Pain and inflammation can negatively impact your quality of life. If you are suffering from illnesses like arthritis or fibromyalgia, pain becomes the order of the day. However, this doesn’t have to be the case; you can find ways to manage these unfortunate conditions — and you can do so naturally with ingredients found right in your kitchen.
While over-the-counter painkillers may appear to be an easy option, they carry serious side effects. For instance, their prolonged use can cause gastrointestinal issues and kidney problems. Therefore, it is safer to use home remedies, which provide an effective, safer long-term strategy for managing inflammation and pain.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the body’s natural immune response to infection caused by bacteria and viruses called pathogens (aka “germs”). When pathogens enter the body, white blood cells release chemicals to the infected site to combat the disease.
These compounds are often referred to as inflammatory mediators – the most common of which include histamine and cyclooxygenase, which prompt the capillaries to widen, allowing more blood to flow to the affected area.
As a result, the infected site becomes red and warmer than usual. Pain and tenderness may also accompany this condition. There are many ways through which inflammation can occur:
- Diseases: Some of the common ones include cystitis on the bladder, bronchitis, otitis of the ear and dermatitis of the skin. The common signs of inflammation include redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of muscle or joint function. You should note that inflammation or pain doesn’t begin when a pathogen infects a wound. Rather, it sets in when the body starts to fight the harmful stimulus or infection.
- External injuries: When your body is scraped or punctured, your immune system initiates an inflammatory response to the affected area.
- Exposure to chemicals and radiation: Cancer patients, for instance, may experience this condition after radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
What are the Potential Problems if Inflammation is not Healed?
Despite the fact that inflammation is a natural immune response, it can also pose a potential threat to the body. In some cases, your body may initiate an inflammatory response even when there are no pathogens to fend off. When the immune system produces chemicals to fight infections, it ends up damaging its own cells.
This occurs when you contract autoimmune diseases like arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), for instance, is a condition that causes your joint bones to rub against each other due to a deterioration of joint cartilage.
As a result, the joint becomes inflamed and painful. Some of these conditions may become permanent if they remain undetected and, therefore, untreated, and this is referred to as a chronic inflammatory disease. If you experience inflammation for a prolonged period of time, you should seek medical help immediately.
Even as you continue with treatment, it is important to find a treatment that not only reduces the inflammation but also suppresses the pain. We recommend natural remedies for inflammation because they are effective, readily available, low-cost and carry no side effects.
Ginger
Ginger is a common ingredient whose benefits go beyond simply cooking. For a long time, people have used ginger as a natural anti-inflammatory herb. It is an immune modulator, which controls how the body triggers its immune responses. Therefore, it ensures that your immune system doesn’t release chemicals like cytokines and chemokines, which might destroy good cells.
Ginger treats inflammatory conditions that affect the stomach in particular like inflammatory bowel disease. Ginger can help to ease the inflammation in your intestines, facilitate digestion and relieve nausea. It is also rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, which is helpful in managing cancer-induced inflammation.
Try this: Add three tablespoons of ginger powder to a cup of hot water. Mix the two thoroughly, and sip away to relieve your pain. Note that ginger thins the blood and should not be used with other blood-thinning medications.
Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables
Avocado soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), is a dietary supplement made from avocado and soybean oils. It works by slowing the progression of osteoarthritis (OA), which is the deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the joints.
ASU inhibits the pro-inflammatory chemicals that are usually released to joint cartilage and the breakdown of the cartilage. The supplement prevents the severing of synovial cells (cells that align the joints) and can also induce the regeneration of connective tissue of the joints.
Try this: Take 300 mg of ASU daily to get quick relief from OA inflammation.
Celery
Celery has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We recommend celery seed for fighting inflammation caused by inflammatory diseases, because it boosts your immune system, enabling it to fight severe infections with ease. Celery seed also helps to regulate blood pressure and gets rid of excess cholesterol in the blood.
The presence of toxins in the body increases the chance of experiencing inflammation. Usually, sodium and potassium, which are both electrolytes, regulate toxins. Sodium avails fluids and nutrients to the body while potassium flushes out unwanted toxins. When there is a deficiency of the two, you risk getting an inflammation. Celery is rich in potassium and, therefore, can help to balance your electrolyte levels.
Rosemary
Rosemary is widely used as an essential flavor in Mediterranean dishes to bring out a minty taste. However, rosemary’s benefits go beyond its flavor; it’s used to fight inflammation and cancer and to relieve muscle and joint pain. Rosemary also promotes hair growth and improves cognitive function.
Try this: Sprinkle some rosemary powder in your roasted chicken, lamb, pork or tenderloin to benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties.
Boswellia Serrata
The Boswellia plant species is quite popular in religious and medicinal fields. The plant is native to India, where it has been used as an Ayurvedic remedy for inflammatory diseases. Boswellia serrata comes from gum-resin of the Indian Boswellia tree. The resin is extracted by cutting the back of the tree and tapping the liquid that oozes out.
The resin is then dried to separate essential oil from its extract. The extract of Boswellia serrata contains acid, which inhibits the production of enzymes that cause inflammation. They are, therefore, used to cure chronic inflammatory diseases. These anti-inflammatory supplements are very potent and will give you rapid relief from arthritis pain.
Try this: Take Boswellia serrata supplements. They’re readily available in most Ayurvedic remedy stores near you.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural ingredient that has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It has anti-inflammatory properties and, therefore, is used as a natural remedy for RA. It works just like ibuprofen, a processed medicine used to treat inflammation.
Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin, a potent antioxidant that lowers the level of inflammation-causing enzymes.
Try this: If you have inflammation or arthritic pain, make a spicy turmeric tea and drink it to take the edge off. You can also sprinkle turmeric powder in your regular recipes to make the most of its sweet taste and anti-inflammatory properties.
Beets
You have probably been advised to drink fresh beet juice before. Beets are healthy vegetables with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Betalain, which gives them their vibrant color, is the key antioxidant component of the plant. It facilitates the repair of the joints’ cells and tissue damaged by arthritis.
Betalain contains compounds that inhibit the action of cyclooxygenase, which is inflammation-triggering enzymes. It also contains potassium and magnesium elements, which play a vital role in fighting inflammation. For your body to function optimally, there needs to be a balance between calcium and magnesium.
A magnesium deficiency will result in an increased amount of calcium in the body, which leads to conditions like calcified kidney stones, a primary source of inflammation.
Cetyl Myristoleate
Cetyl myristoleate (CMO) is a medium-chain fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and is particularly effective for managing arthritic pain. CMO helps to increase joint flexibility by increasing the synovial fluid found between the joint bones.
Try this: If you have degenerative OA, use CMO anti-inflammatory supplements for rapid relief. You can get it in stores in the form of capsules, tablets, lotions, and cream. You can also obtain it naturally from foods like coconuts and nuts.
Cloves
Cloves are essential spices in Asian recipes. For a long time, people have tapped into their medicinal properties. Cloves help with fighting chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes and reduce inflammation. They contain an active ingredient called eugenol, which blocks the activity of cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX). COX is triggered by the immune system to cause inflammation.
Try this: Include cloves in your daily diet to help with fighting arthritic pain and inflammation. You can also prepare clove tea by steeping fresh cloves in water. After that, sip the tea regularly for quick relief.
Burdock Root
Burdock roots are tubers used as vegetables and anti-inflammatory herbs. The roots, young shoots, peeled stalks and dried seeds of the burdock plant are rich in antioxidant and disease-preventing properties. They also have high amounts of the electrolyte potassium, which plays a significant role in purifying the blood. Potassium also helps to control heart rate and blood pressure.
Try this: To avoid the damage to the liver that arthritis medications like acetaminophen may cause when taken over time, take burdock root supplements. They will also help in the regeneration of damaged liver and kidney cells.
Basil
Not only is basil useful in Italian dishes, but it’s also a potent anti-inflammatory herb. Just like cloves, basil contains eugenol. Basil has been used for several decades to relieve pain that accompanies inflammatory diseases. It also delivers reliable protection against the growth of bacteria, which helps the immune system to fight infections that can cause inflammation. Regular consumption of basil will also guarantee you overall good health.
Try this: To make the most out of this natural remedy, add fresh basil leaves to your soups, salads, sandwiches, and pasta.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish oil is the primary source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in cod, trout, salmon and herring and more. Cod liver oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, can be used in arthritis patients to manage inflammation of joints and relieve pain. Omega-3 also replenishes the synovial tissues and cartilage that have been damaged by OA and RA. It alleviates joint stiffness, regenerates joint tissue and fights autoimmune illnesses like RA and lupus.
Try this: Take fish oil capsules with at least 30 percent EPA or DHA three times a day for rapid relief from arthritis.
Oregano
Like basil, oregano is not only useful in Italian dishes, but it also has medicinal aspects that can reduce pain and inflammation. Oregano has a compound known as beta-caryophyllin (E-BCP), which plays a significant role in preventing inflammation. Oregano also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. The herb boosts your immune system, enabling it to fight infectious pathogens. Cancer patients can also benefit from its antioxidant properties.
Try this: If you are suffering from osteoporosis or arteriosclerosis, oregano might be your best natural remedy for pain and inflammation.
Blueberries
Blueberries are tasty, low in calories and extremely nutritious. They are often referred to as superfoods because they provide a lot of vitamins and natural antioxidants. The primary antioxidants in blueberries include the following:- Anthocyanins give blueberries their dark color and help to reduce inflammation and heart disease.
- Quercetin is a strong anti-inflammatory that can be used to fight cancer. It lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Myricetin helps to prevent cancer and diabetes.
Citrus Bioflavonoids
Citrus bioflavonoid, aka vitamin P, is popular for its antioxidant properties. Citrus bioflavonoids facilitate the absorption of vitamin C into the bloodstream and inhibit oxidative stress. The phytonutrients in citrus bioflavonoids have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and facilitate blood flow. This ensures that inflamed tissues are well oxygenated and a healthy blood pressure is maintained.
Try this: Take citrus bioflavonoids supplements to get relief from an abnormal capillary function, which often leads to inflammation and pain. Rutin and quercetin in citrus supplements are extremely useful in fighting inflammation and varicose veins.
Garlic
The use of garlic as a medicinal spice is not something new. This herb is at the heart of most natural home remedies. It has been used to fight cancer, reduce blood pressure, boost immunity and fight inflammation, including skin conditions like psoriasis. Sulfur compounds provide garlic's anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit the functioning of enzymes that cause inflammation.
Try this: If you are suffering from these conditions, you can use garlic to relieve inflammation and pain. For topical use, rub garlic on the affected area for quick relief, or include it in your soups and salads.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is famous not only for its spicy applications but also for its health benefits, like fighting inflammation caused by arthritis, psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases, and cancer; boosting the immune system, and inducing weight loss. It has natural phytonutrients known as capsaicinoids, which give the spice its anti-inflammatory properties.
Try this: For topical use, rub cayenne cream on the affected area for quick relief, or you can sprinkle the spice on your food or in your smoothie.
Devil’s Claw
Devil’s claw, which gets its name from its weird claw-shape, is a fruit that is native to the Kalahari Desert, where it was used by the South African tribes to treat arthritis pain and inflammation. It is extremely potent and works just like medicinal painkillers. Devil’s claw has a compound called iridoid glycosides, which is the source of its pain-relieving aspects. This natural pain-relief herb has been found to have similar effects to cortisone and diacerein — two common prescriptions for OA patients.
Try this: Take devil’s claw supplements, or use the fresh herb to make tea.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a tropical fruit that has a powerful enzyme called bromelain. Most nutrients are broken down in the digestive tract before assimilation. Bromelain, however, is absorbed whole to provide a broad range of health benefits. It delivers anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects to the bloodstream.
It also modulates the immune response to avoid unnecessary inflammation. Bromelain prevents the blood platelets from adhering to each other or mounding to form clots within the vessels, which reduces the risk of heart disease or stroke. Pineapples are also rich in vitamins C & B1, potassium, and manganese — healthy antioxidants that help your body fight disease.
White Willow Bark
As the name suggests, white willow bark is extracted from the bark of willow trees. The extracts have been used for a long time to cure fever and inflammation. Willow contains an active ingredient called salicin, which works just like the popular pain reliever, aspirin. White willow bark is quite efficient in curing lower back pain.
Try this: The bark extracts of the willow tree are dried, ground and sold as a powder for brewing tea. You can also steep the fresh extracts in water and take it as herbal tea. If you prefer pain-relief supplements, white willow bark is also available in capsules.
Bone Broth
Most of the minerals that are sold expensively as anti-inflammatory supplements can be derived from bone broth for free. Bone broth contains calcium, sulfur, silicon, magnesium, and phosphorus. These essential elements form compounds like chondroitin sulfates and glucosamine, which help to reduce inflammation and fight arthritis.
Inflammation in the stomach can be rather discomforting. It is caused by infections or illnesses like leaky gut. Bone broth has been used for a long time to reverse the symptoms of an inflamed gut. It contains collagen fibers and amino acids like proline and glycine, which heal the severed cell walls of the sore stomach.
Conclusion
Natural remedies offer various effective short-term and long-term treatments for inflammation. They’re also readily available, low-cost and carry no side effects. Consult your physician before taking supplements or modifying your diet.
Have you used any of these natural remedies for inflammation?
If so, we want to hear from you! Please share your thoughts below.
