Anti Inflammatory Herbs – Herbal Remedies for Inflammation and Pain

As I start moving around and washing my containers for spring planting I am immediately reminded of my age and all of its aches and pains.  With a family history of arthritis and a recent injury to my hand I am acutely aware of the problems caused by inflammation.

Inflammation is a condition when a body reacts to any infection, injury or irritation, environmental changes or malignancy. Due to inflammation swelling, pain, redness or change in color of the skin is felt. But sometimes some internal inflammation can result giving rise to fever and other discomforts.

The inflammatory response involves the activation of white blood cells that start releasing some chemicals such as cytokines and prostaglandins. Inflammation is mostly treated by administering varied doses of corticosteroids that are effective in reducing and suppressing inflammation.  Steroids are not a long term solution however as the side effects can cause other issues.  There for I researched treatments for anti inflammation:

There are many herbal therapies that have been tried through ages and have proven record in healing inflammation by treating the cause. Latest scientific researches have given the final approval to opt for these herbal therapies rather than the OTC drugs.

But remember this information is for reference and education only.  It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a physician.  I do not advocate self-diagnosis or self-medication.  Be aware that any plant substance, whether used as food or medicine, externally or internally, may cause allergic reactions in some people.  Everyone responds differently to herbs. Use them carefully and responsibly.

1. Turmeric is one of the common anti inflammatory herb that is widely used in Asian recipes in good amounts. It helps in reducing swelling, pain in arthritis, tendonitis, sprains and other autoimmune disorders. So addition of extra turmeric in curries is beneficial in the long run! But this treatment is time consuming and it may test one’s patience.

2. Ginger is another herb which is popular for its anti inflammatory properties and is used liberally in most Asian dishes. Taking ginger tea regularly in the morning relieves a lot of inflammation.

3. White willow bark is another inflammatory herb that helps in reducing pain, this is actually the original plant studied for the creation of aspirin.  It has been studied recently and is seen as good for many pain applications, but is not found to be effective against arthritis in any form.  However it does have some toxicity issues so ask for professional advice if you desire to try it.

4. Devil’s claw is said to work well on arthritis both in reducing inflammation and pain. Known also as Harpagophytum procumbens, Grapple Plant and Wood Spider it is a plant native to southern Africa.
The unique name comes from the small hooks on the plant's fruit. The active ingredients in devil's claw are believed to be iridoid glycosides called harpagosides, which are found in the secondary root.  It is not an herb I am personally familiar with, so that is all I can say.

5. Licorice root is another popular anti inflammatory herb, but its prolonged use may raise the blood pressure and cause potassium loss. So person suffering from hypertension must be cautious with its use.

6. Arnica, also known as Arnica Montana, is another herb that is widely used in treating pains and bruises. It can be taken in regulated doses or sometimes a tincture can be applied to the affected areas to reduce inflammation. Arnica cannot be extracted at home nor can the plant grown at home be used for treatment.  It is actually toxic in plant form and should be handled carefully and products acquired only from reputable sources.

7. St John’s Wort though used to treat depression has also some anti- inflammatory properties. This is an easy plant to grow and the flowers, which bloom in June, are the best place to extract the helpful compounds from.  Making a tincture that is applied topically is good as is taking it internally.

8. Flax seed in a poultice is also very effective in treating bronchitis and reduces swellings in gouts and rheumatoid arthritis.  The plant is another you can grow at home.  But remember potency will vary with home-grown herbs as you have no standards to measure your finished product, so effectiveness will vary.

These herbs are very commonly used and are somewhat easily available. In sudden injuries these can be applied immediately for some relief before consulting any doctor. They are cheap and if applied properly with supervision, one can avoid spending money on painkillers and other drugs.

St. Nicholas Day

Today is the feast day of St. Nicholas believed to have given rise to the character we know best in the US as Santa Claus.  According to the website:  St. Nicholas Center -- The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.  He is still considered the patron saint of sailors.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th.

Many countries celebrate the memory of St. Nicholas on his feast day. In Poland he is depicted as descending from Heaven with an angel helper, he travels on foot or in a sleigh pulled by a white horse as he visits homes in the countryside.  St. Nicholas rebukes or praises, as appropriate, before distributing holy pictures, red apples or oranges, and pierniki, (saint cookies made with honey and spices).  In Holland children set their wooden shoes out when he became known for special gifts to children.  The traditional gifts in Holland were sweets, chocolate and gold coins.  But any small gift that is a symbolic of giving to others is perfect as a celebration.  Simple gifts which brought hope were the most common in celebration of St. Nicholas. Try this wonderful and simple recipe which you can give away!

Saint Nicholas Gingerbread

This unusual light gingerbread is sweetened with maple syrup, rather than molasses. Make junior or mini loaves to give away on St. Nicholas Day!

1 cup maple syrup
1 cup sour cream
1 egg, slightly beaten
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 tablespoons butter, melted
Sweetened whipped cream for topping

Blend maple syrup, sour cream and beaten egg with a whisk or spoon. Sift dry ingredients together and stir into liquid mixture, beating well. Add melted butter and mix thoroughly. Grease and flour a loaf pan (9x5x3-inches) and bake at 350º for 35-45 minutes (junior loaves, 7 3/8x3 5/8x2¼, 35-40 minutes; mini loaves, 4½x2½x1½, 25-30 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm, topped with sweetened whipped cream. Makes 8 servings (one large loaf, two junior loaves, 6 minis).

Comforting Herbal Teas

I got caught out in a monsoon about a week ago.  My clothing was soaked to the skin and the wind whipped my wet clothing giving me a chill.  And this was before the train and bus ride that drops me a mile from my house.  I knew I was going to need to be proactive or the weather was going to take me down, so when I arrived home I brewed a batch of herbal tea and took a warm shower.  I can gladly say now that the immunity boost I got from the vitamin C in the rose hips of my tea, along with the anti bacterial properties of the thyme and sage have kept me from getting even a sniffle since that incident.

As a result I thought it might be good to share with you a few ideas for using a comforting cup of tea to help you recover, or even avoid, a few of winters sniffles.

Colds and Flu symptoms can often be held back with a combination of lemon and ginger.  This unique tea mixture I have made with just a touch of brandy or whiskey too to aid in sleeping.

Ginger and Lemon Tea

1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh squeezed if you can)
2 to 4 slices of ginger root (about 1/4 inch thick) or 1 tsp grated ginger
1 Tbls. Honey

Bring water to boil, bruise the ginger root and drop it into the boiling water.  Reduce heat and simmer for 5 min.  Remove from heat ans strain into a heat resistant cup.  Add lemon juice and honey.  If you want to clear your sinuses add a 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper and if you want to aid relaxation add a snifter of brandy or whiskey.  Stir and sip while covered with a warm blanket.

If you suffer from coughs or a dry scratchy throat, a bit of peppermint will help with this and add to is some germ fighting sage and thyme and you will have perfect treatment for a fever or a cough.

Peppermint Anti-Cold Tea

1 tsp.dried thyme
1 tsp. dried sage
1 tsp. dried peppermint
1 cup bolling water

Boil the water and pour over herbs.  You can place them in a tea ball or the corner of a coffee filter so you don;t have to strain them.  Cover and let step for 8 to 10 minutes.  You can sweeten with honey (not sugar).  Drink up to 2 cups for 3 to 4 days to relieve symptoms.

With the lowering of the barometric pressure as storm fronts move through many people experience headaches. I developed my Headache Tea which I sell at the Backyard Patch for just such headaches which I tend to have regularly in the fall and winter. Here is a link if you want to try some yourself.  Those headaches will effect my sleep as well and although I have developed a Dreamtime and a Rest Easy mint Tea which I sell.  You might try this remedy if you want to make your own:

Snoozing Enhancer Tea

1 tsp. dried chamomile
1 tsp. dried lemon balm
1 tsp. dried lavender flowers

Boil the water and pour over herbs.  You can place them in a tea ball or the corner of a coffee filter so you don't have to strain them.  Cover and let steep for 6 to 8 minutes. Best when sipped before bed time.

Hope you enjoy these teas and if you want to see our entire line of teas, both herbal and those with herbs we've combined with green tea or black tea, just click into our website here.

Benefits of Herbal Tea

Whether you want to shed some few pounds or simply desire to have good heath, herbal tea is definitely good for you. Herbal tea is a great substitute if you find drinking mineral water plain. My husband has taken to drinking tea every night and as a result says he feels so much better.  I’ll give you a progress report after another month or so of this.  The important thing to remember with herb tea is you need to drink five glasses every day to relish all the benefits. Here are top reasons why you should drink herbal tea.

1. Great for weight loss

Herbal tea has been known to help in losing weight. This is a popular topic, reason being that teas can actually help in weight loss as they increase the body’s metabolism thus improving your blood circulation, cholesterol level and ultimately enhances cardiovascular health. Green tea has an antioxidant referred to as catechins, recent studies show that they significantly help to reduce fat.  Remember Green Tea, like black tea has caffeine.

2. Prevents Cancer

People who drink herbal tea are less susceptible to lung cancer and other common diseases. Believe it or not, research indicates that herbal tea helps to treat stroke, heart ailments and even certain cancers.  Lemon Grass is a good herb for canser as are any that help with nausea.

3. Cures stomach ailments

If you suffer from frequent stomach ailments, try drinking at least a cup of tea every day after your meals. Herbal tea reduces the acids in the stomach and therefore digestion takes place ably. There are specific herbs that are especially good for stomach disorders, like catnip, ginger, peppermint, thyme. 

4. Enhances the immune system
According to recent scientific studies, herbal teal strengthens the body’s immune system to ensure you are not prone to flu and other lung diseases. With a strong immune system, your body now has the ability to repair and regenerate the damage cells rapidly.  A number of herbs work with your body to improve immunity in a number of different ways.  You can increase Vitamin C with rose hips, add anti-viral properties with thyme, and use violets to gently stimulate the immune system.

5. Reduces stress

When your work and lifestyle seems stressful, drink one cup of tea. It is relaxing and therefore very effective at minimizing stress levels.  Certain herbs with also enhance this stress reduction ability, including lavender and chamomile.

On the other hand, herbal tea has been known to interfere with medication. For instance, it prevents proper absorption of iron in the gut.  Rosemary can if overused raist the blood pressure. Herbal tea can also become habit forming.  However, the Backyard Patch can help you with this habit!

Backyard Patch Tea

I began to blend teas back in the late 80s when all you could buy in stores was peppermint or chamomile tea.  I found both rather boring and realized that mixtures of herbs, like those I cooked with, would provide better flavors.  Unable to find all the herbs I wanted to use, like apple mint, pineapple sage and flavored thymes, I planted my first herb garden.  It was a desire for herbal tea that started it all.

Since then, I have designed more than 25 different herbal teas.  All are combined first with taste in mind and medicinal benefits second, because nothing that tastes awful can be taken long enough to cure anything.  All of my teas are available in our E-stores -- eBay Store or Etsy store. 

Check out all my teas at this link:   
. 

This year I designed two new teas: Holiday Comfort and Joy with several herbs including hibiscus and lemon balm.  It makes a beautiful red tea you can serve hot or iced and the raspberry leaf and lavender in it will give your immune system a boost to help ride out winter colds.  The other tea, Christmas Tidings, is a black loose-leaf tea blended with citrus and spices.  This unique recipe was adapted from one created during coffee shortages in World War II.   My seasonal tea blends are at this link.

There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea.  ~Bernard-Paul Heroux


* Disclaimer: Information within this site is for educational purposes only. Statements about the product efficacy have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The products mentioned within are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. As always, please consult your Medical Doctor for any medical advice or treatment.