Herbs that are anti-inflammatory

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I found this this morning, and thought it was quite interesting to share with the group.

http://www.drweil.com/u/QA/QA142972/

Can Herbs Combat Inflammation?Is there an herb that is anti-inflammatory that I can use instead of ibuprofen?-- Anonymous

Answer (Published 12/03/2002)

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Yes, there are a number of excellent anti-inflammatory herbs. The most important are:

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric accounts for the yellow color of curry and American mustard and has a distinctive sharp flavor. I recommend turmeric for all inflammatory disorders, including arthritis, tendonitis, and auto immune conditions. Take 400 to 600 milligrams of turmeric extracts (available in tablets or capsules) three times per day or as directed on the product label. Whole turmeric is more effective than isolated curcumin, its major constituent. Look for products standardized for 95% curcuminoids. Be patient: the full benefit takes two months to develop. Don’t use turmeric if you have gallstones or bile duct dysfunction. Pregnant women shouldn’t use it without their doctors’ approval. In rare cases, extended use can cause stomach upset or heartburn.

Ginger: Powdered dry ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory. Take one to two capsules (500 to 1,000 mg) twice a day with food. As with turmeric, you won’t get the full effect for two months.

Boswellin: This is the extract of the herb Boswellia, used in Ayurvedic medicine

advertisement available in capsule form. It may be useful for generalized inflammatory conditions such as fibromyalgia. The dosage is two capsules twice a day unless the product label directs differently.

You can take all of these herbs in combination. In fact, I most frequently recommend the herbal remedy Zyflamend, from New Chapter, Inc., which includes most of them and more, including holy basil, another Indian remedy. Follow the dosage directions on the package.

In addition to herbs, you can also take dietary steps to reduce inflammation. The specific fats in your diet affect the way the body makes prostaglandins, a group of hormones that regulate inflammation. Some prostaglandins intensify the inflammatory response while others reduce it. To help your body reduce inflammation eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils and all foods that contain trans-fatty acids (read food labels to check for the presence of these oils). Instead, use extra-virgin olive oil as your main fat and increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids found in oily, cold-water fish, flaxseeds or oil, and walnuts.

Dr. Weil

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