Rex Trulove
Inflammations are natural responses of the body to injuries and illnesses in specific areas of the body. Often, these are accompanied with pain or itching and elevated temperature in the location of the inflammation, however swelling is the body’s means of healing itself. People often want to control the inflammation, though, primarily because of the pain or itching. There are quite a few plants that are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The following is just some of them.
Garlic and anti-inflammation
garlic
There are few plants that have more medicinal uses than garlic. Raw garlic is preferable, but even cooked garlic does have anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic has been proven to reduce swelling when used both internally and externally. It is one of the herbs that are especially useful for treating the swelling of the joints associated with arthritis and rheumatism. It is also helpful for treating sprains.
Onions, chives, and leek also have anti-inflammatory properties, though not as strongly as in garlic.
Hot peppers for swelling
Habanero peppers
Among other things, hot peppers contain capsaicin. This is what makes hot peppers hot. As it turns out, capsaicin is a powerful substance that can be used to treat upset stomach, headaches, pain, and ulcerations. It is an anti-inflammatory that is useful when used externally to treat arthritis swelling and pain and it can also be used for sore, swollen muscles.
Crushed hot peppers, soaked in olive oil to absorb the juices, can be applied as an essential oil. Web MD cautions people that it isn’t uncommon to experience burning or itching sensations when the hot peppers are first applied, but the treatment should relieve both the pain and the swelling.
Since capsaicin is primarily responsible for the action, any hot peppers can be used, including jalapenos, chili peppers, and cayenne peppers. The more heat the peppers have, the stronger they are in capsaicin. Those shown in the picture are habaneros, which are known for their piquancy or hotness. Both fresh and dried hot peppers are useful for inflammations.
Aloe is Vera good
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a succulent that has been long used to treat burns and sunburns, as well as scrapes, cuts, punctures, and abrasions. However, it is also an anti-inflammatory plant, both internally and externally. The Chinese have been using aloe vera internally to treat inflammations of the stomach and intestines for centuries. Reasonable care should be taken when using aloe internally, though, because it also has a laxative property when used in good quantity.
Feverfew
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Feverfew is a plant that is probably best known for the effect it has on lowering high temperatures. However, it is also great for treating inflammations. In fact, it is useful for treating tension headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines, too, partly because of how good it is at relieving swelling. It also isn’t difficult to grow from seeds. Feverfew is also an attractive, with daisy-like flowers.
Rosemary and other mints also help
Rosemary
For a very long time, rosemary has been used to treat headaches and stomach disorders. This member of the mint family is also good for relieving inflammation, particularly internally.
Other mints, such as peppermint and spearmint also relieve swelling. In fact, an excellent treatment for tired, sore, swollen muscles is to bathe in hot water to which a handful of fresh mint has been added. It not only relieves the pain and swelling, it leaves you smelling fresh.
There are a lot of plants that can help with the treatment of swelling and this is only a few. It seems apparent that God saw fit to create plants to treat all of our ailments. It is a great example of pre-planning. Still, it is up to us to learn which plants can be used and how to use them. The chances are good that you have some of these plants growing near where you live, and perhaps have them on hand as well.
I haven’t tried any of these….but if I need the help I will keep them in mind!
It can come in really handy. I do a lot of stuff outdoors, so I’m no stranger to inflammation. :))
I tried Aloe Vera on my shoulder. Pain decreases but not for long. Now I’m going to try garlic. It’s scary at night. Hope this helps.
For longer term relieve, mint might give you better results.
I have had this low lying cold for about 2 weeks, I will try the garlic maybe it will help and the cold will go away. My left shoulder also has a bit of pain. I hope that this helps!
With the cold, garlic and honey could help, especially if you have congestion. For your shoulder, I’d suggest taking a nice, long, soaky bath with mint in the bath water. Doing that really helps me when I have shoulder pain.
Well, I ate the garlic yesteday and helped. I have to go out and buy more for today. It helps both the cold and the shoulder!
That is really great to hear!
I have given away several Feverfew plants as it’s easy to propagate. It looks nice with lot’s of little flowers as well. I use it but have read that bees really don’t like it so keep it away from your tomatoes and fruit trees, …etc. I think everyone should research using Rosemary tea – it’s quite good and a useful pick-me-up. The best Rosemary trick taught to me is to use about 4 six inch sprigs fresh in soup. Just add them for the last 2 or 3 minutes of cooking and then fish them out. The flavor is amazing!
Great article Rex.
I like how feverfew looks and the blooms are pretty. It is even easy to grow in a pot. I may plant some at the church next March or April.
I use and grow rosemary routinely. Well, actually I do that will most of the aromatic herbs, especially members of the mint family. I also use rosemary in my spaghetti and barbecue sauces.
Did you know my knee blew up today? Sometimes I think you reside in my brain lol. The answers just come.
LOL…well, it isn’t good that your knee is swollen, but it is good that there is something you can do about it, Trenna. :))