The natural anti-inflammatories are plants and infusions with effects for the throat, muscle discomfort, and back pain. They can be taken mixed with water and honey in an infusion or the extract may come prepared in the form of capsules or tablets. The point is that they work and the body absorbs them better regardless of their commercial form and preparation, whether it’s for ingestion or for applying the anti-inflammatory topically. And since there are quite a few, let’s take a look at the most potent and best ones.
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Most potent natural anti-inflammatories
There are many foods we regularly eat and natural plants that have anti-inflammatory properties. They are common on the table and in the pantry, offering beneficial effects against inflammation and tissues damaged by a blow or after suffering a contusion. Some of them have mild pharmacological effects and are barely perceptible when there’s an arthritic process or muscle injury, but others, on the other hand, are excellent anti-inflammatory remedies.
The milder ones should be incorporated into the diet regularly, especially if you suffer from a chronic condition. This will help reduce daily discomfort and make it easier for you to live a more comfortable life.
However, at certain times, it is necessary to take the more potent natural anti-inflammatories. One active ingredient against inflammation is octadecadienoic acid, which has properties indicated for the inflammatory process and can be found in the plant called devil’s claw or celery, but it also has the same anti-inflammatory properties as the following plants:
- Devil’s claw
- Rosemary
- Ginger
- Celery
As you can see, there are different natural anti-inflammatory remedies. So let’s explain the most common cases where there is pain and the tissues become inflamed so that you can use the appropriate remedy depending on the type of discomfort and the area where the inflammation appears.
Natural anti-inflammatory for joints
In the knees, hands, ankles, or neck, joint anti-inflammatories act as pain relievers and soothing agents. They reduce joint pain and promote greater mobility of the knee and joints affected by cartilage degeneration and wear.
The natural anti-inflammatories for joints should be taken in moderation, and if there’s a similar pharmacological treatment, it should be discussed with the doctor to check if they are compatible.
Always avoid taking medicinal plants with the same effects as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and using them together with the medication, except, of course, in cases where the specialist recommends it.
Talking to the doctor is to check the viability of continuing with the natural treatment and also, taking anti-inflammatory infusions or pills with the same beneficial effects. In some cases, it could be counterproductive or increase their properties too much, potentially causing side effects and worsening what we actually want to treat.
Once we have emphasized the importance of always consulting the doctor when such situations arise, let’s look at the natural anti-inflammatories for joints:
- Devil’s claw
- Rosemary alcohol
- Arnica
- Nettle
- Garlic
Devil’s Claw
The devil’s claw is known as Harpagophytum procubens, and the root of the plant is used for its anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes swelling symptoms and is very special for people with joint wear. It has been used for a long time with very good results, and if you have frequent discomfort, we recommend you read the full text about the properties of devil’s claw as an anti-inflammatory treatment and natural remedy. It will surely help you on more than one occasion.
Another remedy or natural anti-inflammatory is rosemary. Its ethyl formula is very commonly used. To apply it, rub it with rosemary alcohol, as it is very effective in relieving discomfort in the knee.
Rosemary Alcohol
Rosemary alcohol should always be used by soaking a gauze or a clean cloth, or by rubbing directly with rosmarinus officinalis, which is the name of the plant. It is ideal for elderly people with joint pain, improves circulation, and even helps in areas with cellulite. This anti-inflammatory should never be ingested. It is for topical use only.
Arnica
Another one of the best plants that nature provides us to fight and eliminate pain and accelerate the recovery process is the plant called Arnica montana. It is a natural remedy known since ancient times, with powerful analgesic effects and suitable for reducing bruises. Its properties have been tested over many years of phytotherapy.
It is recommended by traumatologists, physiotherapists, and professional masseurs. It has uses as a natural remedy and is very easy to use at home. You can prepare it in various ways or buy it already prepared, but if what you want is to reduce pain and inflammation, the arnica oil is the best way to apply it.
Currently, you can acquire it in different commercial presentations such as cream, ointment, gel, and the mentioned oil, which, according to the opinions of physiotherapists and osteopaths, is extremely beneficial for relieving the discomfort of sprains, strains, and muscle injuries such as tendinitis and muscle fiber rupture.
Arnica montana is also used in general homeopathy, and like Arnica chamissonis, it contains helenalin and lactone in its composition. Active substances that help reduce swelling.
Nettle
The nettle is especially indicated for treating rheumatism and symptomatic gout. It has multiple benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.
In its composition, we can find many trace elements that will help us in the joint degenerative process, such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron and phosphorus. Additionally, nettle is very rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes that, on the other hand, will help prevent cartilage and tissue aging associated with the joints. Ideally, you should use nettle leaves, as this part of the plant has the most concentrated anti-inflammatory medicinal properties.
Garlic
Garlic is a common food in Spanish cuisine. It is well known for its ability to activate circulation and its antibiotic properties. It is rich in allicin.
But what many people don’t know is that it also serves as a natural remedy to stop the damage caused by rheumatism.
For it to work well, garlic must be eaten raw. You can cook it, but this way, it will lose part of its benefits. However, if you dislike the taste, it is better to add it to stews as it will release beneficial substances and you can eat it more easily.
Natural and Powerful Anti-Inflammatories for Muscles
Some plants, fruits, and common kitchen products are especially good for relieving muscle discomfort. These can be used in various ways to speed up recovery and stop inflammation. The natural anti-inflammatories for muscles are:
- Meadowsweet
- Apple cider vinegar
- Ice
- Papaya
- Chamomile
- Broccoli
Meadowsweet
It is a plant with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It contains salicylates that work by blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins. It is commonly used at the beginning of a muscle injury or when muscle inflammation starts. The scientific name of the plant is Filipendula ulmaria, and it is often a natural substitute for aspirin and acetylsalicylic acid.
Apple Cider Vinegar
It helps improve blood circulation and purify the body. It works well for people suffering from rheumatism and also for sports injuries.
Apple cider vinegar is recommended as an adjunct to arthritis treatment, meaning as a complement but never as a substitute for medication. This must be clarified, as it can help block part of the pain, but it will never be a treatment per sé.
When processing apples to make vinegar, substances such as malic acid appear, which acts against uric acid crystals, elements that are very common in people with joint problems and are the main source of discomfort in these types of degenerative disorders.
You can take a few drops every day or use it in rubs along with arnica or rosemary alcohol.
Ice
Of course, this natural remedy could not be left out. It is inexpensive, effective, can be used anywhere, and it is rare for a household not to have an ice pack in the freezer.
Ice is the quintessential anti-inflammatory remedy. Known to all and frequently used, it should be applied immediately after the injury, trauma, or crushing. If used right before noticing the inflammation starting to rise, it will stop the accumulation of fluids and improve the recovery process since the affected area will not swell as much.
The anti-inflammatory properties of ice are excellent for bruises, bumps, trauma, and any situation where tissues have been damaged by impacts.
To use ice, just apply it for a few minutes. The maximum time is 15 minutes, covering it with a clean cloth to avoid possible burns from direct skin contact.
You can repeat this several times a day until you notice less pain.
Anti-inflammatory Remedies for the Throat
- Black currant.
- Ginger and green tea infusion.
- Onion + half a lemon + 1 tablespoon of honey.
The black currant stimulates the adrenal cortex and provides effects similar to cortisone. It is well known as black sarsaparilla or Ribes nigrum. It can also be used in the form of black currant oil and acts against rheumatism.
Ginger is one of the most potent anti-inflammatories for the vocal cords and is also very inexpensive. It is available in root form at many supermarkets. Just cut several pieces and boil them for 5 minutes. You can drink it with a bit of lemon, green tea, or a tablespoon of honey to soothe the throat.
You can also use cooked onion to relieve symptoms of the flu, hoarseness, or an irritated throat. Like garlic, onion is a fantastic food that should never be missing in the house.
Another remedy for a sore throat is onion. It is a natural and anti-inflammatory remedy. To use it, you should cook it for 5 minutes. Strain it and add the juice of half a lemon. Add a tablespoon of honey to improve the taste and also provide many more beneficial properties for the vocal cords.
The taste of the cooked onion with lemon and honey is very different from when you eat it fresh. This way, it goes down very well and is much less unpleasant for most people (both adults and children). And the best part is that it works by reducing throat pain very quickly. You should drink it 3 times a day.
Natural Anti-inflammatories for Back Pain
- Massage with alcohol
- Rosemary oil
- Pineapple
- Turmeric
Most types of alcohol work very well for relieving back pain and reducing discomfort from a long workday or when you’re sitting many hours in front of a computer. You can use different types of alcohol to relax the muscles and provide relief to the spine. Both alcohol and rosemary oil are ideal, but you can try others if you wish. Rubbing the back relaxes and soothes the discomfort.
Eating pineapple helps with digestive processes but also with inflammation, so in addition to nourishing ourselves with this delicious food, we can benefit when discomfort appears. It is a natural anti-inflammatory for back pain, with interesting properties for rheumatoid arthritis and people affected by osteoarthritis. It contains bromelain, which, along with medicinal turmeric, can enhance the results in relieving discomfort in the spine and back muscles.
Other Natural Anti-inflammatories
White willow bark is used to eliminate mouth infections that cause inflammation and dental problems. It helps with sores, mouth ulcers, toothache, and also soothes throat infections.
In fact, in phytotherapy, there are many plants and remedies that function as natural anti-inflammatories, so here is the complete list to complement the ones we’ve already mentioned:
- White willow
- Flaxseed
- Laurel
- Linden
- Cinnamon
- Sweet potato
- Blueberries
- Olive oil
- Pomegranate
- Eucalyptus
- Apple cider vinegar
- Horsetail
It is worth mentioning that some people feel relief and notice positive results when using eucalyptus with lemon and juniper. This combination of the three anti-inflammatories works well for rheumatism and conditions where swelling appears.
You can also complement the corrective measures indicated by the physiotherapist or doctor for arthritis and osteoarthritis with horsetail infusion. For this, it is necessary to drink two infusions daily—one in the morning and one in the evening, before breakfast and dinner.
Thank you for your valuable information. I have a question: I suffer from guttate psoriasis, and at this moment, 90% of my body is affected. I know that this disease is a type of inflammation that no one has discovered why it occurs. But many medicines have been invented to alleviate it or control it, though with disastrous side effects for health.
My question is: what natural treatment can I follow to control this disease?
Thank you.
Guttate psoriasis affects small areas of the body’s surface. If 90% of your body is affected by psoriasis, you have an extremely important health issue and should be under dermatological treatment and follow-up.
After being surgically treated for a stroke (ACV), I have developed permanent vertigo as a side effect, with a heavy sensation in my head, both front and back, that prevents me from moving normally. I walk with a cane to avoid falling, as I’ve already had one fall due to misjudging a curb, and I fell very badly. I have not been prescribed anything to repair or restore my left ear, which has destroyed the vestibular system that controls balance and spatial awareness. I kindly ask for a natural remedy to improve my situation. I greatly appreciate your attention and kind collaboration in responding to my request.
There are natural foods that act as anti-inflammatory agents, but sometimes the pain we endure is so great that we resort to other remedies that are more effective but much less healthy: conventional anti-inflammatories. I’m sharing a page that talks about joint pain and recommends very effective natural compounds.