Joint pain, stiffness after exercise, migraine… are discomforts related to inflammatory processes that you can alleviate by taking advantage of the properties of plants.
We have set out to bring you a complete list with the best anti-inflammatory infusions and recommendations for you to prepare them at home, and use them to treat the illness that afflicts you. Are you ready to discover them?
8 anti-inflammatory infusions you should know
If you suffer from punctual pain or inflammation, consuming one of the following anti-inflammatory infusions can help you feel better. Of course, if the inflammation persists over time, do not hesitate to consult your doctor to obtain a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Ginger infusion
Ginger infusion generates mixed opinions: there are those who love it and those who cannot stand it. The reality is that this hot spice has as many fans as it has detractors, but beyond its taste, it is one of the best natural anti-inflammatories out there.
A clinical trial concluded that ginger has similar power to ibuprofen in treating pain in people who have undergone surgery.
To prepare it, peel a couple of centimeters from the ginger and chop it. Infuse the pieces in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and serve. You can add honey and even a few drops of lemon to soften the flavor of this spice.
Turmeric infusion
Turmeric is a widely used spice in Indian cuisine. However, for hundreds of years traditional medicine has included it among its natural remedies thanks to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic action of curcumin, its main ingredient.
Preparing an infusion of turmeric can be a good idea if you suffer from joint, muscle, menstrual pain and even migraine.
Boil a liter of water and add 1 heaped teaspoon of powdered or grated turmeric. Ideally, you should stir while you incorporate it so that it does not go to the bottom and settle. Turn off the heat and let stand for at least 8 minutes. Strain and drink.
Rosemary infusion
Rosemary is an herb widely used in Mediterranean gastronomy but also in natural medicine. It stands out for its anti-inflammatory potential; in fact, drinking its infusion calms joint pain caused, for example, by arthritis, according to different studies.
One of its main components is ursolic acid, a substance with antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, rosemary infusion could be a good option to combat infections that cause inflammation, such as tonsillitis.
Take a teaspoon of rosemary and plunge it into a cup of boiling water. Let it sit for 10 minutes, before straining and enjoying it. You can add honey to sweeten it.
Willow infusion
The willow is a tree with easily recognizable leaves. Its bark is infused to extract a component called salicin, which is precisely what gives it its anti-inflammatory activity. Although the studies have not yielded conclusive data, the medical encyclopedia WebMD explains that analgesic effects of its use in the treatment of back pain have been demonstrated.
In this case, prepare the infusion by boiling 2 tablespoons of willow per cup of water for 5 minutes. Then, let the drink sit before you drink it.
Horsetail infusion
Another of the most popular herbs as a natural anti-inflammatory is horsetail. Traditional medicine recommends it to treat rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other inflammatory processes.
Boil a liter of water and add two tablespoons of horsetail. After 10 minutes of rest, you can drink it. We advise you to incorporate honey to soften its bitter taste.
Cardamom infusion
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of cardamom are true. Therefore, its use is recommended to treat periodontal infections.
In this case, the infusion is made with the seeds. For this reason, it is important to respect the decoction times. Boil three cardamom seeds together with a cup of water for 7 minutes. Strain and let the temperature drop a bit before drinking it.
Laurel infusion
Laurel is another spice that is common to have at home, at least in the home of lovers of good tomato sauces. Its anti-inflammatory potential is so great that it has been compared to that of some medications.
Ayurveda medicine usually uses its infusion to relieve pain due to rheumatism, sciatica, stiffness and ankle sprains, among other discomforts.
Use two bay leaves per cup of water for a tasty brew. Let them decoction for five minutes before straining and drinking.
Borage infusion
Borago officinalis, commonly called borage, is rich in gamma- linolenic acid and, thanks to this composition, relieves inflammation caused by arthritis and other diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. However, its infusion should be consumed with care, especially during pregnancy, as it could have unwanted side effects.
To prepare the infusion of borage you can use both the flowers and the leaves. Add a tablespoon per cup of water and let it boil for 5 minutes. Strain and drink.
Which of these anti-inflammatory teas will you try the next time you have any bloating or bodily discomfort? The best thing about all of them is that, surely, you have the ingredients in your cupboard.