The Best Herbs for Inflammation Support

Inflammation, an immune-mediated reaction, is how your body defends itself against potential harm.  Redness, swelling, or fever are all typical, healthy examples of acute inflammation.  If you are hurt or sick, acute inflammation sends a message to promote healing and repair. It usually only lasts a few days, and soon the body can relax into a normal state of equilibrium.ⁱⁱⁱ

 

But what happens when the inflammatory process doesn’t turn off?  With inflammation, altered immune signaling pathways continue to produce inflammatory messengers for months or years.  The result is a revved-up immune system that throws your body out of balance. 

 

Over time, inflammation response can add up and contribute to significant health concerns, but the good news is that you can take steps to limit the impact on your body.  Herbal extracts are one simple but potent way to help your body with the healthy inflammation support.

 

What contributes to inflammation?

 

Many of the risk factors associated with inflammation connect to your lifestyle, including weight, diet, stress, and sleep.  As you age, your body’s production of inflammatory molecules naturally increases.  These increases may be related to the accumulation of free radicals over time, reduced efficiency of your mitochondria (the energy producers of your cell), and a decrease in protective hormones like estrogen.ⁱⁱⁱ 

 

Extra body weight can also contribute as fat tissue secretes its own pro-inflammatory cells^iv along with a diet high in refined sugar or unhealthy fats.  Put all together, these daily exposures can further oxidative stress and inflammation in your body. 2

 

Musculoskeletal or gastrointestinal inflammation is tricky because while some do experience symptoms like discomfort, fatigue, or digestive concerns, many people aren’t even aware until it becomes a bigger problem.  Numerous health concerns are attributable or worsened by chronic inflammation and oxidative damage.^v

 

This is why there is such an emphasis on anti-inflammatory diets to reduce these daily insults by including foods known to support a healthy inflammatory response and antioxidant activity.^vi 

 

But beyond the food you eat, there are a few extra special spices and herbs that provide strong support for inflammation. 

 

Botanical extracts for inflammation support

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

 

The curry from your favorite Indian food restaurant gets its rich, yellow color from this powerful spice.  Used in Ayurvedic cooking and traditional Chinese medicine, turmeric maintains a heatlhy inflammation response and provides antioxidant properties.  In research, many of the health benefits attributed to turmeric are due to a compound found in turmeric called curcumin.

 

Curcumin has been well-studied for its interaction with inflammatory molecules and antioxidant influence in your body.^vii  It may support reductions in oxidative stress and inflammation through its ability to interrupt pro-inflammatory signals.  It also may help to balance free radical damage by supporting antioxidant activity.7

 

Many studies have linked curcumin supplementation with joint inflammation support.^viii Occasional joint discomfort is a sign of inflammation, so this may be why curcumin appears so supportive for improvements with occasional joint discomfort.^ix  It also can help with reductions in markers of inflammation associated with certain health conditions.^xxi 

 

As turmeric interest has grown over the past few years, recipes for golden milk (a warm drink made by mixing dairy or plant-based milk, turmeric, and other spices), soups, and curries are increasingly popular.  Including a few turmeric-rich recipes a few days a week can be a delicious way to get more into your diet.

 

At the same time, supplementation can also bump up your intake. It’s important to note that turmeric absorption is improved with the consumption of fat and black pepper. Many supplements have been designed with this in mind to support optimal absorption.

 

Ginseng (Panex Ginseng)

 

Panex Ginseng (also known as Asian Ginseng) is a special botanical because of the many ways it supports your body.  There are multiple types of ginseng, but Panex Ginseng is the most commonly used and researched.^xii  It’s often used to promote vitality and to support the body during periods of occasional stress.^xiii

 

Ginseng may support inflammation in the body through its effects on your stress response.  It’s categorized as an adaptogen, meaning it supports a healthy stress response in the body.  Stress can be a significant contributor to inflammation due to the upregulation of stress hormones, but ginseng may help calm the adrenal response, reducing the impact of stress hormones on your body.^xiv

Ginseng may also play a role in supporting the release of inflammatory cytokines as part of a healthy immune response.^xv  A small study conducted on college students also found that ginseng supplementation improved inflammatory markers post-exercise and supported improvements in blood sugar response.^xvi

 

While you can find recipes for ginseng in soups or teas, it has a bitter taste, so it is more commonly used in tonics or supplements.

 

 

Indian Frankincense (Boswellia Serrata)

 

While this herb isn’t likely to be found in the everyday kitchen, it has a long, ancient history in Ayurvedic medicine.  Boswellia is a resin from the Boswellia serrata tree. It can be taken as a supplement, tincture, or used as an oil to promote healthy joints, connective tissue and colon function by supporting healthy inflammation response.^xvii

 

The acids in Boswellia have been studied for their effect on the inhibition of inflammatory signaling molecules, especially those associated with pain and free radical damage.17  While more recent studies on humans are needed, research does suggest that the acids in Boswellia appear to disrupt a specific pro-inflammatory enzyme that provides support for mobility and occasional joint discomfort.^xviii  It may even positively impact recovery for those with neurological conditions by supporting a reduction in inflammatory markers.^xix

 

Interestingly, a significant contributor to oxidative stress is overexercising.  Daily physical movement is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but overdoing it can increase free radical damage and inflammation in your body.  A study examining athletes who took a combination supplement of Boswellia and curcumin found that following a Mediterranean diet pattern improved several markers of inflammation in all athletes, but those that also took the supplement saw even more improvements.^xx

 

Boswellia likely isn’t something you would add to a weeknight meal, but it is easy to find in supplemental form.

 

 

Takeaway

 

The more we learn about inflammation and the body, the more obvious it becomes that taking daily measures to support reduction is not only essential but a simple way to empower yourself on your health journey. It’s always helpful to discuss supplements with your healthcare practitioner. Still, a significant benefit of these herbs is that they are gentle yet effective.

While you can’t stop the natural progression of aging, you can make lifestyle choices that reduce the inflammatory burden in the body.  In combination with healthy habits, especially anti-inflammatory foods, these botanicals can be a powerful tool to support a healthy inflammatory response.