Spices That Combat Inflammation

There are many foods and spices that have been used over the years to combat inflammation within the human body. Many people have been turning towards these natural remedies for inflammation as more and more of the side effects of the prescription drugs are causing severe consequences.

There is a list of fifteen spices that are proving to be excellent in fighting inflammation within the human body. 

1.       Black Pepper

2.       Basil

3.       Cardamom

4.       Cayenne

5.       Chamomile

6.       Chives

7.       Cilantro

8.       Cinnamon

9.       Cloves

10.   Garlic

11.   Ginger

12.   Parsley

13.   Nutmeg

14.   Rosemary

15.   Turmeric

Turmeric and ginger are considered to be the most potent spices in the reduction of inflammation within the human body. Along with looking more closely at these two spices, let’s also look more closely at a few of the more effective spices for anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric is the spice in curry powder that gives it the yellow hue and has been used in Indian medicine for centuries. Turmeric is used to stimulate the appetite, as a digestive aid, and is recently been discovered to be a potentially powerful cancer fighter as well as reducing inflammation, including inflammation caused by psoriasis. (www.rd.com)

Ginger has been a large part of Asian and Indian medicine for centuries as a digestive aid. In recent years, ginger has been found to fight inflammation, especially when combined with turmeric, in people suffering from arthritis by reducing the pain and swelling associated with the condition.

Cinnamon is also a top spice to aid in relieving inflammation within the body. Cinnamon has been called “one of the most powerful healing spices” by Reader’s Digest (www.rd.com). It has been used in lowering blood-sugar levels in people with diabetes, lowering triglycerides and total cholesterol, and preventing blood clots. Its healing powers extend to those suffering from inflammation.

Cayenne has several proven health benefits including relieving congestion, boosting metabolism, cancer preventative, treating shingles pain and nerve pain related to diabetes, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The capsaicin has been used in many over-the-counter creams, ointments, and patches for those suffering from arthritis, muscle pain and joint pain.  After using products with capsaicin for a time it “short-circuits pain by depleting nerve cells of a chemical called substance-P” (www.rd.com).

Cloves are used in Indian cooking and contain an anti-inflammatory agent called eugenol. Reader’s Digest recently reported that in animal studies, eugenol has inhibited COX-2 which is a protein that creates inflammation in the body (www.rd.com). Aside from being an anti-inflammatory spice, it also contains properties that are beneficial to your overall health including boosting protection from heart disease, cancer, and slowing the progression of arthritis.

Rosemary, while not being as noteworthy in inhibiting inflammation as some of the other spices listed, still possesses the strong ability to significantly reduce the inflammatory response within the body. It is also used for its anti-oxidant and stress lowering capabilities (www.outsideonline.com).

Cooking with spices not only enhances the flavors of your food, they also provide you with the best source of natural treatments for removing inflammation in the human body. However, you cannot truly measure the amount of the spice that you actually consume at each mealtime. A recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of cayenne for the entire recipe; therefore, depending upon the serving size, you will not know how much actual cayenne you have ingested. Most of the spices listed above also come in capsule form and can be taken daily. Remember, though, to get the full benefits of these spices, you will need to incorporate them into your daily cooking or supplement form at the recommended dosage.