The foods you put in your body have the biggest impact on your overall health. What you eat can either benefit the body or plague your organs and systems. The body cannot easily digest everything, which is why a high percentage of people experience digestive disorders. On the other hand, certain foods benefit the body and even combat chronic inflammation, which can result from waste accumulation in the digestive track. 

What Are Anti-Inflammatory Herbs & Spices? 

Inflammation is a natural bodily response during healing or an infection. When too much inflammation exists in the body, you experience chronic inflammation. Too much inflammation can increase the risk of chronic illnesses like cancer and diabetes. This is where anti-inflammatory herbs and spices come into play. Many studies continue to monitor molecules in food that lower inflammatory markers in the body. Inflammatory markers indicate that inflammation is present in the body, so an herb that lowers these markers is very beneficial. Let’s explore the most beneficial anti-inflammatory herbs and spices below. 

Ginseng

Used in historical Asian medicinal practices, ginseng exhibits various active compounds that benefit the body. There are two primary ginseng varieties: American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). According to studies, Asian ginseng is more potent and beneficial, with powerful ginsenosides, which help reduce inflammatory markers. One analysis of nine studies looked at 420 patients with elevated CRP levels, an inflammatory marker in the blood. Participants who took 300-4,000 milligrams (mg) of ginseng per day for four weeks were able to effectively lower CRP levels. Other studies found that ginseng can reduce other inflammatory markers like NF-kB, a chemical messenger the promotes inflammation, and IL-6 and TNF-a, other inflammatory markers.

Turmeric

You know for a fact that this had to be on the list for herbs and spices that fight inflammation. Turmeric contains more than 300 active compounds, but the active one that helps to reduce inflammation is curcumin. Researchers conducted studies on curcumin and found that it has the ability to limit cytokine production, which causes inflammation. It can benefit people with arthritis or other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Taking curcmin consistently can help reduce high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and IL-6, which are common inflammatory markers. Make sure to take curcumin with black pepper because that increases the absorption by 2,000%. 

Cat’s Claw

Native to Peru, cat’s claw is a woody vine that has been used in traditional medicinal practices. Historically, peopled used cat’s claw to help reduce symptoms of bursitis, intestinal disorders, and arthritis. Many studies found that it exhibits the power to protect against gastrointestinal inflammation. It’s possible to brew cat’s claw bark into a tea, but make sure to use at least 1,000 mg of bark per eight ounces of water. If you decide to take it in capsule form, opt for doses that are between 20-60 mg. 

Cardamom

Cardamom is a popular spice in Southeast Asian cuisine, and the flavor is spicy, sweet, and complex. One eight-week study monitored 80 people with prediabetes. The group that took  three grams of cardamom during the study experienced a significant reduction in inflammatory markers hs-CRP, MDA, and IL-6. Another study found that people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease benefitted from taking three grams of cardamom daily. The results indicated that cardamom was able to lower IL-6, TNF-a, and hs-CRP inflammatory markers. 

Rosemary

This beautiful fragrant herb is common in various culinary applications, but it also exhibits potent medicinal properties. Scientists believe that the polyphenols in rosemary give it the ability to help reduce inflammation. Rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid are the primary polyphenols that can reduce pain and stiffness in people with arthritis. Several test-tube studies found that rosmarinic acid was able to reduce inflammatory markers that contribute to osteoarthritis, asthma, gum diseases, and atopic dermatitis. 

Black Pepper

As we mentioned earlier, black pepper helps to increase turmeric’s bioavailability, which aids the body’s absorption of curcumin. Black pepper is unassuming because it’s so common, but it has anti-inflammatory properties. Piperine is the compound in black pepper that scientists study because it has the ability to suppress the perception of pain. This can be beneficial for people with arthritis. When it comes to research on black pepper, research in humans is limited. Most animal studies, however, find that piperine has the ability to reduce joint swelling, redness from seasonal allergies, and respiratory inflammation. 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon comes in two types: cassia cinnamon, which is widely available, and Ceylon cinnamon, which people refer to as “true” cinnamon. The latter seems to possess the ability to help lower CRP and MDA inflammatory markers. An analysis of 12 studies found that taking 1,500-4,000 mg of cinnamon daily for 10-110 days reduced those markers. Cinnamon also helps to elevate the body’s antioxidant levels, which assists with inflammation reduction. Cassia cinnamon can also help reduce a variety of inflammatory markers, including MDA and CRP. The reduction of CRP was especially notable in a study in which participants either had type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

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Viruses exist everywhere, and they can cause health conditions like hepatitis, mononucleosis, HIV, the flu, and even the common cold. While many people commonly opt to get an annual flu shot (influenza vaccination), studies have shown that it is only 80% effective, due to the fact that this virus has mutating strains. Additionally, vaccines don’t properly educate your immune system and they can contain preservatives and chemicals. Wouldn’t it be better if you could use all natural herbs to fight off viruses without harming the body?

Facts About Viruses

A virus is a microscopic organism that can exist almost anywhere on the planet. Viruses can spread through sneezing, coughing, person-to-person contact, sexual contact, or by entering the body through food or water. More often than not, viruses infect plants, fungi, animals, humans, and bacteria. Some viruses are fatal, while others can make you feel ill for only a day or so. Consisting of genetic material, viruses cannot replicate without a host, which classifies them as parasites. Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on the planet.

So What Do Antiviral Herbs Do?

When you consume foods that keep your immune system strong, you have a better chance of fighting off viruses. Antiviral herbs can help to inhibit the development of viruses because they boost the immune system, which helps the body attack viral pathogens. Antiviral herbs also contain anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, and healthy digestive properties.

#1: Echinacea

Echinacea is an amazing herb that is loaded with antimicrobial properties, which are great for the immune system. All varieties of the echinacea herb have phenol compounds. At a base level, phenols protect plants from UV radiation damage and infections. The active substances in phenols control enzymes and cell receptors, and their active antioxidants make them great for keeping human cells healthy.

#2: Astragalus Root

Astragalus root has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years, primarily for enhancing immune function. Several studies have shown that astragalus’ antiviral properties help to stimulate the immune system and inhibit the development of the common cold or flu.

#3: Ginger

If you keep up with our web content, you know that we love ginger. One of our favorite things about ginger is that it helps to cleanse the lymphatic system, also known as the body’s sewage system. It also helps to flush toxins from your organs. Did we mention that ginger prevents the body from accumulating toxins that can make you sick or susceptible to bacterial infections? Well, it does that too!

#4: Oil of Oregano

While fresh oregano is tasty, the health benefits come alive when it is distilled to extract the essential oil. Oil of oregano contains carvacrol and thymol, both of which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Carvacrol is responsible for reversing viral infections, allergies, parasites, and reducing inflammation.

#5: Cat’s Claw

This herb has a lot of bark, not meow! Okay…that was terrible. People in South America have actually used the bark of cat’s claw as a natural remedy for fevers and digestive conditions, like dysentery, for centuries. Cat’s claw has powerful antiviral properties that can be used to help reduce one’s viral load, and early studies show that it may be beneficial for HIV patients, but more research needs to be conducted.

#6: Elderberry

Elderberry has been popularly used in many cultures for its ability to help fight viral infections, herpes, influenza, and bacterial infections. Almost all of the elderberry plant is usable. You can use the bark, leaves, roots, and flowers, which can be beneficial to brew into a tea when you have the flu. Make an elderberry syrup to boost immune function by clicking here.

#7: Olive Leaf

The antiviral properties of olive leaf have been known to fight back against the common cold and more serious viruses like meningitis, pneumonia, hepatitis B, malaria, gonorrhea, and candida symptoms. Recent research has shown that the extract of olive leaf can fight against viruses that cause influenza or respiratory infections. Olive leaf extract’s compounds can also kill invading organisms, making it so viruses cannot replicate to spread infection.

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Any damage to the joints from disease or injury can cause a lot of discomfort. The pain can be sharp and quick, or it can be chronic and unforgiving. However, joint pain can also be caused by other conditions or factors. Fortunately, there are several herbal remedies that can help alleviate joint discomfort. We have detailed them below.

Turmeric

The health benefits of turmeric come from the inactive ingredients, curcumin and cucuminoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This spice can be added to your diet, taken in supplement form, or even applied topically to sore joint to help decrease pain. The recommended dosage is 500 milligrams twice per day.

Ginger

Ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and joint-protective properties. Recent experiments show promise with the use of ginger to prevent joint inflammation. The fresh root is available in grocery stores and can be brewed into tea. Researchers at the University of Georgia in Athens and Georgia State College & University in Milledgeville reported in the Journal of Pain that a few tablespoons of grated ginger could help ease muscle pain caused by exercise.

Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw originated in the South American rainforests. A recent experiment on the effectiveness of cat’s claw had positive results towards the relief of joint pain. For medicinal purposes, the root and bark of the cat’s claw vine are made into tea, tinctures, or herbal supplements.

Green Tea

A recent study found that green tea may have an active compound that reduces inflammation and swelling. Green tea is high in catechins, a compound with joint-relieving properties. There are additional compounds in green tea that contribute to overall well being, such as polyphenols and antioxidants. Drink one or two cups of green tea per day to help relieve joint pain.

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