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Herbal Remedies for Inflammation

Inflammation is one of the body's immune response to infection and is characterized by redness, swelling, heat and pain. Arthritis, chronic irritable bowel syndromes, and hepatitis are all associated with chronic inflammation.

In Chinese medicine, inflammation is associated with either "Heat" or "Fire," depending on the severity. This heat is caused by an increase in metabolism and blood flow. This increased blood flow brings more immune fighters into the area of infection and carries off the waste products. Herbal therapies include antiinflammatory herbs, antibacterial herbs, and "heat-clearing" herbs. Ice and cold water compresses can also be used.

Herbs Used To Treat Inflammation

HerbTreatment SupportApplication
Calendulaanti-inflammatory, vulnerary1 cup infusion or droppersful tincture, 2-3 times daily
Meadowsweetanti-inflammatory, analgesic3-5 droppersful tincture, 1 cup infusion, several times daily
Plantainanti-inflammatory, demulcent1 cup decoction, 3-4 times daily; 3-5 capsules, 3-5 times daily
Turmericantiinflammatorytincture, extract in capsules
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