Many people are unaware that the cause of several diseases is inflammation. If one is struck with arthritis, it is because the joints have inflammation. If one has heart problems, such as angina or the complicated myocardial infarction, it is because the heart muscles reacted to inflammation. In the case of the different brain diseases, the tissues also reacted to inflammation that is why some debilitating diseases, such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, are developed.

Inflammation is a natural response of the body’s immune system to either irritation or infection. So if the body is infected with a virus, it reacts through inflammation. If the skin is injured by a sharp knife, it will respond through a cascade of reactions that results to inflammation. When the body detects itself as the enemy, inflammation will also result. Five things will happen to the body when there is inflammation, although these are not occurring in order. There is heat, redness, swelling, pain, and the inability of the body parts to move; these are called the cardinal signs of inflammation, where any of these signs indicate inflammation. When there is inflammation, what actually happens is that as soon as the body recognizes that there is irritation or infection, there is dilation of the small blood vessels of the area that is affected; these results to increase in blood flow, which results to heat and redness. The permeability of the tissues to plasma protein, such as the white blood cells that help fight the infection and the substances responsible for blood coagulation, will then increase, causing the swelling of the tissues. Pain happens because some of the inflammatory mediators cause the tissues to become sensitive.

Inflammation may be a natural reaction against enemies of the body, but it is not desirable. Chronic inflammation will sometimes result to more complicated diseases, such as cancer. We cannot prevent our body from reacting to situations that will protect us, but we can control them. By taking anti-inflammatory substances, we can reduce inflammation and therefore reduce the risk of developing more complex disease as the body ages. Below are some of the herbs that helps reduce the body’s reaction to inflammation.

1. Aloe Vera

   Several studies have been made on the health benefits of aloe vera. These studies are also point out to the fact that aloe vera is actually an effective anti-inflammatory agent. For several centuries, aloe vera is being used by medicine man to heal wounds and burns. Aloe vera has demonstrated for centuries that it can reduce pain and inflammation faster than the silver sulfadiazine. Studies indicate that it is the aloe latex containing the chemical compound, anthraquinones, which gives aloe vera its anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Licorice

   In a study conducted at India’s Natural Remedies Pvt. Ltd., they have confirmed the long held idea that licorice delivers anti-inflammatory effects on the body. A substance in licorice has the capacity to stop the activation of two of the main enzymes that initiate inflammation - cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase. Licorice also brings up the human body’s automatic anti-inflammatory response. That is the reason why several drugs to prevent the effects of arthritis are added with licorice, particularly black licorice.

3. Turmeric

   Turmeric is a popular mainstay when making curries. Indian saffron is another name for turmeric, and it gives the deep yellow color for many of the foods. This particular herb is rich in nutrients. Just two teaspoons of turmeric can already provide 17 percent of the required daily value for manganese, 10 percent for iron and 4 percent for vitamin B6. But turmeric is not just a choice in Indian and Chinese dishes because of the yellow color it’s giving off; turmeric has long been known as a potent anti-inflammatory herb. The yellow color in turmeric gives out curcumin. Curcumin, according to several studies, is actually comparable to hydrocortisone or phenylbutazone, chemical substance with anti-inflammatory effects.  That is the reason why turmeric is being used on individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases, arthritis and cancer, due to its antioxidant properties.

4. Ginger

   Popular in several Asian culinary fares, ginger is added to stir fries and other dishes with fruits or vegetables because it gives off aromatic and spicy flavor. But ginger is becoming more popular these days because of gingerols. Gingerols is unique to this underground rhizome since it provides anti-inflammatory effects, especially for those suffering from rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. In the clinical studies conducted, individuals who have increased ginger in their diet have reduced their pain levels as well as the movement of the affected joints. According to Life Sciences November 2003 issue, it is 6-gingerol which protects the body from the actions of the free radicals. 6-gingerol has been found to thwart the production of nitric oxide in the affected tissues. Nitric oxide is a precursor of peroxynitrite, which is a very damaging type of free radical. Additionally, according to the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, ginger has the properties to block out the formation of cytokines and chemokines, compounds that initiate inflammation in the body. By adding ginger in the dishes, inflammation is prevented.

5. Ginseng

   Ginseng is popular in Chinese medicine, and modern researches have discovered that this is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of ginseng. In a study made at the University of Hong Kong by a research team led by Allan Lau, ginseng contains ginsenosides, substances that can suppress the activities of the immune system. By this activity, inflammatory responses are inhibited. Although this finding brings hope for those suffering from various types of inflammatory diseases, using ginseng must always be consulted with the physician.

6. Oregano

   Foods rich in oregano can be found in Mexican and Mediterranean cuisines. While it is known to provide balsamic and aromatic flavor, oregano is also popular for providing the required nutrients in the body. Just two teaspoon of oregano can already provide almost 30 percent of the required daily allowance for vitamin K. However, in the study of Kyoji Yoshino’s team at the Numazu College of Technology, they found out that oregano also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect through its phytonutrients, the rosmarinic acid and thymol. While its anti-inflammatory effects is weaker compared to hydrocortisone, the activities of the antioxidant properties of oregano can actually prevent disease caused by inflammation, which basically makes oregano an effective anti-inflammatory herb.

7. Cayenne Pepper

   Whatever form chili peppers are, may it be cayenne pepper or bell pepper, they have been known to fight inflammation in the body. Just two teaspoons of powdered cayenne pepper can already deliver at least 30 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin A. In fewer calories, it also provides vitamins E, C, K and B6. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which, according to researches, inhibits substance P. Neuropeptide, substance P, is linked with the process of inflammation. In animal studies, injection of capsaicin has been shown to delay arthritis. Adding cayenne pepper in the foods will not only give that hot and spicy zing in the food, it also helps fight inflammation.

Sources
theconsciouslife.com
herbalremediesworld.com
billandsheilascookbook.com
arthritis.about.com
jhs.pharm.or.jp
umm.edu
whfoods.org