohlrabi, lamb, lentils, lobster, mackerel, Macaroni, maple syrup, Margarine, MEATS, mussels, Mushrooms, OATS, pasta peanuts, Peas, pecans, pistachios, pomegranate, PORK, prunes, quinces, Rice, rutabagas, Rye, sauerkraut, SALMON, scallops, smelt, smoked herring, sole, spaghetti, SUGAR, syrups, tapioca, turkey, walnuts, WHEAT, wheat germ & WINE.
Eating "ACID-FORMING" Foods(or DRUGS) is like putting a BUFFER(filter) in your Brain, that WILL restrict YOUR "Connection" to the God head ("DIVINE ENERGY SOURCE").
Acid Forming (Avoid)asparagus, barley, beans (dried), beechnuts, BEEF, BREAD, buckwheat, BUTTER, cashew nuts, Cereals, CHEESE, chestnuts, Chicken, CHOCOLATE, cider vinegar, clams, cod liver oil, Cottage Cheese, Cornmeal, cottonseed meal, cow peas, crab, cream, EGGS, farina, FISH, FLOUR, frog legs, Halibut, HAM, hazelnuts, hickory nuts, hominy, HONEY, horseradish, Jello, kohlrabi, lamb, lentils, lobster, mackerel, Macaroni, maple syrup, Margarine, MEATS, mussels, Mushrooms, OATS, pasta peanuts, Peas, pecans, pistachios, pomegranate, PORK, prunes, quinces, Rice, rutabagas, Rye, sauerkraut, SALMON, scallops, smelt, smoked herring, sole, spaghetti, SUGAR, syrups, tapioca, turkey, walnuts, WHEAT, wheat germ & WINE.