Find Out Which Are The Best Natural Anti-inflammatories

Since some medications can have side effects, we can take advantage of the benefits of certain foods that can work as natural anti-inflammatories. In this way, we can contribute to the recovery of different ailments.

Inflammation can appear as a result of various ailments or diseases, so it is very common to resort to anti-inflammatories that can help to deal with the discomfort. However, more and more people are looking for options other than traditional medications to treat problems like this.

For this reason, we want to share the best natural alternatives to promote the recovery process and make you feel better in the shortest possible time. Read on, take note, and feel free to try them next time.

The best natural anti-inflammatories

Bumps, allergies, or health conditions like arthritis can cause inflammation. This is a reaction of the body that occurs when something is not working correctly. The good news is that there are natural anti-inflammatories that can help with an episode that includes swelling. Know what they are.

1. Turmeric

This spice of Indian origin is one of the best natural anti-inflammatories. This is indicated by a review published in Foods Magazine on the health effects of one of the main components of turmeric: curcumin, the substance responsible for its characteristic orange color.

Feel free to sprinkle a little turmeric on your meals for chronic illnesses such as arthritis. Also, you can make the popular “golden milk” with some vegetable milk. Or, if you prefer, it is possible to take it as a supplement.

2. Pineapple

Pineapple is a fruit with anti-inflammatory properties. This, according to a publication by Biotechnology Research International , is due to an enzyme called bromelain. Therefore, it is worth eating a few slices of the fruit each week, in juices, salads or smoothies. You can also find bromelain in supplement form.

3. Rosemary

Rosemary is a rich aromatic herb that adds flavor to foods. As an article from Flushing Hospital Medical Center puts it , its anti-inflammatory compounds may help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. So that you can enjoy its properties, it is best to consume it in the form of an infusion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of water (500 ml).
• 2 tablespoons of rosemary (can be dry) (20 g).

Preparation

• To start, heat the water and when it boils add the rosemary.
• Let it infuse for about 10 minutes, remove from heat and let it rest for another 10 minutes.
• Filter and, if you wish, sweeten with honey or stevia.
• Drink twice a day.

4. Willow

The leaves of this plant contain salicin, an anti-inflammatory very similar to aspirin that is used for joint and rheumatic pain. In relation to this, an investigation by the Central European Journal of Medicine indicates that, apparently, extracts from its bark have an effectiveness comparable to those of higher doses of aspirin.

To get all the benefits that willow has to offer, you can drink it or put it on the affected areas as a compress.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of dried willow leaves (10 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• To start, heat the water with the willow leaves and allow the decoction to take place for 15 minutes.

• Remove from the heat and wait 10 more minutes.
• Filter and consume or apply externally, as you prefer.

5. Black currant

The leaves of this plant are very useful to combat rheumatism. It is advisable to consume currant or black currant juice every morning. You can also prepare a tea with the leaves. Its anti-inflammatory action is said to be due to the flavonoids it contains. These stimulate the natural secretion of substances responsible for reducing swelling.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of black currant leaves (30 g)
• 1 liter of water

Preparation

• First, heat the water for about 15 minutes. When it comes to a boil, add the currant leaves.
• Then heat 10 more minutes and remove from heat.

• Cover to cool for 5 minutes and filter.
• Drink before it gets cold.

6. Cardamom

This is another spice with anti-inflammatory capabilities that you can add to our meals and desserts. Feel free to try it in coffee too (Arabic style). Cardamom is perfect to add to some recipes, from stews to cakes. Also, it is possible to find it in the form of essential oil or supplements.

7. Horsetail

Horsetail is a very popular herb as it is credited with certain properties to help reduce fluid accumulation and lose weight. Also, it is said to have healing and anti-inflammatory effects. However, you should consume it with caution, since its consumption in excess can cause side effects.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• 1 tablespoon of dried horsetail (10 g)

Preparation

• To start, heat the water in a saucepan and, when it boils, add the horsetail.
• Cook for 10 minutes and then leave for 10 more minutes to rest.

• Finally, filter and, before drinking, sweeten with honey.
• You can drink it 1 or 2 times a week.

8. Ginger

From families “close” to turmeric and cardamom, this root has been popular in traditional Chinese medicine since time immemorial. It is said to reduce joint pain and have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

A clinical trial published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage comments that ginger was found to be more potent than ibuprofen in relieving chronic muscle pain. Therefore, do not hesitate to take advantage of its benefits with a rich and spicy tea. Also, you can consume it in powder or raw to enhance the flavor and juiciness of all kinds of recipes.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger (5 g).

• 1 pinch of black pepper
• 1 cup of water or tea (250 ml).
• 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g).

Preparation

• Prepare the tea as usual or, failing that, heat the water.
• Then add the grated ginger and pepper.
• Let it rest for a few minutes and then sweeten with honey.
• Drink when it is still hot.

10. Laurel

The bay leaves that you use so much in your culinary preparations can help you reduce the pain caused by rheumatism. In addition, it is a remedy that we all have on hand. This plant is used in popular culture as one of the best natural anti-inflammatories to treat sprained ankles, sciatica pain and reduce all types of inflammation. 

In addition, since ancient times it has been used as a medicine to relieve bladder diseases and insect bites. Its benefits can be used both externally (poultices or sitz baths) and internally (infusion).

Ingredients

• 1 liter of water.
• 1 tablespoon of bay leaves (10 g).

Preparation

• To start, put the water on the fire and, when it boils, add the bay leaf.
• Let infuse for 10 minutes, remove and let cool for 15 minutes.
• Filter, sweeten and drink up to 2 cups per day.

As you can see, there are several alternatives that can help cope with inflammation and speed up the recovery process. Now that you know the best natural anti-inflammatories, do not hesitate to incorporate them into your regular diet and see their effects for yourself.