Five Herbs For Pain & Inflammation
Updated: Dec 6, 2020
Inflammation is the natural process of increasing blood flow to the area of injury, recruiting immune cells, and promoting healing.

How do herbal supplements differ from pharmaceuticals?
NSAID's (ex: tylenol, advil) "suppress the flame". They work via different physiological mechanisms to override the bodies inflammatory cascade and reduce molecules which promote inflammation. In doing this, they reduce pain often associated with inflammation.
Herbs however, don't suppress your body's physiological response. They work WITH the body. They improve natural waste drainage, repair damaged vessels, promote regeneration and resolution of tissue healing. Herbal anti-inflammatories act as a support system to aid your natural immune and inflammatory response.
The Herbs
1. Turmeric (i.e.: Curcuma longa)

Part of the plant used: Rhizome (which is similar to a root)
Constituents (I.e: The Ingredients)
Zingiberene, tumerone, curcumin, resins
Actions
Anti-inflammatory properties
Anti-oxidant
Stimulates circulation
Aids in digestion
Protects the cardiovascular system
Supports liver detoxification
Pharmacology (I.e "The science bit")
Volatile oils such as zingiberene and tumerone act as anti-inflammatories. Curcumin is another anti-inflammatory agent which reduces the activity of an enzyme called COX-2, lipoxygenase and nitric oxide synthase in addition to inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL-1, IL-6). Curcumin also acts as an antioxidant which protects the liver via free radical scavenging & increasing glutathione levels.
Typical uses
Arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis & injury pain
It is not easily absorbed orally. Black pepper, bromelain (core of a pineapple) or in a lipid base improves absorption!
Note: Contraindicated in gallbladder disorders or stomach ulcers, possible skin rash, interacts with chemotherapeutic drugs.
2. Ginger (i.e. Zingiber officinalis)

Part used: Rhizome
Constituents (I.e: The Ingredients)
Volatile oils such as zingiberene (why it smells so dam good), oleo-resins (gingerols & shogaols) & sesquiterpes.
Actions
Antioxidant
Protects the liver
SUPER nutrient dense
Improves blood flow
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-spasmodic
Digestive aid
Typical uses
Often used in inflammatory pain, arthritis, nausea, gas, bloating, cramping & other digestive complaints.
The Science Bit
Oleo-resins are substance P & Acetylcholine antagonists and modify NF-kB, TNF-a, COX-2 signalling to reduce inflammation and pain. Zingiberene inhibits leukotrienes, platelet aggregation, and prostaglandins thus reducing inflammation.
Note: Contraindicated in stomach ulcers, GERD, gallstones, bleeding disorders, before surgeries, may increase absorption of drugs & interacts with anti-coagulant drugs.
3. Arnica (I.e.: Arnica Montana)

Part used: Flowers
Constituents (I.e: The Ingredients)
Helenalin, phenols, coumarins & flavonoids
Actions
Topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain killer)
Typical Uses
Reduce arthritis symptoms & improve functioning
Muscle soreness/ stiffness
Bruises
The Science Bit
Helenalin is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory agent which inhibits the pro-inflammatory NF-kB pathway
Pharmacy
*External use only: Arnica oil, ointment or infused herbal bath
Contraindications
Possible adverse effect of allergic skin reaction
Toxic when used internally. Should only be used externally.
4. Frankincense (i.e.: Boswelia serrata)

Part used: Bark
Constituents (I.e: The Ingredients)
Volatile oils (again why it's a common essential oil)
Oleo-resins such as boswellic acids
Mucilage
Actions
Reduce pain, inflammation, and spams. A benefit in comparison to NSAID's is that long term use does not lead to irritation & ulceration of the stomach!
Typical uses
Arthritis: May improve range of motion, pain and quality of life
Asthma
Ulcerative colitis
The Science Bit
Boswellic acids inhibit 5-lipoxygenase which makes leukotrienes which cause inflammation.
Note: Contraindicated in pregnancy
5. Gingko (I.e.: Gingko biloba)

Photo Credit: Dr. Alex Dragan (@plantbasedmedicinegirl)
Part used: The leaf
Constituents (I.e: The Ingredients)
Flavonoids, amino acids, proanthocyanidins, and terpenoids.
Actions
Enhance energy
Reduce inflammation & spasms
Improve blood flow
Provides anti-oxidants and other nutrients!
Typical uses
Poor memory/ concentration, peripheral vascular diseases, age-related physical and mental decline.
The Science Bit
Flavonoids are anti-oxidant and protect the blood vessels from free radical damage. Ginkgolides inhibit platelet aggregation & the NF-kB pathway to reduce spasms and inflammation. Studies also showed Ginkgetin to inhibit phospholipase A2 reducing arthritis and pain in rats.
Note: Interacts with Warfarin, some anti-depressants, certain diuretics (thiazide), NSAID's, and aspirin. Used raw may cause complaints of the gut!
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Disclaimer: Always talk to your doctor before taking supplements & herbal medicine as they do have powerful acting constituents which may be contraindicated for you or interact with other herbs & medications!
Stay healthy,
Larissa
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