Can Herbs Combat Inflammation?

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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

(alaskan salmon, sardines (water-packed), organic flaxseeds, raw

almonds and walnuts.

 

Dr. Andrew Weil

http://www.drweil.com

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