People are becoming more aware of the dangers of inflammation. There are two types of inflammation—acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is a natural part of healing. The immune system, lifestyle choices, or long-term acute inflammation causes chronic inflammation that can lead to conditions such as heart disease, cognitive decline, diabetes, and cancer. One way to fight chronic inflammation is to make lifestyle changes, including dietary changes. Removing inflammation-causing food and including anti-inflammatory foods helps. Using herbs can also boost the anti-inflammatory power of food.
Consider growing turmeric or ginger.
Turmeric and ginger are in the same family and have weather needs. They both need a warm winter where the air temperature is 70 degrees and above. If you live in an area that doesn’t qualify, you can grow them in a pot and bring them in when the weather cools. You use the roots of both plants for their anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help fight arthritis, diminish depression, prevent blood clots, and slow Alzheimer’s. Ginger aids in regulating blood sugar, relieves stomach issues, lowers cholesterol, and is antibacterial and antifungal. You can start turmeric or ginger plants by using fresh roots you purchase at the grocery. When you use turmeric, you’ll boost the anti-inflammatory powers when you combine it with black pepper.
You get coriander and cilantro from the same plant.
Cilantro has antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits. When you use the plant’s leaves, the herb is cilantro. The seeds are called coriander. The leaves have the most anti-inflammatory benefits. One study showed that essential oils from dried cilantro leaf had similar anti-inflammatory benefits as ibuprofen. Cilantro helps lower blood glucose levels, aids memory, and helps with anxiety,
Get pain relief from capsaicin.
Chili pepper’s seeds and white interior membranes contain capsaicin, the inflammation-fighting part of the plant. You can grow them in the garden like any other pepper or in a pot on your windowsill. You can grind the seeds and membranes in a blender with aspirin and coconut oil to create a pain cream for achy joints similar to OTC products. Use chili peppers in your food for internal inflammation and to improve heart health.
- There are several types of basil, but the one most known for its medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties is holy basil. It’s easy to grow from seed but most people purchase seedlings. Holy basil reduces inflammation and helps metabolic conditions.
- Sage, spearmint, and rosemary are herbs that all help prevent inflammation. You’ll get relief from oxidation and receive many other benefits from using these herbs in cooking and teas. They’re easy to grow. Spearmint is invasive, so grow it in a pot.
- Lemongrass is a showy herb in the garden. It’s more than just a great addition to food or tea as an anti-inflammatory, it’s also a natural insect repellent. Break off a leaf and rub it on your skin to reap the benefits.
- Oregano has been widely revered for its taste and medicinal uses. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
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