7 Chinese Herbs for Inflammation Recommended by TCM Expert
The goal of this article is wake-up call for people who suffer various conditions of inflammation and pain. The article will do its best to spread the word on many benefits Chinese medicine and herbal world may do for you. We will point out essential facts on inflammation, what are causes and solutions, as well as which Chinese herbs can be included in your regular diet.
Inflammation isn’t necessarily bad because in that way our body signals and responds to some harmful infection, illness, or injury. Inflammation triggers our immune system to begin the healing process. During this process our body increases the production of white blood cells and chemicals called cytokines responsible for fighting infections.
The attackers which cause certain infections can be an irritant, bacteria and viruses. But sometimes the body can attack itself from the inside. There are two types of inflammations: Acute and chronic. Acute is a short-term inflammation accompanied by symptoms which usually last for a few days. Chronic inflammation is a product of other diseases and can last up to a few months.
Makari Wellness: Find Chinese Anti-inflammatory Herbs to Treat Symptoms of Acute and Chronic Inflammation
Mike Woodworth is a founder of Makari Wellness and experienced practitioner of holistic medicine. His specialty is Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture,and herbal medicine to treat both acute and chronic inflammation. Mike’s goal isn’t just to permanently handle the problem, but to find the root of it and improve his patient’s overall future health performance. He puts an emphasis on the immune system which speeds up recovery and ensures long-term health benefits. In case your residence is outside California, Mike offers online consultations. If you experience any kind of pain and inflammation, call us today and prepare for your fist visit.
What Herbs are Good for Inflammation
Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners and doctors have been using herbs for centuries to treat inflammation and damages caused by it. Many studies have been conducted in modern times which proved the efficiency of this natural treatment. Some state that Chinese herbs may have the ability to signal the triggering areas which contributed to inflammation.
Another viewpoint is based on inflammation reduction and improvement of immune system. In the following line you’ll become familiar with seven Chinese anti-inflammatory herbs.
Green Tea
Green tea is known to be beneficial for a variety of conditions and many people drink it regularly in the morning. It is recognized to help with cancer symptoms, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. Green tea is made of unoxidized leaves which means that it preserves more anti-inflammatory polyphenols. It has a very high level of EGCG, polyphenol which represses the gene or proteins of inflammation enzymes. It treats arthritis and lessens digestive inflammation as well as Crohn’s illness and ulcers.
Huang Qin – Chinese Skullcap
This herb comes from the powerful flowering plant root which works excellently in fighting inflammation. Its dried roots contain Oroxylin A which has antioxidant and antithrombic effect. Chinese Skullcap’s anti-inflammatory role is relevant to immune and macrophage cells in our body. Macrophages are responsible for the body’s inflammation response and Huang Qin activates the anti-inflammatory side of it.
Turmeric
We all know this plant as curcuma, a spice we use for various dishes. Besides being used in the kitchen, it has been known to treat various health conditions. It can fight infections and decrease inflammation. Curcumin’s important feature is being an antioxidant that fights the radicals that cause infections in our body. It further lowers the enzymes which cause inflammation. The parts of turmeric used are roots and bulbs.
Huang Lian – Goldthread
Huang Lian is derived from the rhizome of the perennial herb Coptis chinensis and it has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It is believed to treat various conditions such as digestive disorders, infections, and blood pressure. This herb treats some inflammation symptoms including swelling, redness, and irritation. The main Goldthread’s benefit is Berberine, a compound which soothes irritated tissue, protects from foreign bodies, and boosts the immune system.
Jin Yin Hua – Honeysuckle
Jin Yin Hua has a very sweet taste, and its properties take toxins out of the body, disperse heat, and chill the blood. Honeysuckle has been known to grow in the Himalayas and southern Asia. The Japanese kind is used in Chinese medicine. At the beginning of the summer, flower buds are collected and dried. They can be used raw, fried, or distilled. In TCM, honeysuckle is associated with clearing heat, removing toxins, and treating inflammation.
Lian Qiao – Weeping Forsythia
The fruits of this plant are collected in the autumn and its color can be green or yellow depending on ripeness. Usually people use it in unprocessed form. Water extract from this herb is a great remedy for inflammation. In TCM, this herb is known for clearing the heat and relieving toxins. Those who experience Yang excess and Yin deficiency may feel increased heat in their body and Lian Qiao help restores the balance.
Da Qing Ye – Isatis Leaf
Isatis plant is strongly recommended during the cold and flu season. It is a biennial plant originated from China and India which makes it a part of both Chinese herbal medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. Da Qing Ye is the leaf part of this plant, and it has many benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial effects. It enters the heart, lungs, and stomach channels. Furthermore, Da Qing Ye is used for skin eruptions while when processed it is used as a remedy for throat and oral cavity inflammation.
What Causes Inflammation according to Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine sees inflammation as a condition with specific root and possible side issues. According to TCM practitioners, inflammation results from imbalance in our body.
These common imbalances include:
Qi Stagnation
Qi stagnation or qi imbalance may be the result of some other condition thus causing inflammation in our body. Qi stagnation means that one area in our body loses energy rapidly while others gain friction. The symptoms of Qi stagnation inflammation include pain, headache, stress, disability to move, redness, etc. The goal is to restore your mind and soul and get your Qi back in its place.
Yin-Deficiency
Not enough cold Yin to balance the Yin heat can create inflammation, but symptoms differ from those in Qi stagnation. Inflammation caused by Yin deficiency causes less serious symptoms such as low fever, red cheeks, thirst, and constipation.
Excess Heat
When we suffer from excess heat, it means that there is so much Yang energy in our body. This can result in common inflammation with red face, fever, increased appetite, and high energy symptoms.
Damp Heat
Bad diet, working too much, and living in a rubbish environment often result in dampness. This condition occurs as our body fluids stagnate and create excess heat. Some symptoms include swollen joints, sweating, bloating, foul stool, etc.
Lifestyle Change and Recommendations to Prevent Inflammation
By changing your lifestyle and implementing a healthy anti-inflammatory diet you’ll be able to reduce and control the risk of inflammation. People with genetic predispositions for health issues, like cancer, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes should pay additional attention to their lifestyle to prevent these risks.
In the following lines we will give you 5 tips on how you can do something good for your health.
Boost the Intake of Anti-Inflammatory and Eliminate Inflammatory Food
The choice of food is more important than taking medications and supplements. By making radical changes in your diet, you can reduce the risk of inflammation.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and food with omega-3 fatty acids are to be found everywhere and we should consider taking them daily. Anti-inflammatory food also includes celery, blueberries, olive oil, tea and herbs. Spices and herbs (tea) are known to be very helpful to our body and to reduce symptoms of inflammation.
Red meat, butter, egg yolks, trans fats, corn oil, deep fried and processed foods should be immediately taken out of your regular diet.
Blood Sugar Control
We all love to eat pastries, candies, and pasta, but those are considered silent killers. If we are to follow one simple rule, that would be to cut back on all foods known as simple carbohydrates. Our meals should mostly include proteins and food rich in fiber. If we consummate white foods for a long course of years, we put ourselves at risk of diabetes or other inflammations in our body, which further cause serious disorders.
Weight Loss
The heavier someone is the greater risk of inflammation and other diseases he/she has. So those who are overweight or obese have to consider losing weight since it can reduce exposure to various illnesses.
Stress and Anxiety Management
Stress and anxiety are constantly present among people for various reasons, such as work, finances, family issues, etc. We must understand that stress is the starting point for various conditions and inflammation of certain body parts. You can practice yoga, meditation, read books, or simply find a hobby, i.e., anything that makes you happy and controls the stress.
Physical Activity
Regular walking, exercise, weight resistance training, or aerobics should be implemented in your lifestyle. Besides reducing stress levels, it can also lessen the risk of inflammation in the body. There are so many benefits to physical activity, and it should become part of our everyday life.