Inflammation is your body\u2019s way of protecting itself against infections, toxins, and injuries, which can be helpful in the short term. However, when it becomes chronic (long-term), it can cause conditions like heart disease and irritable bowel disease (IBD). Certain herbs, such as turmeric and rosemary, offer health benefits, including the ability to help manage or possibly reduce inflammation.\n<\/p>\n
Ginger (Z. officinale) may help reduce low-grade inflammation, a risk factor for heart disease. Low-grade inflammation happens slowly, over time, often without an obvious injury or infection. For people with diabetes, ginger has been shown to lower signs of inflammation in the blood, which may help prevent serious health challenges from developing in the future.\n<\/p>\n
Ginger may also relieve inflammation and pain from chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis<\/a> (RA). This is because it contains natural substances that may block certain proteins in the body responsible for causing inflammation.<\/p>\n Garlic (Allium sativum) can have beneficial effects on cholesterol control. High cholesterol, particularly LDL (bad) cholesterol, can cause clogged arteries. Over time, this can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition that causes chronic inflammation in the arteries and increases the risk of a stroke<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Garlic supplements may reduce LDL cholesterol, but only by a small amount. This makes it a great, heart-healthy addition to a cholesterol-lowering diet.<\/p>\n A main ingredient in turmeric (Curcuma longa), called curcumin, may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in people with RA by easing symptoms, like joint swelling and muscle stiffness in the morning.<\/p>\n Other conditions curcumin may also help reduce symptoms of include:\n<\/p>\n It may work by reducing the activity of certain proteins that can trigger inflammation. However, more research is necessary to fully understand curcumin\u2019s anti-inflammatory benefits.\n<\/p>\n Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) may help reduce inflammation because it has antioxidants, which protect the body from cell damage.\n<\/p>\n One study found that green cardamom supplements reduced major red flags for chronic inflammation. High levels of certain proteins in the blood can be a sign of chronic inflammation. Another study confirmed these findings and suggested that taking 3 grams of cardamom daily, while on a low-calorie diet, may further reduce the chances of low-grade inflammation developing. More research is necessary to confirm how well cardamom can lower inflammation.<\/p>\n For centuries, chili pepper (Capsicum annum) has been used in traditional medicine to reduce pain. Its active ingredient, capsaicin, can make pain receptors less sensitive, resulting in a numbing effect. Capsaicin may also help regulate certain proteins in the body that are involved in immunity and inflammation.\n<\/p>\n Chili pepper may be particularly beneficial for people with arthritis. Since it can cause a strong-burning sensation, this herb is generally mixed into other natural medicinal herbs to relieve arthritic pain<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ginseng (Panax ginseng) contains natural substances called ginsenosides, which may help reduce inflammation.\n<\/p>\n Ginsenosides can potentially block certain proteins from telling the body to have an inflammatory response. As a result, the body might make fewer inflammatory proteins and substances.<\/p>\n Research suggests that rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) may have positive effects on inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis<\/a> (OA) and RA. Taking rosemary supplements for about four weeks may help lower inflammation and relieve pain.\n<\/p>\n Rosemary may also improve gut inflammation and protect against stomach ulcers, which are open sores that occur on the stomach lining. This may be due to its ability to lower inflammation-causing proteins and calm overactive white blood cells that defend the immune system. However, more research is needed to fully understand the anti-inflammatory benefits of rosemary and how they work.<\/p>\n