Anti-Inflammatory Plants
To fight inflammation in the body, the immune system works intensively. Sufficient sleep and nutrient sources are necessary for the immune system to function efficiently.
Anti-inflammatory plants can be used in the fight against inflammation. These can prevent inflammation and speed up the healing process.
Nettle for pain: Most people know that nettle has a high iron content. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
It can be easily gathered and processed. It grows especially in places where the soil is moist and poor in nutrients.
- Nettle has blood-purifying effects and supports excretory function and prostate gland function.
- People with rheumatism or arthritis benefit from nettle. The plant's extract reduces pain in the joints.
- Nettle can be added fresh to salads or smoothies, or it can be consumed as a tea.
- To make tea, add a teaspoon of dried herb or two teaspoons of fresh nettle leaves to a cup of hot water. Let it steep for about ten minutes.
Arnica: Arnica grows in the mountains and is a fairly rare medicinal plant. It is generally used as a tincture and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Arnica is a protected species. For this reason, this medicinal plant should never be picked in the wild. Ready-made tinctures and creams are already available at pharmacies. It can be used for injuries such as bruises and sprains.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is valued as a spice. It is also known to have anti-inflammatory effects. To benefit from cinnamon, you can add a cinnamon stick to your morning tea. It is also ideal for flavoring meals. It is effective for bronchitis and the flu. This spice contains essential oils. For this reason, it has mucolytic and analgesic effects. In addition, the cinnamaldehyde and eugenol it contains stimulate circulation and have antiseptic properties.
Comfrey: Comfrey can be used to support wound healing. This medicinal plant has anti-inflammatory effects, especially when applied externally.
However, it has been proven that comfrey, when consumed in large amounts, can damage the liver and may trigger cancer. Only external use is harmless.
Sage: True sage (Salvia officinalis) is native to the Mediterranean region and can be used in many ways in the kitchen. "Salvia" comes from the Latin word salvare, meaning "to heal." It is effective at easing sore throats, because it is antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory.
- Sage has both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. It kills bacteria and viruses and has a calming effect.
- It helps the body eliminate toxins.
- It is beneficial for digestive problems and pain.
- It contains many substances, such as quercetin and rutin, which have strong antioxidant effects.
Sage can be used as a tea, extract, or tincture. It is easy to grow and care for in a garden, on a balcony, or on a windowsill.
Sage tincture recipe: You can make your own tincture from fresh or dried leaves by cutting the leaves into small pieces, placing them in a jar, and pouring pharmacy-grade alcohol over them. Let the tincture sit for a few weeks, shaking the jar once a day. After a 2-week infusion, the liquid can be filtered and poured into a bottle that is protected from light. Apply a teaspoon of the tincture, either pure or diluted with water, three times a day.
Chamomile: One of the herbs best known for being effective against inflammation
This medicinal plant is usually used as a tea. It has calming and anti-inflammatory effects.
There are many plants that can relieve pain caused by inflammation. Chamomile is the best known of these.
That said, as with all natural remedies, the same rule applies here: if symptoms don't improve, you should absolutely see your doctor.
- Chamomile is one of the most effective medicinal herbs. This plant has positive effects on the digestive and nervous systems.
- It relaxes the nerves and is good for insomnia.
- It is an excellent solution for dark circles under the eyes. For this purpose, it is simply placed on the eyes.
Ginger: Ginger has an anti-inflammatory effect. It has been used as a home remedy in Asia for a very long time.
Ginger root contains plenty of vitamin C, iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium. It also contains essential oils and pungent substances (gingerols) that improve blood circulation in particular, which can help inflammatory messengers appear more quickly.
Ginger is valued by many people for its antiviral effect and is used as a natural remedy for various ailments. In China, ginger root has been used for medicinal purposes for 2,000 years, and there is a great deal of research on its use.
Ginger also improves digestion and stimulates metabolism.
Ginger root is easy to obtain, inexpensive, and can be eaten plain, added to juice, or brewed as a tea.
Ginger shot recipe: This can be made easily by peeling and chopping a fresh ginger root, then blending it with lemon juice and honey. You can strain the juice, or drink it with the remaining ginger root fibers. The mixture can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days.
Yarrow: Yarrow can help with gastrointestinal problems. This medicinal plant is mainly used as a tea.
A member of the chamomile family, this plant has antibacterial and hemostatic properties.
It is effective in relieving pain.
It is effective for inflammation of the digestive organs, bloating, and cramps.
It is also suitable for sitz baths in cases of hemorrhoids. This is the method in which its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect is most pronounced.
Fresh tea leaves should be used to prevent possible side effects.
Turmeric: Turmeric has a distinctive taste. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Its advantage is that it can easily be incorporated into a daily diet. This spice can be added to soup, vegetables, or scrambled eggs at any meal, and it is entirely healthy.
Thyme: Thyme is used both in the kitchen and for medicinal purposes. This is because thyme not only fights inflammation but also strengthens the immune system and supports digestion. It also improves mood and helps with respiratory problems.
Thyme is generally considered an expectorant herb used in the colder months.
- Thyme fights inflammation, is antimicrobial, and stimulates memory.
- It soothes the digestive system.
- It is protective against cancer and heart disease.
You can find more information on this and related topics in my book “Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Guide.”
Hüseyin Nazlıkul