Unfortunately, although beneficial at onset, it can trigger even more inflammatory responses to the initial inflammation, starting a chain of reactions in the affected area. Sometimes this can lead to chronic inflammation, where the condition lasts for weeks or even months. Typically, this starts with acute inflammation due to illness or injury. While beneficial and necessary, sometimes inflammation needs treatment as the associated symptoms can include pain, swelling, tenderness, warmth and redness. Medications are often used in these instances, and they can be effective at providing relief by reducing inflammation and the associated symptoms. But, there are also many things found in nature that can quell a case of inflammation.
For instance, did you know that you can make an anti inflammatory tea using many common herbs that carry anti inflammatory properties naturally? By combining herbs from the roots, petals, leaves and stems of common plants into herbal tea recipes, inflammation can be naturally reduced along with the symptoms it presents. Many of these herbal remedies boast other health benefits as well, including vital nutrients, something that is not found in medications.
We compiled at list of the best ten herbs to include in an anti inflammatory tea. But, before you use them, check with a health care provider to ensure the safety. Some herbal remedies can interact negatively with medications and health conditions, and their safe and responsible use is not just a requirement, it is just common sense. So, use your noggin and then soothe your inflammation with our top ten best herbs for an anti inflammatory tea!
1. Boneset
Boneset may not seem like it has a telltale name, but it actually was named for its earliest medicinal applications in breakbone fever (now referred to a dengue fever). The herb is a natural anti inflammatory and is used for a wide variety of ailments, a legacy it endured until Aspirin came about. This is a great anti inflammatory tea ingredient, particularly if muscle pain is also present (in the event of inflammation causing injuries).
2. Calendula
Calendula is a natural remedy for a wide variety of conditions and has been associated with the healing of wounds and sores. Its anti inflammatory properties are thought to be most beneficial to the skin. Sufferers of external inflammation may benefit from an internally ingested brew containing calendula. The flower also makes an excellent anti inflammatory tea for those suffering from inflammation of the gums as can be the case when oral maladies are present.
3. Chickweed
Chickweed is a natural anti inflammatory, and where its benefits may be most apparent are actually on the backside. Literally! Chickweed is thought to help soothe the inflammation brought on by hemorrhoids. This is also an herbal remedy for constipation, furthering its medicinal uses. While perfect for addition in an anti inflammatory tea, chickweed’s oldest use perhaps may be for treating obesity.
4. Chicory Root
In the southern part of the United States, chicory root serves as both a medicinal remedy and as a substitute for a morning cup of coffee. But, it did not earn its popularity for its caffeine content and flavor alone, it also serves as a natural antibacterial, anti inflammatory and diuretic used to reduce uric acid in the body and to help cleanse the liver. Its ability to reduce inflammation is an additional benefit of the widely used herb.
5. Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the best known herbal remedies which is often the go-to alternative healing product that people reach for when the symptoms of a cold or flu come about. But, Echinacea should not be sold short on its cold relieving properties alone. Boasting inulin and essential oils along with a variety of other beneficial natural compounds, Echinacea provides inflammation relieving benefits as well. It contains excellent ingredients for use in herbal tea recipes and makes a fantastic cup of tea.
6. Feverfew
Tannins, sesquiterpine lactones and volatile oils give feverfew its medicinal benefits which have been used for hundreds of years fever, headaches, arthritis and fatigue. Some of these uses are made possible by the natural inflammation reducing effects that the herbal remedy is known for. Feverfew is thought to be more useful in fresh form and more beneficial than capsules or tablets.
7. Marshmallow Root
The root of the plant is where the medicinal benefits are thought to lie containing three times more of beneficial compounds like tannins, mucilage and asparigin. It is a natural anti inflammatory and these benefits are incredibly evident in one particularly popular use of the anti inflammatory tea, sore throats.
8. Sarsaparilla
Antibacterial and antiviral properties found in sarsaparilla have made it a tonic for a wide variety of health conditions. But, while the herb is incredibly well known for adding unique flavor to old time root beer, its inflammation reducing abilities should not be underestimated. This is likely why it was so widely used in conditions that are characterized by inflammation or directly related to them like arthritis and gout. It should be used in an anti inflammatory tea recipe both for health reasons and an obvious unique and enjoyable flavor.
9. Yarrow
Yarrow is an important part of ancient Chinese medicine and boasts an incredible amount of natural compounds including lactones, coumarins and saponins. The herb is used widely to thin the blood and help to reduce blood pressure and serves as a natural anti inflammatory remedy. Its purported list of health benefits includes everything from flu symptom relief to balding; and, although scientific evidence may be insufficient for all its potential uses, it may be better to stick to yarrow for reducing inflammation rather than hair growth.
10. Yucca
Yucca may not be useful in many health maladies, but what it is useful for, it does very well. Most often, yucca is used for inflammatory conditions like arthritis, thanks to naturally occurring saponins. This herbal compound is a perfect addition to an anti inflammatory tea, and for those looking for some excellent herbs to combine yucca with, herbal tea recipes can be made with ginseng and licorice root paired with the yucca for a delicious and healthful experience.