Herbal Treatments for Inflammation

Inflammation is a symptom of many diseases and conditions and can affect almost any part of the body. Joints, skin, muscles and organs can all become inflamed, causing pain and discomfort. Herbal remedies are an alternative for those who can't or don't want to take medication. Most herbal remedies are not FDA-approved, so you should always check with your doctor before using any herbal substance to treat inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

• Several herbs have anti-inflammatory properties, and most do not have the unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are typically used to treat inflammation. There are over a dozen herbs used to treat inflammation, but three of the most commonly used herbs are turmeric, ginger and boswellia.

  Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine have both used turmeric to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation for centuries. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) animal and laboratory tests have offered some evidence that turmeric may be an effective anti-inflammatory. The NCCAM is conducting further tests in humans to determine turmeric's health benefits. Turmeric has few side effects, though the NCCAM warns that high doses or long-term use can cause indigestion. People with gallbladder conditions should not take turmeric as it may worsen the condition.

  Ginger is an anti-inflammatory herb that has been used throughout the world for cooking and medicinal purposes. The anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties of ginger have not been extensively researched, but the NCCAM is studying these effects. There are very few side effects associated with ginger, even in long-term use. Powdered ginger may cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as bloating, nausea, heartburn and gas, in some individuals.

  Boswellia extract comes from the resin found in the bark of the boswellia tree. It has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine with favorable results. Like most herbs, there are very few side effects associated with boswellia, but some people may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea or rash.

Forms of Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

• Turmeric's underground stems are dried and crushed into a fine powder. Most health food and holistic health stores sell turmeric in a variety of forms, including teas, capsules and liquid extracts. Powdered turmeric mixed with warm water to create a paste can help relieve inflammation from skin conditions, such as eczema.

  Ginger is very easy to obtain. It is best to purchase ginger from holistic medicine retailers or health food stores to ensure a quality product. The underground stems of the ginger plant are dried and sold as a whole root, tablets, capsules, liquid extracts and teas.

  Boswellia extract can be found at most holistic health food stores. It is typically sold in tablet or capsule form, though some retailers may offer liquid and tea versions. Boswellia is commonly mixed with other herbs, such as ginger and holy basil, to boost its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties.