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13 February 2017

The 7 Anti-inflammatory Herbs You Should Be Taking

Many chronic diseases can be attributed to inflammation at the cellular level in one or more systems in the body. As such, reduction of inflammation is often viewed as key to the optimal functioning of the body as well as other benefits like mental clarity, energy boost, enhanced immunity and more.

There are several strategies that can be utilized to reduce inflammation. One of these is through diet. Grass-fed meats, cruciferous vegetables, egg yolks, and omega-3 rich fish are some of the foods that are known to reduce inflammation.

Apart from these, there are anti-inflammatory herbs that you may want to add to your diet. The beauty of these herbs is that you only need a small amount of these due to their potency. As an added benefit, you can make your meals more delicious.

Turmeric 

Turmeric has been used extensively in both Indian and Chinese medicine for a diverse variety of ailments ranging from arthritis to liver disease.

Scientific studies reveal that this herb has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal and anticancer properties.

Some experts are touting that turmeric has properties that can help ward off or even cure chronic diseases.

Cayenne pepper

The compound known as capsaicin gives peppers, including cayenne pepper, their spicy taste and medicinal properties. Generally speaking, the spicier the pepper is, the higher its level of capsaicin is. 

Cayenne pepper is used extensively in creams and ointments for pain relief. The spice has figured prominently in Indian, Chinese and Native American medicine.

Cayenne pepper, in particular, contains flavonoids and carotenoids which help protect against cellular damage, which in turn can lead to inflammation and diseases. It can also aid in weight loss.

Ginger

Ginger is another spice that has been used to treat a diverse number of conditions.

The spice contains ginerols, shogaols, and paradols which can reduce inflammation. These compounds have been used in the production of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The compound 6-ginerol, in particular, can inhibit the production of the free radical known as peroxynitrite which can cause both pain and inflammation.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is known to lower blood sugar in diabetics. But apart from that, the spice also has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which aid in minimizing cellular damage as well as lowering the risks for some chronic diseases.

The spice can also inhibit proteins that are associated with immune, growth and cell death problems. Furthermore, it helps prevent blood platelets from clumping. It can also help in stopping abnormal cell growth.

Clove

Clove contains a compound that is similar yet more potent to a compound contained in cinnamon that also helps protects against inflammation. 

The compound known as eugenol can block the enzyme which causes inflammation. The spice is also rich in antioxidants.

Sage

Sage contains carnosic acid and carnosol which are associated with several health benefits including anti-inflammatory properties. 

In some studies, it was revealed that sage can help in protecting against neurological conditions like Alzheimer's. It can also help lessen anxiety while improving both memory and concentration. It also has anti-oxidant, anticancer, antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Rosemary

Rosemary contains rosmarinic acid which gives the herb anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Like sage, rosemary can help remove the free radical known as superoxide which can cause chronic inflammation. 

The herb is also rich in flavonoids, including apigenin, which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the pancreas, and diosmin, which helps prevent hemorrhoids.

Author Bio: Chelsea Sawyer is a certified health coach. She has been helping many people in changing their behaviors to keep them focused on achieving their health and fitness goals. With great passion for writing, her hobbies include writing and sharing helpful techniques on various health topics. She visits sites like BulletProof

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