[toc]Inflammation is the way the body protects itself by removing the stimuli and beginning the healing process as a reaction to infection or injury. The tissue that is affected becomes red, swells, becomes tender and warm and may even be extremely painful. It is difficult to identify the source of inflammation as anything can act as a trigger like drug overuse, infections, trauma or injury, environmental toxins and free radical change in the body.
Hence inflammation is not all bad, but when it begins to become acute and chronic, it begins to become very damaging to the health of an individual. Pharmaceutical drugs like ibuprofen or advil will reduce the swelling but they cannot be taken for too long and have their side effects. To relieve the inflammation and avoid side effects various natural remedies are available.
5 Ways To Cure Inflammation
Lavender Essential Oil
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Original price was: $20.10.$18.30Current price is: $18.30.Lavender essential oil is one of the most commonly used oils in aromatherapy and major portion of the commercially grown lavender is used for the purpose of production of this oil. This oil is very easily available in any natural foods or health store. Lavender has anti inflammatory properties. Take a small amount of lavender oil and rub it gently on the lower back, neck and temples.
This process repeated regularly will prove as an effective remedy for Inflammation. Alternatively Lavender tea can be consumed daily to relive inflammation especially if it is internal. To prepare this tea add two teaspoons of lavender flowers to a cup of hot water. Let it steep for five to ten minutes and strain.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
A diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids and low in omega 6 fatty acids present in foods like red meat and dairy products can help lower inflammation. These omega 3 fatty acids are also available in supplement form and are responsible to stop the production of the substances responsible for causing inflammation.
Flax seeds and flax seed oil is the oldest known anti inflammatory agent as it is a very rich source of omega three fatty acids. Certain cold water fishes like mackerel, salmon etc are rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids. For people who don’t eat fish, these can also be taken as fish oil supplements a variety of which such as cod liver oil are available in the market.
Herbs
Various common and uncommon herbs have been found to have anti inflammatory properties and proven to be effective in treating inflammation. Curcumin present in turmeric can reduce the effect of cytokines that are the proteins responsible for causing inflammation. Also it has been found that ginger is more effective in reducing inflammation than most anti inflammatory drugs like aspirin.
Both ginger and turmeric can be used in daily cooking very easily in fresh or dried form. Alfalfa is very rich in minerals and chlorophyll which aid in reducing inflammation. Aloe vera juice is also very useful to curb inflammation as it has many nutrients and compounds that strengthen the body’s systems. Bilberry conatins flavinoids that helps reduce inflammation. Boswellia, cat’s claw, echinacea, goldenseal, red clover, pau d’arco and yucca are anti inflammatory herbs and help in reducing inflammation.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts are rich in the magnesium content. Any drug store will have a variety of scented and unscented Epsom salts to choose from. Fill a bath tub with hot water. To this add epsom salts. Soak in the bath for about fifteen to twenty minutes. Repeat this process daily. Any inflammation that is external will be effectively reduced by following this process daily.
Thus an Epsom salt bath is one of the most effective and cheapest remedies for inflammation still followed by people today. A few drops of lavender, pepper mint or any other essential oil will further add to the remedy and make the healing process faster. This is because these oils contain compounds that have anti inflammatory properties. Thus adding essential oils to the Epsom salt bath will be a healthful and relaxing experience.
Lifestyle Changes
Various lifestyle changes can be made which can further help in remedying the problem of inflammation. Stress is one of the major triggers of chronic inflammation. Any technique that can help manage stress will also help reduce inflammation.
Yoga is an ancient Indian form of meditation and exercise that helps reduce stress. Also it is found that regular practise of yoga helps reduce the levels of interleukin 6 which is the marker for inflammation. Many other mind body practices like tai chi or meditation can help in managing the stress levels of an individual. Another simple way to relax both the mind and body is getting adequate amount of sleep.
