"The ability of a herbal medicine to affect body systems depends on the chemical constituents that it contains." ― Andrew Chevallier
Introduction | Inflammation | Anti-inflammatory Herbs | Ginger | Frankincense | Turmeric | Rosemary | White Willow | Final Thoughts | Takeaway Points | References | Disclaimer
Introduction
One of the oldest methods for promoting human health is the use of herbs. Herbs have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years to treat a variety of illnesses, prevent their occurrence, and speed up their recovery. One of the main biological processes that take place in illness is inflammation. If it is acute, mounting our natural defense mechanisms will hasten our recovery. However, if it persists over time and becomes chronic, our bodies will suffer long-term harm. The harmful effects of inflammation on the body can be greatly mitigated and countered with anti-inflammatory herbs such as ginger, frankincense, turmeric, rosemary, and white willow.
What is inflammation?
Inflammation is the body's immune response to an irritant. It is a method by which our system attempts to fight off an invading pathogen such as a bacterium, virus, or germ, heal a wound, or respond to a foreign object that has penetrated its protective barrier. This type of acute inflammation is both necessary and beneficial. It enables a relatively quick resolution of the infection or injury. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is a long-term, harmful process that strains our bodies and does not resolve quickly. It happens when our immune system is unable to promptly repair an infection's or injury's damage or when certain aspects of our lifestyle, such as stress, smoking, drinking alcohol, getting too little sleep, or eating poorly, persistently trigger an inflammatory response. It is also a mechanism present in auto-immune conditions. Chronic inflammation is one of the key cellular processes responsible for the occurrence of chronic diseases[1].
There are multiple pathways by which our bodies stimulate the inflammatory response. In acute inflammation, our immune system recruits cells called granulocytes [neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils] that then travel to the site of an infection or injury and repair the damage[1]. They are short-lived and serve as a quick resolution to the problem. In chronic inflammation, neutrophils are initially replaced by macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. These cells, in turn, produce inflammatory cytokines, triggering a heightened immune response. However, the excessive immune reaction leads to tissue damage and degeneration[2], negatively impacting human health.
5 potent anti-inflammatory herbs
Combating an unnecessary inflammatory response in our bodies is an important part of maintaining our health. Fortunately, nature provides a variety of herbs with anti-inflammatory constituents that are far safer to use than over-the-counter synthetic drugs. Some of the most effective anti-inflammatory herbs include:
The anti-inflammatory properties of these herbs are due to their unique components. Researchers have identified compounds in plants and herbs that inhibit the inflammatory response of the immune system. The list of compounds includes[4]:
alkaloids,
terpenes,
phenolic compounds such as tannins, lignans, coumarins, saponins, and flavonoids.
There are anti-inflammatory compounds present in the chemical makeup of many plants and herbs. However, the potency of an extract depends on the concentration of active compounds within it.
Ginger
Ginger, also known as Zingiber officinale, is a potent anti-inflammatory plant. Its root has high concentrations of gingerol, a phenolic compound, which is associated with this herb's anti-inflammatory effects. Gingerol is a yellow oil that gives a bitter and spicy taste to ginger root. According to science, ginger root is able to inhibit the activity of such pro-inflammatory cytokines as TNF-α [tumor necrosis factor alpha], COX-2 [cyclooxygenase-2], NO [nitric oxide], and LOX [lipoxygenase][5]. It can therefore be very helpful in reducing the inflammation and improving the symptoms of such health conditions as rheumatoid arthritis [AD], inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD], systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], psoriasis, and even cancer[6].
Consumption: Ginger can be easily consumed in small amounts. It can be added to food in raw or cooked form. However, cooking will reduce its potency. It is also available in supplemental form or as an essential oil. Essential oils are very potent, and a small amount goes a long way. The concentration of gingerol will be very high in just a few drops of ginger essential oil. Moreover, not all oil manufacturers allow the internal use of their oils.
Caution: Excessive ginger consumption can upset your stomach. Furthermore, the compounds in ginger can interact with anticoagulant drugs or herbs and may cause side effects if you have gallstones or abnormal gallbladder function[7].
Frankincense
Indian frankincense, also known as Boswellia serrata, is another plant with anti-inflammatory effects. The gum resin is the main source of the plant's healing compounds. The most potent and significant anti-inflammatory substances in boswellia are the boswellic acids [terpenes]. Researchers who investigated the inflammation-inhibiting qualities of Indian frankincense discovered that this herb suppresses TNF-α, PGE 2 [prostaglandin E2], NO, LOX, and IFN-γ [interferon gamma] cytokine activity[5]. Such a wide effect of boswellia makes it a useful anti-inflammatory agent to support the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis [AD], osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD], ulcerative and chronic colitis, Crohn's disease, bronchial asthma, and potentially multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], and lupus arthritis[8].
Consumption: Boswellia serrata is available in supplemental form. Furthermore, Indian frankincense essential oil is also high in boswellic acids, and some essential oil manufacturers produce essences that are safe to be consumed.
Caution: Boswellia is generally considered safe. In rare cases, it can cause abdominal distress, such as nausea and diarrhea. It can alter the effects of immunosuppressant drugs.
Turmeric
Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, possesses anti-inflammatory properties due to its high concentration of curcumin. Curcumin has a characteristic deep yellow-orange color, which is easily noticeable in the turmeric root. It is also the most studied anti-inflammatory polyphenolic compound. Extensive research focusing on the inflammation-inhibiting qualities of curcumin identified four types of pro-inflammatory cytokines whose activity this polephenol suppresses: TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS [inducible nitric oxide synthase], and LOX[5]. It can therefore be very helpful in reducing the inflammation and improving the symptoms of such health conditions as inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD], arthritis, psoriasis, depression, atherosclerosis, Covid-19[9], chronic pancreatitis [CP], neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases [CVDs], allergy, asthma, bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis [AD], chronic kidney disease [CKD], cancer, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity[10].
Consumption: Turmeric can be consumed both raw and cooked. However, cooking will reduce its potency. Furthermore, its active compound, curcumin, is available as a culinary spice and a supplement. Turmeric can also be found as an essential oil. Check the label to see if the oil manufacturer allows for its consumption.
Caution: Excessive turmeric consumption can upset your stomach. It interacts with anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin. Furthermore, curcumin may cause side effects if you have gallstones or abnormal gallbladder function.
Rosemary
Rosemary, also known as Salvia rosmarinus (previously Rosmarinus officinalis), is a popular culinary herb. Its leaves are a rich source of rosmarinic acid, a phenolic compound that has anti-inflammatory effects on the body. It has been shown that this phenolic compound inhibits the cytotoxic activity of PGE2 and LOX mediators. Therefore, it makes it an effective agent that can aid in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis [RA], osteoarthritis [OA], inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], ulcerative colitis, Chron's disease, atopic dermatitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, periodontal disease, acute pancreatitis, and mastitis[11].
Consumption: Rosemary can be eaten raw or cooked. It is also possible to find rosemary supplements, which are less popular than rosemary essential oil. Some essential oils are suitable for internal use, while others may not be. Always check the label.
Caution: As a culinary herb, it is generally safe to use. It can cause allergic reactions. Rosemary should be avoided during pregnancy[7].
White Willow
White willow, also known as Salix alba, is a tree whose bark is rich in salicin, a phenolic compound. Salicin is the most active ingredient in white willow bark and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Salicin is also a forerunner of aspirin [acetyl salicylic acid]. Unlike aspirin, however, it is safe for the stomach and does not cause irritation. White willow bark has been found to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β [interleukin-1β], IL-6 [interleukin-6][12], COX-2, and PGE 2[13]. It can also aid in the treatment of such health conditions as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis [RA], osteoarthritis [OA][14], fever, neuralgia[15], and vascular disease[16].
Consumption: Willow bark is available in the form of supplements, extracts, and sometimes teas.
Caution: Willow bark supplements interact with aspirin, diuretics, anticoagulants, and beta-blockers. They can also impact the absorption of iron, magnesium, and other minerals[7]. Willow bark should be avoided in bleeding disorders, kidney disease, liver disease, post-surgery, and if allergic to aspirin. Lastly, it is not recommended during pregnancy.
Final Thoughts
Herbal medicine provides a wide range of alternatives to over-the-counter drugs that can help treat a number of inflammatory health conditions. Ginger, frankincense, turmeric, rosemary, and white willow are examples of herbs with anti-inflammatory effects that can be used to address a variety of inflammatory conditions, including arthritic, gastric, skin, and many other diseases. They have been found to impact arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, irritable bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, atopic dermititis, and asthma, just to mention a few. However, as with any supplement out there, herbal extracts need to be applied with caution and under professional supervision. They can cause side effects, impact the absorption of drugs and other supplements, and cause allergic reactions.
Takeaway Points
Acute inflammation is a process that helps heal the body after an injury or during an infection.
Chronic inflammation is harmful to human health and leads to tissue damage and degeneration.
Herbs possessing anti-inflammatory qualities can aid in the treatment of inflammatory health ailments.
Ginger, frankincense, turmeric, rosemary, and white willow have scientifically proven benefits that inhibit the inflammatory response of the immune system.
References
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