Can Herbs Combat Inflammation?

[Guest guest]

Can Herbs Combat Inflammation? JoAnn Guest Jun 07, 2003 20:15 PDT

Can Herbs Combat Inflammation?

 

" Is there an herb that is anti-inflammatory that I can use instead of

ibuprofen? "

 

-- Anonymous

 

 

 

(Published 12/03/2002)

 

 

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 and 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. Andrew Weil

http://www.drweil.com

 

 

 

 

What’s your favorite remedy for inflammation? Click here to compare

notes in our discussion.

 

 

 

The complete " Whole Body " Health line consists of the " AIM GARDEN TRIO "

Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen

 

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html

 

 

 

 

 

Free online calendar with sync to Outlook.