Being a middle aged runner who has been running for over 30 years, I’ve found myself having to rely on a lot of anti-inflammatory medicines available, both alternative, as well as natural. As I’ve aged, I began to find that the natural ones were easier on my digestive system, and in the case of a spice called turmeric, actually soothed the indigestion I get from food allergies. So there began my love affair with herbs. I’ve taken a number of classes on herbs given through my employer from a number of herbalists at Outpost Natural Foods in Milwaukee, my hometown. I also am a big fan of Dr. Andrew Weil, a nutritionally minded M.D. Here are a few of these herbs that helped me with inflammation specifically and gave me the motivation to seek out anti-inflammatory herbs.
Turmeric
By far this is my favorite anti-inflammatory spice/herbs because of the effectiveness I experience with it. A constituent referred to as curcumin is the effective active ingredient that promotes the anti-inflammation in this herb. Supplemental formulas that isolate this constituent are popular, however, I take the more economical version of the plain gold colored powder that I find in the bulk section of my health food store.
After taking this powder for a 2 month duration, I felt noticeably better, especially in both of my hips where most of my pain occurred when running. Without taking this spice, I find I have to cut way back on my running and have more pain generally. Dr. Weil suggests a dosage of 400-600 mgs of either capsules or tablets, and the equivalent of that in powder form would be approximately a teaspoon.
Dr. Weil and myself both feel good about the decrease in inflammation that comes with taking ginger. I make a point of taking this herb along with the turmeric either in freshly juiced vegetables or fruits. Adding these substances to your freshly made juice is a very effective and quick way to get full benefits from these anti-inflammatory herbs and is something I do almost daily. Fresh juice is absorbed within 15 minutes so you can get the anti-inflammatory benefit quickly. I find that without the use of ginger combined with the turmeric my pain doesn’t seem to be as well managed. I tried to go with just one or the other, but the difference is quite noticeable. Dr. Weil recommends a dosage of 500-1,000 milligrams.
Boswellin
Using this herb in an extract is the best way to obtain the best results from the anti-inflammatory qualities of it. I’ve had clients from my retail health food store that had experienced a lot of fibromyalgia symptoms and swore by the effectiveness of this herb in decreasing the pain and inflammation from that condition. Dr. Weil, suggests two of these in capsule form twice daily.
All of these can be found in combinations at health food retail stores that work very well and are known for good results.
