A Natural Anti-Inflammatory

Most common types of pain are caused by inflammation. Inflammation is the response from tissues that have been injured and is actually a process that helps the body heal itself. However, inflammation can cause a great deal of pain. To relieve most types of pain caused by inflammation, it is generally recommended to take an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. However, taking these pain killers on a regular basis can lead to stomach pain, nausea and in some cases long term kidney or liver damage. For chronic pain sufferers, it is strongly advisable to find a natural anti-inflammatory to help with pain management.

Relieving Inflammation with Ice

Ice is is both very effective to soothe inflammation and is easy to find. Most people don't even think twice about applying ice to a sprain or bruise right after the injury occurs. If you have ever wondered why people do this, it is because ice acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and helps to soothe inflammation and reduce swelling. This helps to reduce pain and to speed up the healing process. For immediate pain relief, the ice is obviously very cold and numbs the area which helps to relieve pain right away. When using ice to relieve inflammation it is advisable to apply it until the area is numb (generally 20 minutes) and then waiting to apply it again after the area is back to normal temperature.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

There are a number of herbs that can be taken as a herbal supplement to fight against inflammation and relieve pain. When taking these herbs as a supplement it is recommended to take them on a daily basis. The effects may not be noticed for up to 1-2 months.

Here is a look at some of the most commonly found and most effective natural anti-inflammatory herbal supplements:

• Ginger should be taken 1-2 times a day with a meal. Each capsule should contain 500 to 1,000 mg of ginger.
• Turmeric is found in mustard and curry. It works very well to relieve inflammation and is recommended for a number of chronic conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis. It can be taken three times per day in 400 to 600 mg dosages.
• White Willow Bark has been compared to aspirin and is works well to fight inflammation.
• Recommended dosage is 50mg three times a day.
• Boswellin is another natural anti-inflammatory herb that can be taken twice a day. It is especially useful for treating pain from fibromyalgia.
• Please note that the dosage amounts provided above are generally what is recommended by most health professionals. It is highly recommended to read the labels on the supplements you purchase to see the correct dosage for that particular brand.
• Natural Anti-Inflammatory Foods
• Chronic pain sufferers may notice relief of their daily pain after adding some of these natural anti-inflammatory foods to their diet:
• Foods that are high in Omega-3 such as fish, nuts and seeds (especially flax seed) have been known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Oils such as avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil may also help with pain caused by inflammation.
• The tastiest foods that have been known to help with inflammation would have to be papaya and blueberries.
• Green tea can also help with inflammation along with all of the other health benefits that it offers.