7 Foods & Herbs to Reduce Joint Pain and Inflammation

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Joint pain and Inflammation can be experienced as a result of ageing, over-use, or autoimmune diseases attacking the joints and their surrounding tissue. It can hamper our mobility and decrease the zest we feel for life as we get older. Inflammation may also be associated with fever chills, headaches, loss of appetite, fatigue, low energy and muscle stiffness.

7 Foods & Herbs to Reduce Joint Pain and Inflammation

Licorice
Licorice acts much like your body’s own natural corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation. It also decreases free radicals at the site of inflammation and inhibits the enzyme production that’s involved in the inflammatory process. The key component in licorice, which blocks and relieves inflammation, is called glycyrrhizin. It supports the body’s release of cortisol, which suppresses the immune system and eases joint pain.

Turmeric, Ginger & Bromelain
Turmeric, ginger, and bromelain are all effective and natural treatments to relieve stiffness, swelling, and joint pain on their own. Take these in combination on an empty stomach twice a day for pain relief. All three substances can thin the blood, so those taking blood thinning medicine should first check with their health practitioners.

Boswellia
Boswellia is praised by alternative medicine practitioners for its anti-inflammatory capabilities. It is derived from the gum of boswellia trees, which are indigenous to India. Also called frankincense, this herb is thought to work by blocking leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are substances that can attack healthy joints in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw is another anti-inflammatory herb that may reduce swelling in arthritis. This herb is from a tropical vine, and its usage dates back to Inca civilizations. Traditionally, cat’s claw is used to boost your immune system. In recent years, the immunity powers of the herb have been tried in arthritis.

Flaxseed
Flaxseed is an excellent source of Omega-3 in vegan form. It is very important to help you keep your immune system strong. It also is important to fight inflammation. The vegan aspect is important because animal fats can often cause inflammation in people with arthritis.

Burdock Root
One of the greatest things you can do for pain, joint or otherwise, is increase your intake of essential fatty acids. Burdock contains fatty oils which contribute to burdock’s reputation as an anti-inflammatory.

Feverfew
A native herb from the Balkan Peninsula and Europe, feverfew also proves to be an excellent herb in relieving joint pain. Research has demonstrated that this herb is capable of reducing pain-causing inflammation in tissues and joints.

Sources:

[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24512603

[2] http://www.herbs-info.com/herbs-for-joint-pain.html

[3] http://www.youngandraw.com/anti-inflammatory-cleansing-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/

[4] http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/clarendon-hills/community/chi-ugc-article-5-herbs-which-are-useful-for-arthritis-and-jo-2016-02-05-story.html

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