A Holistic Glance at Hampering Inflammation

Image via WikipediaYesterday's show was surely an eye opener for many of the listeners at Journey Into Wellness.  If you missed the show, you can play it right here on the blue player, look for the Bob Casper episode.

As I said on the show, I'm here writing about holistic ways to hamper inflammation, whether it be chronic or low grade.

As an herbalist, I tend to go straight for herbs and plants.  So let's explore herbs first.

Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

Turmeric:  Turmeric is a popular Ayurvedic medicinal herb used in treating inflammation, especially rheumatoid arthritis.  You can use turmeric as a spice in food, make herbal infusions, or even take turmeric capsules.  Mountain Rose Herbs is a great, affordable resource to purchase quality turmeric.

Ginger:  Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory used in both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for all inflammation complaints.  Again, using it in foods is my favorite way to incorporate it, yet on occasion I've grated fresh ginger I bought from the supermarket (about a tablespoon) and made it into a ginger tea infusion with cinnamon and honey.  Just add boiling water and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before indulging.

Chamomile:  Many herbalists snuff at chamomile because it is known to be a gentle herb that is safe for children.  What should be corrected about this herb is that it is gently Powerful, yet safe enough for kids.  Chamomile is very cooling and helps move toxins out of the body.  Chamomile is great for the adrenal system and can help repair the system from chronic inflammation.

Aloe Vera:  Aloe can be used topically and also internally!  I've used the aloe drink on a few different occasions.  It works quite rapidly and be aware that one can become dependent on it for proper bowel movements, so use it mindfully.

Other anti-inflammatory herbs are:
Guggul
Boswelia
Neem
Basil and Holy Basil
Licorice
Saw Palmetto
Feverfew
Slippery Elm Bark
Cayenne
Cinnamon
Rosemary
Garlic
Parsley
Devil's Claw
Dandelion

Take a moment and visit Mountain Rose Herbs.  They have incredible teas, herbs, herbal capsules all at great, affordable prices.  Their quality is the best!

One of the biggest causes of inflammation is the diet.  What we eat and even How we eat it can be a huge source of inflammation.  Eating under stressful conditions only causes inflammation.  Sugar, pre-packaged foods, and animal proteins are a huge chunk of all inflammatory food sources.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Peppers, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chard, Collards, Fennel, Beans, Kale, Leeks, Olives, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Cherries, Avocado, Blueberries, Fresh Pineapple, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Oranges, Raspberries, Strawberries, Almonds, Flax, Walnuts, Coconut Oil and many, Many more.  See the book I have listed below for a full view on what foods are acidic (cause inflammation) and which are alkaline.

One of my favorite things to do is add lemon and lime to my water.  It adds nutrients and gives an alkaline boost to the necessary water we must drink to curb inflammation of any kind.

Proper Nutrition

While we may think we eat a balanced diet full of all the anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins we need.... it is becoming more and more clear that we cannot sustain a healthy balance on diet alone.  I've talked about Himalayan Pink Salt adding a full spectrum of minerals, and now I want to talk nutrients.

I wrote a post awhile back about Supplements and which kind a person may want to take.  Since that post, I've found an even BETTER, more complete source with all vitamins and minerals present in One place.  It is vegan, raw, and a green whole food.  It is called Pure Synergy.  When battling any kind of chronic inflammation, nutrition is imperative.  See the link below to learn more about Pure Synergy.

Supplements to Combat Inflammation
Pure Synergy
Nopalea from TriVita
Vitamineral Green
Vitamin E and C

This is really just a glimpse into what one can do to decrease inflammation.  Detoxification is one very important factor in reducing low grade and chronic inflammation.

Soon, I'll be writing about plant proteins and clearing up a lot of mis-information about living vegan.  Plant proteins are great at reducing inflammation while maintaining all the amino acids we need physically.  While some still believe you must eat meat, it is just simply not true.

Eating a plant based diet will make a strong dent in any inflammatory disease.  Next.... perhaps we should talk detoxification and how this process really works.  You just might be surprised....

And..... because this is necessary.... This has Not been evaluated by the FDA.  This is for educational purposes only.


~Wendy
Herbalist, Wellness Consultant

Naturally and holistically manage pain through my creation: PAINO! The reviews are in! It is a MUST HAVE for every medicine cabinet!
Herbs and Art
Organic Makeup, Lotion, Body Care