Anti Inflammatory Herbs Archives - Inflammation Advisor

Curcumin is one of the best herbs for inflammation. What is curcumin? This anti inflammatory supplement is a phytochemical extracted from herbal turmeric root. Also known as the Curcuma Longa plant, which is a member of the ginger family. This plant grows in Southern Asia and in the Himalayas. Cucumin was used for thousands of years in Eastern Medicine Practice and is frequently used today in Ayurvedic medicine. Research is finding that curcumin has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Research is also suggesting it may have anti-cancer properties. Tumeric is a bright yellow-orange spice that is primarily used in Eastern countries.

Curcumin Health Benefits

Curcumin is a versatile anti inflammatory supplement. In the right form, research has shown that it…

Treating rheumatoid arthritis pain.
Relieves symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Improves cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Helps with symptoms of colitis.
Helps to prevent stomach ulcers.
Lowers high cholesterol.
Helps to relieve symptoms of HIV.
May treat Scabies.
May treat type II Diabetes
Helps to relieve upset stomach.
Boosts Immune System.
Benefits Cardiac System.
Boosts Brain Function.
Blocks mast cells from producing histamine which causes allergies.
Antifungal and Antibacterial properties.
Liver protective properties.

Anti-Cancer Properties

Ongoing research is studying the effects of curcumin on many types of cancers. Curcumin may help prevent or treat cancer because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is thought to be a factor in causing cancer. Curcumin has been shown to stop the growth of tumors. It also:

May stabilize colorectal cancer.
May make chemotherapy treatments more effective.
May slow the progression of cancer.
May protect healthy cells from damage from radiation.

Curcumin and weight loss

Curcumin aids weight loss because it regulates the formation of fat cells and lowers the production of leptin in fat cells. Leptin is an enzyme that encourages more fat cells to form. Too much leptin also causes too much fat to form around the liver which can result in type 2 diabetes. Cucumin protects your liver from the bad effects of leptin.

Another reason curcumin works as a weight-loss agent is because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have found that most people have food sensitivities to certain foods. When they eat the food which they are sensitive to it causes an inflammatory response, which results in a continuous cycle of negative responses which includes:

Your body retaining fluid as a result your body trying to flush the foreign substance out of your body.
Blood vessels become inflamed and swell.
Addictive cravings occur for the food you’re sensitive to.
Metabolic disruptions happen and cause discomfort

This continuous cycle leads to stubborn weight gain. Curcumin prevents this cycle because of its anti-inflammatory response in the gut and the rest of the body, which can result in losing weight, at least in losing water weight from allergic swelling.

Curcumin Absorption

Curcumin is not easily absorbed by the body; when buying curcumin make sure it has the following ingredients which helps to increase absorption:

Phospholipids
Meriva or “BCN-95”

Where to Buy Curcumin

Curcumin is sold at health food stores, drug stores and online at Amazon and other e-commerce sites.

Life extension Curcumin

Super Bio-Curcumin

Contains 100% natural curcuminoids and sesquiterpinoids for enhanced absorption.

Product Reviews

Mixed review with customer either loving it, disliking it and very neutral customers.

Relieved painful menstrual cramps.
Too expensive
No difference in inflammation.
No difference in pain.
Love the product.

Jarrow formulas curcumin 95

Contains curcumin and antioxidants (demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin) to support DNA integrity and protect cells from oxidative damage.

Product Reviews:

Same as Life extension curcumin. Mixed reviews, customers either loved the product or disliked it.

Unsure.
So far so good.
Not worth the money
Did not help arthritis

Curcumin supplement side effects

Side Effects and Contraindications

Consult your doctor first before using if you have a gallbladder or kidney disorder.
Consult with your doctor first if you have a bleeding disorder.
Nausea and diarrhea.
May cause ulcers in high doses.
Can cause skin irritations if used topically.
Use with caution is you have a history of gallstones or gallbladder disease.
Do not use if you are pregnant or breast children.
Not recommended for children.

May interact with the following medications: NSAIDS, painkillers, blood thinners, statins or blood pressure meds. Herbs which may interact with curcumin include ginkgo, ginseng and garlic.

If you tolerate it, this natural supplement may be a powerful tool for you in the fight against chronic inflammation. Turmeric and its constituent curcumin is one of the best herbs for inflammation. Talk with your own health care provider and see if curcumin is a good choice for you.

The best anti inflammatory herbs to get you started toward better health include turmeric, green tea, ginger, rosemary, and boswellia. Many other herbs and spices have anti inflammatory benefits as well, but this is a core set.

Turmeric or curcumin comes from the Indian spice curry and gives this plant-based anti inflammatory powerhouse its yellow color. Increasing amounts of research show that curcumin is helpful in everything from reducing inflammation in arthritis to promoting cancer cell death. The main issue with curcumin is that it is not always well-absorbed or utilized in the body. As a result, a number of manufacturers have moved toward making special forms, such as natural liposomal or nanoparticle carriers to get it into cells more effectively. If you decide to take curcumin in a capsule form, look for the more bioavailable brands – you have a better chance of benefiting from them.

Green tea contains many natural substances that have protective antioxidant and anti inflammatory effects. As a bonus, green tea consumption may also lower your cholesterol levels and even improve memory function. If you are sensitive to caffeine, try a naturally processed decaf green tea to get most of the benefits.

Ginger is a popular spice that can help cut down inflammation in the body. It may help reduce exercise-related muscle pain among many other benefits. This spice is valuable for people with various types of “-itis” pain – including arthritis, bursitis, and more. Dry powdered forms are OK for this purpose.

Rosemary is a member of the mint family and can really dress up the flavor of your main course at dinner as it serves up anti inflammatory effects. As with many other herbs, rosemary can reduce muscle and joint pain, protect against oxidative stress (free radical damage), and enhance digestion. Like curmumin, rosemary may also become part of the natural toolbox for preventing cancer cells from growing.

Boswellia is an anti inflammatory herb (Indian Frankincense) that is less well known in the kitchen, but it has been a well-respected member of natural anti inflammatory programs for many years. Research indicates that boswellia can cut down problems from a number of different chronic inflammatory conditions, including asthma, rheumatoid and osteoarthritris, and even inflammatory bowel disease. Still, remember that being “natural” does not always mean it is safe to use in any situation. For example, pregnant women should NOT use boswellia, as it may cause miscarriages.

For people suffering from side effects of pain killing drugs they have taken to treat the symptoms but not the root cause of the pain, studies suggest that ginger may help protect the liver from damage from acetaminophen types of drugs and help the bronchial passages relax instead of spasm in the way that ibuprofen types of drugs (nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs) can cause. Those synthetic medicines will only increase your risk of bleeding from your stomach and cause asthma attacks. In other words, you may help yourself instead of adding new problems if you rely on ginger instead of synthetic drugs for anti inflammatory benefits.

As with most nutritional strategies for reducing inflammation, you will typically notice a gradual rather than immediate benefit. Foods and herbs can take from 3-8 weeks to take full effect. Just stick with it and work these anti inflammatory herbs into your overall eating plan. You can find many of these as ingredients in combination herbal products. Most likely, you will find a way to lower your need for pain killing drugs and anti inflammatory drugs such as nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs. You’ll be glad you did.

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