31 Proven Home Remedies for Inflammation

What is Inflammation

 

If you’re already living with inflammation, you don’t need anyone to tell you how painful it can be.

It’s an awful sensation, and sometimes it seems like all medicines do is grant temporary relief.

But what is inflammation? What causes it?

Simply put, inflammation is your body’s response to being hurt or injured.

It helps your body heal after it receives damage, and repair damaged tissue.

It also helps to defend against unwanted intruders – like bacteria and viruses.

But sometimes chronic diseases cause your body’s inflammation response to the trigger, even when it probably shouldn’t.

The causes do vary from person to person.

While it is a good thing when this response is happening normally, when inflammation is out of control, it can actually pose a danger to your health.

Studies have shown that chronic and unnecessary inflammation can lead to a whole host of disorders, only some of which include: asthma, arthritis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, blindness, and the chance of mental illness and autism, as well!

Seem like an exaggeration?

We all know that white blood cells are like warriors in our bodies.

They are the first to show up on the scene when we have an injury or infection.

Something you may not know is that they work by sending out waves of chemicals that will eliminate germs immediately, as well as protein messengers known as cytokines, which have a startling array of tasks they must perform.

When you think of this happening when your body is injured or fighting infection, it’s easy to see why so many people hail inflammation as a great thing.

However, when your body isn’t injured or infected, and these warriors are attacking your body rather than a real threat, it can be a nightmare.

The damage unwarranted inflammation does to the body is real.

In extreme cases, it can even be deadly.

When your body stops working for you and starts working against you, it can literally kill you from the inside out.

It’s unpleasant, and what’s scary is that it can sometimes take something being very wrong or out of balance before you even know that you’re sick.

 

When to Go to a Doctor?

 

While you should expect a certain healthy amount of inflammation from time to time, there are some warning signs when something’s not right.

If you’re chronically fatigued, unusually depressed, have issues with allergies, are prone to skin problems, or even intestinal issues, you could be suffering from chronic inflammation.

This is because inflamed cells are sick cells.

If your body is fighting something, especially itself, you’re not going to be feeling your best.

It’s important to talk to your doctor, especially if you notice swelling and pain in your joints or other areas.

But don’t worry – you don’t have to be stuck on medications for the rest of your life.

Living with chronic inflammation is more than achievable.

Regardless of whether you prefer supplements or cooking your way to good health, we have a little bit of something for everyone.

Here is a list of some of the best home remedies for inflammation that you can count on.

Most of these also double as a great way to achieve natural pain relief!

We’ll begin with the most popular and trusted anti-inflammatory supplements.

 

Home Remedies for Inflammation

 

Glucosamine Sulfate

 

This is hands-down one of the most well-studied supplements worldwide for joint health.

Did you know that Sulfur is naturally produced in your body and is essential for joint health?

This is what makes glucosamine sulfate so especially helpful when it comes to pain relief and joint mobility.

It is better absorbed than glucosamine alone, meaning that glucosamine sulfate is both more effective and quicker-acting than other glucosamine products.

Many people report that it works just as well as NSAIDs, only without the negative side-effects.

 

Ionic Minerals

 

Our bodies run on electrical impulses, and ionic minerals are a crucial part of that process.

Our bodies rely on ionic minerals not just to conduct but to generate electrical impulses.

Without the right balance, your brain and muscles don’t function properly, and your body’s cells can’t absorb nutrients as they should.

When taken with other supplements, ionic minerals both balance and replace electrolytes, improve circulatory health, maintain your pH balance, and help with the absorption of nutrients and vitamins.

It is thought that joint pain and inflammation are side-effects of too little ionic minerals.

Some of the most notable minerals include Zinc, Selenium, Phosphorous, Manganese, Magnesium, Iron, Copper, Calcium, and Boron.

 

Proteolytic Enzymes

 

When you’re wanting relief from inflammation and joint pain, having proteolytic activity on a systemic level is imperative.

The category of enzymes known for breaking down proteins into amino acids and peptides is known as the protease.

This cycle helps to regulate and control both inflammation that results from an injury as well as systemic inflammation.

This means that this enzyme can help reduce inflammation and assist with joint health and the reduction of pain.

 

Devil’s Claw

 

The devil’s claw is a type of claw-like fruit that hails from the Kalahari Desert.

For centuries, South African tribes have used it to treat arthritis pain and as a remedy for inflammation.

Several studies have been conducted on the fruit, and have found that it has natural, very powerful NSAID-equivalent properties.

Some doctors have even claimed that it is as effective in treatment as Diacerein, an osteoarthritis medication.

Other studies conducted in Germany and France found its effects to be on par with those of cortisone.

 

S-Adenosyl Methionine or SAMe

 

SAMe is a naturally-occurring chemical in the human body that scientists now manufacture in a laboratory to turn into a supplement.

Studies have shown that taking SAMe regularly gave pain-relieving effects comparable to Celebrex by the second month.

However, SAMe came with no negative side effects.

In addition to helping with inflammation and joint pain, it can also help with liver disease, migraines, and depression.

 

White Willow Bark

 

This Hippocrates-era home remedy has been used as a more natural way to reduce pain and inflammation, especially those associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

(It’s also a huge help with PMS, gout, backache, and headaches!)

This is because the bark of the white willow tree contains salicin, a chemical which acts similarly to aspirin.

Many prefer white willow to aspirin, however, because it has none of the upsetting side effects, and naturally, has flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

 

Rutin

 

The flavonoid Rutin is made up of the disaccharide rutinose and the flavonol quercetin.

It naturally occurs in a plethora of plants, and you may already be enjoying small doses in your apple peels and black tea.

Its powerful anti-inflammatory potential is due to its powerful antioxidant qualities.

It helps to maintain glutathione levels in your body, which also acts as an antioxidant.

And it reduces cellular damage, which quiets inflammation.

 

Thunder God Vine

 

In Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, and China, a vine called Thunder God is grown.

It is known for its powerful natural relief from both rheumatoid and regular arthritis.

This is due to the fact that it regulates your immune system naturally, thus reducing inflammation.

This means that it’s great for all autoimmune diseases.

A UT Southwestern Medical Center showed that 80% of patients who took high dosages of Thunder God Vine supplements had their rheumatoid arthritis symptoms improve considerably.

 

L-Glutathione

 

This is a naturally occurring protein found in every single cell in your body, and consists of 3 amino acids: L-glycine, L-cysteine, and Glutamic acid.

Though it is produced in your liver, it can also be found in lamb, beef, vegetables, and fruit.

L-glutathione is considered to be the most powerful antioxidant in your body, as it helps to protect your cells from oxidative stress and free-radical damage.

This leads to improved cellular health, and thus strengthens your immune system.

This means that, in addition to a plethora of other issues and diseases, L-glutathione is a great treatment for inflammation.

 

Burdock Root

 

Though it’s known as a natural remedy for a variety of reasons, it is perhaps best known for its help with reduction of swollen joints, rheumatism, and arthritis pain.

This is because it is an excellent blood purifier.

It helps to eliminate toxins quickly and clear the blood flow path in the urinary, respiratory, lymphatic, and circulatory systems.

This also helps to clean up your liver and kidneys, which is great news for chronic pain sufferers who have a build-up of medications like Tylenol in their system.

 

Vitamins

 

Everything you eat contains vitamins, and vitamins are needed to help your body grow and repair.

However, your food alone may not be vitamin-rich enough to keep your body in optimal health.

So be sure to take these vitamins to stay strong and reduce your discomfort: B12, D3, E, and K.

 

Chondroitin Sulfate

 

Both around and in your joints is the chemical “chondroitin.”

It is a natural chemical produced in your body, but as you age the production rates drop rapidly.

The loss of this chemical in your joints has been linked to pain, swelling, and general wear and tear of your joints.

It is a big player in osteoarthritis.

It is made using the cartilage of farm animals such as cows and helps by upping the amount of chondroitin in your joints.

 

Hydrolyzed Collagen Type II

 

We all know that collagen is great for joints, but did you know that collagen (especially Type 2) is a fundamental building block for your joints’ cartilage?

It’s not just a small part, either. Your body is made up of roughly 60% Type II collagen!

That is why taking hydrolyzed Type II collagen, which is made of the amino acids found in cartilage, is so great for your joints and inflammation.

Not only does it jump-start the production of new collagen, it repairs connective tissue and cartilage throughout your entire body.

As a bonus, it also has Hyaluronic acid, which is great for lubricating your joints and reducing inflammation.

 

ASU or Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiable

 

This concoction is a vegetable extra that is created when you combine oils from both soybeans and avocados.

It is known for slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.

It works by slowing the rate that inflammatory chemicals are made in your body, thus preventing further damage to the cartilage in your joints.

But it doesn’t stop there; it’s also been said to help jump-start the growth of new cartilage.

This is something that can be super helpful for those who have been suffering from chronic inflammation for a long time.

 

Paractin

 

Paractin is an extract of a well-known medicinal herb, Andrographis paniculata, and is clinically proven to help correct a person’s imbalanced immune system.

It works by helping your body cut off signals that lead to inflammation.

This means that not only will it help in reducing your body’s inflammation, but it will significantly reduce joint pain.

This is a fantastic supplement for sufferers from both inflammation and arthritis.

 

CMO or Cetyl Myristoleate

 

CMO is a type of fatty acid (ethylated esterified fatty acid) which is taken from bovine tallow oil.

While it is similar to fish oil, CMO is specifically made to help joints heal by acting as a cellular lubricant.

It promotes healthy joint function and helps to increase not just joint flexibility, but your range of motion, as well.

By adding more lubrication between your joints, it helps to prevent and reduce wear and tear on joint cartilage.

This is especially good for people with degenerative osteoarthritis.

 

Citrus Bioflavonoids

 

Citrus bioflavonoids, a.k.a. vitamin P, not only helps your body absorb vitamin C, it is an important antioxidant.

Flavonoids also help to stop elastase and collagenase, which are two of the culprits responsible for breaking down your connective tissue.

The breaking down of connective tissue is one of the key factors that cause arthritis.

By taking bioflavonoids, you can help to reinforce your body’s natural collagen structures, strengthen its connective tissues, and help to protect it from damage done by free radicals.

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids/Fish Oil

 

No list of natural remedies – especially for inflammation and joint pain – would be complete without this wonderful standby.

It’s important to note that when you’re looking for Omega-3s, you should look for salmon, herring, trout, cod, and other cold-water fish as the source.

These fish are more abundant than other fish.

If you can, look specifically for cod liver oil, as British studies have found that it not only helps with pain and swelling but can stop and even reverse damage associated with osteoarthritis.

These Omega-3s help regenerate joint tissue, reduce morning stiffness, and can even help those suffering from psoriasis, lupus, and RA.

 

MSM or Methylsulfonylmethane

 

This powerful natural remedy helps with both pain and inflammation.

It is a potent sulfur that is found naturally in human beings, animals, and even plants.

MSM helps by improving cellular permeability.

This means that not only can nutrients get into cells more easily, but those harmful toxins can easily flow out.

This means that your cells can better provide for your joints, connective tissue, and cartilage.

 

Boswellia Serrata

 

This is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy that will help with inflammatory issues.

It is made from the Indian Boswellia tree and has been trusted for many centuries to help ease inflammation and joint pain.

It works by soothing the cytokines that ignite inflammation.

By doing this, it frees up the pathways so that your blood can flow through the inflamed area, healing as it goes.

Not only will this help to take away your pain and swelling, it will help improve your mobility!

If supplements aren’t your thing, you can also try adding more of these to your diet as a natural remedy for inflammation:

 

Celery

 

In addition to helping to prevent heart disease, improving your blood pressure, and helping your cholesterol levels, this delicious plant can help you out with your inflammation.

Everything from the stalk to the seeds has powerful antioxidants and vitamins that help to combat inflammation.

 

Blueberries

 

It’s not a secret that blueberries are a great antioxidant, but they’re fast on their way to becoming a superfood.

Not only do these tasty berries help fight inflammation, they can even help combat cancer.

That’s because they don’t just have antioxidant properties, they also help protect you from oxidative stress!

 

Beets

 

Beets are a great source of antioxidants and help to repair damage to your cells caused by inflammation.

They’ve also got high levels of magnesium and potassium, both of which are great for reducing inflammation.

Enjoy these in a vegetable juice with some of your other favorites for a truly delicious treat.

 

Pineapples

 

Yes, the sweet and tangy fruit that goes with anything from ham to cakes can also act as a natural remedy for inflammation.

That’s because it has immune-modulating abilities.

That’s a fancy way of saying that it helps to regulate your body’s immune response, which is what’s responsible for inflammation.

When your body is regulated properly, you don’t have to worry about inflammation and joint pain.

 

Leafy Green Vegetables

 

Known for being high in vitamin K, leafy green veggies can help you fight back against inflammation.

How so? A vitamin K deficiency is one of the most common causes of inflammation.

And leafy greens also contain tons of flavonoids.

Incorporating more leafy greens into your meals (especially raw, in delicious salads), can help improve both your joint health as well as reducing inflammation.

And to help spice up those new dishes, try these anti-inflammatory herbs and spices:

 

Rosemary

 

This fantastic herb can be used in everything from Mediterranean foods to roast chicken, potatoes and herb dishes, and so much more.

It is a powerful anti-inflammatory, with one study showing that taking just one spoonful a day dramatically reduced inflammation.

It is a cheap and tasty alternative to spending tons of cash at the pharmacy and still suffering.

 

Basil

 

This sweet-smelling herb is full of eugenol, which makes it perfect for anti-inflammatory home remedies.

Eugenol is an enzyme-inhibiting compound that helps to keep your joints and blood healthy and flowing.

It allows your joints to heal naturally and helps to prevent damaging inflammation.

It also happens to taste fantastic in everything from fresh salads to mashed potatoes.

 

Cloves

 

Cloves are also high in eugenol, which helps to block harmful inflammation-inducing enzymes known as cyclooxygenase or COX.

They’re great in spicy teas, oils, to help flavor baked meats such as ham, and to flavor rich and aromatic soups.

 

Turmeric

 

With studies showing that turmeric is anywhere from 5 – 8 times stronger than both vitamins E and C, it’s no surprise that this spice is an immune-boosting dream.

It’s hugely antioxidant and has earned a spot in the top 4 most potent anti-inflammatory natural remedies of all time.

 

Ginger

 

Whether you like to add a little spice to an Asian dish or enjoy a spicy cup of ginger tea, ginger is considered a very potent anti-inflammatory.

This is because, in addition to other anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is high in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.

 

Conclusion

 

There are many great supplements, foods, and herbs and spices out there to help fight off inflammation.

Whether they act as natural pain relief or are just chock-full of natural anti-inflammatory benefits, the world is full of natural remedies.

While you should always talk to your doctor before you change up any prescription medications you may have, most natural remedies are considered perfectly safe to take.

Keep an eye out for food allergies when you use natural remedies, and make sure that it’s safe to take supplements with any medications your doctor may have prescribed to you.

Please keep in mind that these are just very few examples of natural remedies for inflammation.

There are many anti-inflammatory supplements, natural anti-inflammatory aids, anti-inflammatory herbs, and natural remedies for inflammation that you can (sometimes literally) cook up at home!

If you find that one doesn’t work as well for you as another, try pairing it with or switching it out for another.