Natural anti-inflammatory herbs: Turmeric, ginger, and more

Nov 01, 2024

Some herbal remedies, such as turmeric and ginger, may have anti-inflammatory properties. However, the evidence to support natural inflammation remedies is lacking.

Inflammation is the body’s primary defense mechanism against infections, wounds, and other forms of harm.

However, inflammation itself can be harmful in some cases. For example, many conditions can cause inflammation to remain elevated, resulting in tissue damage.

A range of anti-inflammatory drugs exist to help control inflammation in the body. Natural compounds that are present in certain herbal remedies also have the potential to be anti-inflammatory. However, there is much less research in this area.

Read on to learn more about herbs that may help reduce inflammation as well as the possible risks.

Turmeric typically comes in the form of a yellow powder from the root of the turmeric plant. The yellow color is due to the curcumin present in turmeric.

Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, as it blocks inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. This may help manage conditions such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis.

However, according to the Arthritis Foundation, turmeric contains only about 2% to 6% curcumin, so this may not be enough to have any significant effects on inflammation.

A 2021 review also found that curcumin may help reduce inflammation. The review suggests that it may help reduce symptoms for conditions such as:

A person may choose to take curcumin as a dietary supplement. They can contact their doctor to discuss whether it can help support their current treatment plan.

Learn about the possible health benefits of turmeric tea.

Ginger, or Zingiber officinale, is a tropical plant that has long had a place in traditional medicine.

Ginger may have anti-inflammatory properties. Many of its components can limit the production of cytokines and the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes, which promote inflammation.

A 2022 review suggests that consuming foods that contain ginger may help improve quality of life for people with conditions such as:

More research is necessary to determine whether taking ginger in food or through dietary supplements would provide the most benefit.

Learn about ginger for arthritis pain.

Green tea comes from Camellia sinensis leaves.

The Arthritis Foundation explains that green, black, and white teas are rich in polyphenols, which have strong anti-inflammatory effects. More specifically, green tea contains the polyphenol epigallocatechin 3-gallate, which may be particularly useful for managing inflammation.

A 2023 review found that tea, including green tea, might reduce inflammatory biomarkers. This could be useful for treating atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other inflammatory conditions, though more research is necessary.

Green tea typically comes as a hot or cold drink. It is also possible to buy capsules, tablets, and creams that contain green tea.

Learn about anti-inflammatory diets.

As with taking any drug, there is the potential for side effects and complications to occur when taking herbal remedies.

As the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal remedies, the exact ingredients and quality of these products may vary. This also means that there is less reliable information on the safety of these products.

Herbal products also have the potential to interact with certain medications.

It is also possible for these herbal remedies to interact with certain medications. For example, green tea can interact with certain beta-blockers such as nadolol.

It is important to discuss any herbal remedies with a doctor, who can advise further on drug interactions and side effects that may occur.

There is some evidence to support the claim that the curcumin in turmeric can help reduce inflammation. Ginger and green tea also have anti-inflammatory properties.

For people with inflammatory health conditions, consuming these herbal remedies may be useful for helping reduce inflammation.

However, more high quality research is necessary to confirm this. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any herbs. The doctor can advise whether they are safe for individuals and whether the herb is likely to interact with any medication they are currently taking.