Herbal Action: Anti-Inflammatory

Reduce inflammation and relieve pain and swelling

Anti-inflammatory herbs reduce inflammation, which helps relieve pain and swelling. They're used both internally and externally.

What they do

• Reduce inflammation throughout the body

• Relieve associated pain and swelling

• Support tissue as it moves through its natural defense or repair process

• Some work by inhibiting the body's production of inflammatory molecules, similar to how NSAIDs work (Willow for example)

How they're used:

Anti-inflammatory herbs are used both internally as teas, extracts, or capsules, and externally as salves, compresses, or washes for swelling and pain.

When to consider them:

Pain and swelling connected to the body's natural inflammatory response — whether from injury, chronic inflammation, or general repair processes that need support rather than suppression.

Herbs

• Calendula

• Chamomile

• Ginger

• Golden rod

• Hawthorn

• Hops

• Licorice root

• Marshmallow

• Sage

• Tulsi

• Turmeric

• Abscess root

• Alder

• Aloe vera

• Arnica (external only)

• Borage

• Bugle

• Capsicum

• Cayenne

• Chaparral

• Chickweed

• Comfrey

• Elder flowers

• Fenugreek

• Feverfew

• Garlic

• Heartsease

• Hyssop

• Juniper berries

• Lady's mantle

• Linden

• Mugwort

• Mullein

• Myrrh

• Nettles

• Ox-eye daisy

• Peppermint

• Pleurisy root

• Rosemary

• Self heal

• Sorrel

• St. John's wort

• Thyme

• Uva ursi

• Willow (NSAID-like mechanism)

• Wintergreen

• Witch hazel

• Wormwood

Anti-inflammatory Foods

• Pomegranate

• Tart cherry juice

• Grapefruit

• Pineapple

• Papaya

• Celery juice

• Celery seed

• Cabbage

• Rhubarb

• Currants

• Ginger

• Black pepper

• Cayenne

• Most spices

Emotions & Feelings

Inflammatory thoughts

Rage

Anger

Fear