• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to footer

Nikki Hawkes

Medical Herbalist, specialist in Gut & Thyroid health

BOOK A FREE “HELLO” CALL

Online Consultations Available

  • Home
    • Latest posts
  • About
    • Qualifications, professional memberships and training
    • FAQs
  • Testimonials
  • Conditions
    • SIBO – Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth
  • Make an Appointment
    • Contact
    • Location
      • Herbalist near me
    • Privacy policy
    • Disclaimer
  • Learn about Herbs
    • Books
    • Courses
    • Coming Soon!
  • Login

arthritis

Which are the best natural anti inflammatory herbs and spices?

January 29, 2020 by nikki hawkes Leave a Comment

the best natural anti inflammatory spices

Inflammation is an underlying factor in all disease. But it is also an important part of a natural immune response that keeps us healthy. Many drugs are available to suppress inflammation but they can also have nasty side effects. In contrast, nature provides us with a vast array of natural anti-inflammatories that are both safe and effective. Spices have tremendous health benefits and might help to prevent various diseases. So, including some of the best natural anti-inflammatory spices in your daily diet is a great idea.

The link between inflammation and chronic disease

Chronic diseases are a leading cause of death, responsible for around 60% of mortality worldwide. They include the UK’s biggest killer Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. As well as other conditions such as arthritis, cancer, heart disease and diabetes. It is possible that we can try to prevent these diseases from happening by minimising unhealthy lifestyle factors.

Factors associated with chronic disease

These are the main risk factors that scientists say are linked to the most common chronic diseases.

  • Lack of physical activity
  • Poor diet
  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Excess alcohol
  • Radiation exposure
  • Chronic infections

All these risk factors increase the amount of inflammation in the body. Which, in turn, can lead to developing a chronic disease. Of course, we can cut out some of the unhealthy lifestyle factors. But there are also natural ways to reduce inflammation. For instance, we can include herbs and spices in our daily diet.

Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices

Scientists say that spices have been important to humans for thousands of years. Not just as a source of medicine but also as colouring agents, flavourings and preservatives. In fact, spices contain numerous natural anti-inflammatory compounds that contribute to their medicinal properties.

What’s more, there are plenty of studies showing how effective spices can be for preventing various diseases.

Common herbs and spices with anti-inflammatory activity

  • black pepper
  • cardamom
  • cinnamon
  • clove
  • cumin
  • fenugreek
  • fennel
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • onion
  • rosemary
  • turmeric
  • saffron
  • star anise
  • basil
  • sage
  • mustard

Scientists say that these culinary spices and others have components that may prevent various diseases. They suggest these diseases include arthritis, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and neurodegenerative conditions.

Some natural anti-inflammatory herbs and spices

Turmeric

The “golden spice” turmeric is the most commonly used spice in the world. Its main component curcumin is the subject of over ten thousand studies, including over 120 clinical trials. Not only do these trials support an anti-inflammatory activity but also antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties.

For instance, curcumin has shown promise in alleviating various chronic illnesses. Among them Alzheimer’s disease, bacterial prostatitis and asthma. Not to mention the potential to inhibit various stages of cancer. Including the proliferation, invasion and spread of cancer.

Perhaps most importantly, the dozens of clinical trials proving the health benefits of curcumin and turmeric found no adverse effects.

Black pepper

In like manner, black pepper is a commonly used spice. Similarly, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic and anti-asthmatic properties.

The principal medicinal compound in black pepper is piperine. In common with the other spices, several studies support the anti-inflammatory nature of piperine.

Ginger

This common spice contains several unique constituents. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties.

The main component of ginger, 6-gingerol shows therapeutic activity against Alzheimer’s disease, colorectal cancer and diabetes.

Garlic

By the same token, the commonly used spice garlic contains some important medicinal compounds. As a result, it possesses anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective and anti-cancer properties.

Garlic contains several sulphur-containing compounds with known health benefits. In particular, diallyl sulphide is a potential compound for the treatment of airway inflammation such as asthma. In addition, researchers confirm this compound may protect cartilage and enhance collagen production. Furthermore, diallyl sulphide demonstrates anti-cancer properties, in particular against colon, prostate and skin cancers. In each case, scientists explain that these health benefits are due to the regulation of inflammation.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an aromatic plant with medicinal properties. It contains an important plant chemical known as alpha-pinene. Significantly, alpha-pinene shows promise as an anti-inflammatory agent, especially in acute pancreatitis.

Fenugreek

For years fenugreek has been known for it’s anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering properties. Now it’s anti-inflammatory activity make it a potential agent for several chronic diseases. For instance, researchers suggest its use may benefit Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, chronic myeloid leukaemia and osteoarthritis.

Chilli peppers

Capsaicin is the principal component of chilli peppers. This compound is widely studied and demonstrates several properties that confer health benefits. Importantly, it has shown effective anti-inflammatory activity in several chronic diseases. For instance, capsaicin may reduce inflammation in asthma and diabetes. As well as many cancers, including those of the breast, cervix, colon and stomach.

Onions

Quercetin is an important dietary flavonoid found in onions. It has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Numerous studies support the use of quercetin for various chronic diseases. Specifically, these include arthritis, breast cancer, dermatitis, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis and psoriasis.

Mustard

Mustard and other cruciferous plants, including broccoli and cabbage, contain the sulphur compound sulforaphane. This is an important compound in the fight against cancer. According to researchers it also offers promising health benefits for various chronic diseases. These include Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. As well as colorectal, lung and bladder cancers.

The best natural anti-inflammatory herbs and spices

So, considering the wide variety of herbs and spices with anti-inflammatory activity. Not to mention that each herb or spice contains different and unique medicinal compounds. Together with the fact that each compound may offer different health benefits. It is therefore difficult to say which herbs or spices are the best anti-inflammatories. Perhaps what is more important is to include and rotate as many different herbs and spices as possible.

Filed Under: Pain and pain management Tagged With: Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, chronic disease, herbs

Rosehips improve osteoarthritis symptoms

October 21, 2019 by nikki hawkes Leave a Comment

rosehips

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder in the world. It causes destruction of the cartilage and other parts of the joints, mainly in the hands, knees, hips or the spine. The damage leads to the osteoarthritis symptoms of joint pain and stiffness, which impair joint function and inevitably impact on quality of life.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not the best choice of medicine for osteoarthritis for the reasons I discuss here. Yet, the medic’s preferred long term medication paracetamol is not all that effective for relieving the pain of osteoarthritis. One reason for this may be that paracetamol is not a strong anti-inflammatory. [Read more…] about Rosehips improve osteoarthritis symptoms

Filed Under: Arthritis and gout, herbal medicine, Pain and pain management Tagged With: arthritis, herbal medicine, herbalist, herbs, Joint Pain Management, medical herbalist, Osteoarthritis Symptoms, pain

The role of ageing in gut health and osteoarthritis

June 9, 2019 by nikki hawkes Leave a Comment

is there a link between gut health and osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a progressive and degenerative joint disease. It causes a great deal of pain and disability for millions of people. It commonly affects older people and we used to think it was caused by wear and tear. But, scientists now think there might be other causes. One such cause involves a link between gut health and osteoarthritis. I will explain how. [Read more…] about The role of ageing in gut health and osteoarthritis

Filed Under: Arthritis and gout, Gut health and digestion, Healthy Ageing Tagged With: ageing, arthritis, chronic disease, Health, microbiome

Nigella sativa and osteoarthritis of the knee

November 27, 2017 by nikki hawkes 2 Comments

Nigella sativa also known as black cumin

Osteoarthritis is a painful degenerative disorder of the joints. It often affects the knees since these joints are weight bearing and prone to wear and tear. As an acupuncturist and herbalist I am often consulted about arthritic pain, especially osteoarthritis of the knee. I know that the pain of arthritic knees or other joint pain can be disabling. With many people waiting a long time for knee replacement operations. With no option in the mean time but to take prescription painkilling medications. Yet, these medications may actually cause more harm than good. I have written about this before. See my post Why NSAIDs are not the best solution for your osteoarthritis.

Nigella sativa, also known as love-in-a-mist, is an easily grown, attractive flowering plant. Popular in gardens due to it’s pretty white or blue flowers, finely divided foliage and ornamental seed heads. What many may not realise is that this plant has been grown for many centuries in certain parts of the world, for its edible seeds. The seeds’ appearance also give rise to it’s other common names – black seed, black cumin or black caraway. Names that hint at the pungent and spicy flavour of the seeds. What’s more, like many aromatic seeds, these have notable medicinal properties. [Read more…] about Nigella sativa and osteoarthritis of the knee

Filed Under: Arthritis and gout, Healthy Ageing, herbal medicine, Pain and pain management Tagged With: arthritis, herbs, osteoarthritis, pain

Footer

Medical Herbalist and IBS Specialist serving Oakham, Stamford, Peterborough and Leicester or online

Privacy Policy

This website or its third-party tools use cookies which are necessary to its functioning and required to improve your experience. By clicking the consent button, you agree to allow the site to use, collect and/or store cookies.
Please click the consent button to view this website.
I accept
Deny cookies Go Back