In every house, kitchen cabinets are filled with many spices and herbs. Not only do they add flavors and aroma to our dishes, but they also are loaded with numerous health benefits. Most of the spices carry anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and it is popular in many health ailments like arthritis. Joint pain involves inflammation, so adding the best herbs and spices having anti-inflammatory effects to your food is a good idea. The process of inflammation is to fight against the infection in the body and heal it.
Many supplements are available in the market nowadays. According to the research, some supplements may help you even take them in small doses. While using the supplements for arthritis, you have to check whether they will cause side effects. About 24% of the people with rheumatoid arthritis experienced better with their diet, herbs, and spices. Natural remedies such as herbs and spices are found to be safe without causing any side effects. In this article, you can get an idea about the best herbs and spices that may fight inflammation.
What Is inflammation?
Inflammation is a process where the body responds to injury or infection. Inflammation causes swelling, redness, pain, or heat around the affected area. It results in loss of functions of the specific tissues. Acute inflammation is protective, and it responds to any infection, heals the body, and reverts the tissues to normal function. Arthritis is a condition raised due to the inflammation of one or more of your joints. It causes stiffness, swelling, and soreness around the joints.
If the inflammation persists for a long time, then it results in chronic inflammation. It leads to various diseases such as depression, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and attention deficit disorder. It is not necessary to live with inflammation as a part of modern life. Many herbs and spices can help you to reduce the inflammation of arthritis.
Anti-inflammatory Herbs And Spices
Herbs:
1. Kratom
It is a herbal plant that comes from Southeast Asia popular for many health ailments. The active constituents present in the kratom are alkaloids called mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. They are responsible for analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and muscle relaxant effects. There are many strains of kratom available to alleviate pain. Maeng Da, Red Bali, and yellow kratom are strains used to combat arthritis pain.
The leaves are dried and powdered to use, and they are usually green or brown. Kratom is available as a supplement in the form of capsules, paste, and tablet form. In the United States, kratom is used as a tea for the self-management of inflammation of arthritis. Regular consumption of kratom at a moderate dosage of 3g to 5g reduces the inflammation of arthritis.
2. Rosemary
Rosemary, a herb native to the Mediterranean, is delicious and fragrant. It is available in the form of dried herbs, dried leaves, or dried ground powder—the antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid in rosemary help reduce joint pain. Rosemary is available in the form of fresh or dried leaves or powdered form. Drinking rosemary tea daily reduces pain and stiffness, as well as increases mobility in the knees. You can take it in the diet by seasoning, and it pairs well with meat, beef, lamb, and chicken.
3. Green Tea
It is well-known that green tea has effects against cardiovascular and heart diseases. Recent studies have found that green tea acts as an effective anti-inflammatory, especially in the treatment of arthritis. Green tea contains an antioxidant called epigallocatechin-3-gallate. It inhibits the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body, which is responsible for arthritis formation. This ingredient also prevents the breakdown of cartilage and preserves the joints longer. It has been recommended to take 3 to 4 cups of green tea a day. It is also available in pill form. For people who don’t like to have caffeine, decaffeinated green tea is available.
Spices:
1. Ginger
Ginger is an ancient medicine used in cuisine for centuries, and it has anti-inflammatory effects. It can be consumed in several forms, like fresh, dried, and powdered form. More than 100 active ingredients, such as gingerol, shogaol, zingiberene, and zingerone, are present in ginger, and they are responsible for reducing inflammation. You can take 500-1000mg of ginger per day for the condition of joint pain, and it increases joint mobility. It is easy to incorporate ginger in many dishes like stir-fries, stews, and salads.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is a golden spice that imparts its color and flavor to foods. Turmeric helps to treat several medical conditions called arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders. Turmeric contains about 300 active ingredients, and it consists of especially an antioxidant called curcumin. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin block the gene that causes inflammation and helps to regrow cartilage in the joints. You can include fresh turmeric powder in the diet by adding it to fresh vegetable juices, curries, soups, or other dishes. Supplements of curcumin are also available in the market.
3. Cinnamon
The delicious spice called cinnamon is from the bark of trees called the Cinnamon family. It has powerful antioxidant properties that prevent the oxidation of cells. Intake of about 500 mg of cinnamon powder daily for eight weeks significantly reduces the C-reactive protein levels, a marker of inflammation, and decreases the swelling of joints. Moreover, it reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels and protects cognitive function at old age.
Conclusion
All the herbs mentioned above and spices actively reduce the inflammation of arthritis. Try out the one which suits you. The untreated inflammation in the joints may lead to severe health complications. Herbs and spices consist of anti-inflammatory nutrients, antioxidants, or other compounds, which help to reduce inflammation in the body. Including spices and herbs having anti-inflammatory effects in the diet can manage the symptoms of swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints. Before taking these spices and herbs for joint recovery and pain, it is better to consult with your doctor. The herbs may interact with the medications you take for any other health issues.
