Can Herbs Combat Inflammation?

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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