Inflammation is a natural response of the body when there is some kind of infection, disease, aggression, or injury, and its main symptoms are heat, swelling, redness, and pain, which can be chronic or acute. Chronic inflammation usually lasts for more than three months, while acute inflammation is short term.

There are many medicines that treat the various inflammations that can occur in the human body - always with a doctor's prescription - but there are also many plants in nature that have numerous medicinal properties that can benefit our body and help in the treatment of diseases.symptoms and help combat major problems.

Opting for natural treatments for symptom reduction can avoid possible addiction and future problems caused by substances contained in medicines, starting from the point that society is accustomed to self-medicate when feeling any pain or physical discomfort.

Let's learn about anti-inflammatory herbs and how they can be used? Read on and see how nature can benefit your health!

Ginger

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Native to India, ginger is often used in cuisine and also has a great reputation in the field of natural medicine. This root has a chemical compound called "gingerol" - in its fresh version - that acts directly on the receptors and nerve endings, reducing pain and swelling of problems such as arthritis and other inflammations that cause the same symptoms. Ginger is a powerfulanti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, vasodilator, analgesic, among many other attributes that its medicinal properties provide.

Ways to use

Ginger can be consumed in the form of tea, flour, natural tablets, and candies. But the most effective way to fight inflammation is as a tea. Simply cut up 50 g of ginger, boil for 20 minutes in 250 mL of water, and drink twice a day.

Contraindications: pregnant and lactating women, people with gallbladder disease, and those taking anticoagulant medications.

Turmeric

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Also known as "turmeric", turmeric is native to Asia and belongs to the ginger family. Used mainly as a spice, it is a spice that has curcumin, which contains important anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiscorbutic properties, among others that benefit the human organism.

The anti-inflammatory action of curcumin is so powerful that it is able to overcome the action of ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid, according to a study published by the American journal Oncogene in 2004.

Ways to use

Turmeric can be consumed in a number of ways: as root, in capsules, or in powder. If you choose to consume it as root, the recommended amount is one to two small slices per day. If you consume it in powder form, make a tea with one tablespoon in 300 mL of boiling water - drink it no more than once a day.

Contraindications: people with a history of allergies.

Cayenne pepper

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Popularly known as "dedo-de-moça", the pepper is originally from the Americas and got its name from the city of Cayenne, in French Guiana. It is widely used as a seasoning, especially in Mexico, India and the U.S. This pepper has capsaicin, a compound responsible for its burning sensation, which reduces inflammation, accelerates the metabolism, improves digestion, has an actionThis substance also hinders the activity of substance "P", which is responsible for sending pain alerts to the brain. That is why cayenne pepper is recommended for people who suffer from muscle and joint pain.

Ways to use

In addition to eating it in natura in cooking, you can make an ointment with 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper and half a cup of coconut oil or cocoa butter. Just mix the ingredients well and gently massage the area.

Contraindications: Pregnant and lactating women, diabetics, and people with stomach problems should not consume cayenne pepper without medical advice.

Basil

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A plant native to Africa, Asia and India, basil is widely used as a culinary spice, but has been regarded as a medicine since ancient times. It has anti-inflammatory properties that provide iron, calcium, copper, manganese, omega-3 and vitamins A, C and K. Responsible for reducing swelling, improving the immune system, oral health, and aiding in the treatment of stomach ailments, basil has been used as a medicine since ancient times.Basil can even reduce stress, reduces swelling in arthritis, and is similar in action to the main anti-inflammatory drugs.

Ways to use

Basil can be eaten fresh in salads or in tea. To make a tea of this plant, simply take 10 leaves and infuse in 300 mL of boiling water. Drink the tea twice a day.

Contraindications: pregnant and lactating women and children under 12 years old.

Salsa

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A very common spice in Brazil and rich in various vitamins, parsley is an original plant from the Mediterranean and has a substance called luteolin, which is responsible for its anti-inflammatory action.Its tea helps to prevent rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Ways to use

Parsley has its anti-inflammatory power redoubled if eaten with asparagus. Just add a few sprigs of the herb to your plate! To make the tea, take a bunch of parsley and chop the amount corresponding to 2 shallow tablespoons. Boil it in 500 mL of water for about five minutes. Then cover the pot for 15 minutes, until the tea is warm, and drink it.Consume the tea twice a day for a maximum of two weeks.

Contraindications: Pregnant women, women with heavy menstrual flow, diabetics, kidney patients, allergy sufferers, and people with low blood pressure.

Whale grass

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Famous for being a natural anti-inflammatory, the whale grass is native to the Atlantic Forest. This plant has a medicinal action that helps in the treatment of bruises, back or muscular pain, rheumatism, gout, arthritis, and several other inflammations. Also considered a great antiseptic, the whale grass acts as an analgesic and cicatrizant.

Ways to use

It is best to make a compress of concentrated whale grass tea for injuries that need to heal or that are in the process of inflammation. Just boil 10 leaves in 200 mL of water and clean the desired area with this tea. Massages with gel and cream of this herb are also very effective.

Contraindications: there are no records.

Artemisia

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Mugwort is a plant native to the Balkan Peninsula that contains very important anti-inflammatory medicinal properties. It has substances that block the production of prostaglandins - substances responsible for inflammation in the body. Its anti-inflammatory properties are superior to those of the so-called "non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs".

Ways to use

This plant can be consumed in capsules of dried leaves or in the form of tea to combat inflammation. For tea, boil 1 tablespoon of mugwort in 500 ml of water and drink twice a day.

Contraindications: Pregnant and lactating women and people taking anticoagulant medication should seek medical advice. For the general public, the recommendation also applies.

Mallow

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Native to southern Brazil, mallow has medicinal properties that treat oral inflammations, such as periodontitis and gingivitis. This plant is able to decrease the molecules that cause such inflammations, and reduce symptoms such as pain.

Ways to use

In this case, mallow works powerfully when consumed as tea four times a day. Just put 2 tablespoons of mallow in a cup of boiling water, then keep infusing for 10 minutes, strain, and drink.

Contraindications: pregnant and lactating women.

Alcaçuz

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Belonging to the legume family, licorice is native to Asia and Europe. It has a higher sweetness than sugarcane and is an important anti-inflammatory in the medicinal plant milieu. It acts in reducing muscle stiffness and pain, in relieving rheumatoid arthritis of polymyalgia rheumatica, and is also effective in treating oral inflammation.

Ways to use

Licorice is usually consumed as tea, in a simple and quick way: add one tablespoon of licorice root in 700 mL of boiling water. Let it rest for 15 minutes, strain it, and drink it once a day.

Contraindications: pregnant and lactating women, people with kidney problems, and people with hypertension.

Boswellia

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This powerful anti-inflammatory is known as "Indian frankincense" and originates from India and Saudi Arabia. Boswellia is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, but is also regarded as a natural remedy by many people seeking treatment for diseases such as colitis, digestive inflammation, osteoarthritis, and other inflammatory problems.

Ways to use

This herb is found in capsule form and has no indication for consumption through tea. Its use is generally indicated by phytotherapic doctors, but it is usually consumed between 450 mg and 1.2 g per day, divided into three daily doses.

Contraindications: people with gastrointestinal problems should consult their physician.

White Willow

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White Willow is a species of plant that grows in cold and temperate climates. Its bark has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticoagulant, detoxifying, and astringent properties. Its main use is for the relief of headaches, rheumatic, muscular, menstrual, fibromyalgia, and sciatica pains. It has an aspirin-like effect when fever is present, and is not usuallyIt is also considered a natural sedative, as its tea has a calming effect and promotes drowsiness, and can be used to treat skin or mouth infections and sore throats.

Ways to use

White willow is consumed as tea made from its bark. Place one tablespoon of chopped bark and 300 mL of water in a pot and boil for 10 minutes. Let it cool, strain, and drink once a day.

Contraindications: pregnant women, people allergic to aspirin, or those with gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, ulcers, reflux, diverticulitis, among others.

Cat's Claw

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A native Amazonian plant, cat's claw is considered a powerful anti-inflammatory in the treatment of nerve endings and tissues. In addition, it has decongestant, bactericidal, and cytostatic properties, among others. This plant also acts as an intestinal and renal detoxifier, being used as a remedy for fistulas, gastritis, colitis, ulcers, Crohn's disease, etc.

But be warned: there are two species of cat's claw that are medicinal, Uncaria guianensis and Uncaria tumentosa. Do not confuse either of them with the plant Ficus pumila, which also carries the name cat's claw, but is highly toxic.

Ways to use

Cat's claw is consumed in the form of tea. Just boil 20 g of roots and bark of the plant in 1 liter of water for 15 minutes. Then let the tea rest for another 10 minutes, strain and drink. It is recommended to consume it every eight hours, between meals.

Contraindications: pregnant or lactating women, people who are allergic to the plant or have autoimmune diseases.

Aroeira

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The aroeira is a tree native to Peru, and its natural properties have long been known to the Indians living in South America. Currently, it is known for its anti-inflammatory power, causing joint and muscle benefits. In Brazil, it is one of the plants that are on the list of medicinal plants of the SUS (Brazilian Unified Health System), indicated specifically for thetreatment of infections caused by fungi or candida.

Ways to use

The main use of this plant is external: its essential oil should be mixed with some vegetable oil for massage in arthritis or osteoarthritis treatments - as well as for joint trauma.

Contraindications: pregnant and lactating women, and people with sensitive skin or gastrointestinal problems.

Green tea

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Originating in China, green tea has numerous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Considered a great analgesic and anti-inflammatory, its infusion is very effective in the treatment of various diseases, such as diabetes and inflammation, reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, promotes better physical performance, and has many other benefits to our health.

Ways to use

The tea of this plant is usually consumed and should be made in the following way: add one tablespoon of green tea in 200 mL of boiling water and let it infuse for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and drink it one to three times a day.

Contraindications: pregnant women, people with kidney, cardiovascular, or liver disease.

Sage

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Originally from the Mediterranean region, Salvia is a medicinal plant famous for its great anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic action, acting in the prevention of diseases and muscular, articular, and bone pain, and also for being digestive and healing. Extremely rich in vitamins, it is used as a seasoning in cooking and has been considered a natural remedy since the Middle Ages.

Ways to use

Besides being consumed as a condiment, the most common way of consuming salvia is in the form of tea. Simply boil 4 salvia leaves in 300 mL of water and drink once a day.

Contraindications: pregnant and lactating women and people with liver diseases.

Cloves

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Cloves are native to Indonesia and are considered an effective medicinal plant in relieving infections and pain. Besides having anti-inflammatory properties, cloves are rich in several nutrients and have antimicrobial action, acting directly against bacteria, such as staphylococci, and fungi.

Ways to use

Cloves can be used raw in cooking recipes or in teas, creams, oils, and the like - it all depends on what you want to consume it for. To benefit from its anti-inflammatory powers, just make a tea with a teaspoon of cloves and a cup of boiling water. Let it infuse for 15 minutes and drink twice a day.

Contraindications: pregnant or lactating women, people with sensitive or allergic skin.

Arnica

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Arnica is a plant native to the mountains of Siberia and Europe that has long been used in alternative medicine to treat inflammation and pain from numerous diseases. It is used for the relief of muscle pain, bruising, swelling, and joint pain, as well as inflammation. Arnica has anti-inflammatory, healing, and analgesic properties, among others.

Ways to use

For pain relief, arnica should never be taken orally. To benefit from its properties, apply arnica gel to the sore spot. In general, it is not recommended to ingest this plant, as excessive doses can be fatal.

Contraindications: pregnant and lactating women and children under 12 years old.

Barbatimão

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Barbatimão is a plant native to the Brazilian cerrado, found in states such as Goiás, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, among others. Also known as barbatimão-verdadeiro or ubatima, this plant is used to treat wounds, burns, hemorrhages, swelling, sore throats, among other problems.because it contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Ways to use

The barbatimão is used in several ways: in cream, tea, soaps or in sitz baths. To drink its tea, just put 20 g of barbatimão leaves or bark in a liter of boiling water and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, strain it and drink it three to four times a day.

Contraindications: pregnant and lactating women and people with digestive system diseases.

Cottonwood

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Cottonwood is a plant native to the Brazilian Cerrado region, famous for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antipyretic, purgative, and antidysenteric properties. It is commonly used for uterine inflammation, to treat rheumatism, constipation, fever, and various infections.

Ways to use

The most common way to use cottonseed is as a tea: add one teaspoon of root powder in 300 mL of boiling water. Let it infuse and drink it once a day.

Contraindications: pregnant and lactating women.

Rosemary

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A famous and extremely aromatic spice, rosemary is a herb native to the Mediterranean region. Widely used in cooking, it contains numerous medicinal properties that improve our body's health. It has anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, various nutrients, and helps reduce inflammation and the pain caused by it.

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Ways to use

Rosemary has many uses: oil, soaps, creams, tea, in food, etc. To make rosemary tea, boil 1 small branch of the plant in 300 mL of water for five minutes. Let it rest for another 10 minutes, strain it, and drink it once a day.

Contraindications: pregnant or lactating women, people with diarrhea, or children under 12 years old.

Did you see how there are countless plants with properties that can promote much better health in a natural way? It is worth emphasizing again that looking for a doctor is very important! If you think you have some inflammation or infection, look for a specialist to monitor your symptoms and always tell him everything you use to treat what you feel!

Warning: herbs are not a substitute for any medicine.