Inflammation is our body’s self-defense against pathogens, virus, bacteria, and fungus. When a part of the body is inflamed, it is in the process of recovering and eliminating dead cells and harmful compounds. Inflammation is a part of the body’s immunity program. Whenever a wound, an infection site or any part, where tissues are damaged, start to inflame, you should know that the healing has begun. Body tissues are not repaired without inflammation. However, sometimes it is necessary to reduce inflammation.

There are two types of inflammation, acute and chronic. Acute inflammation has a swift onset. It turns severe quite quickly. It does not last more than a few weeks. Chronic inflammation is a rather slow form. It lasts for months or in some cases, years.

There are five prime signs of inflammation that are collectively called as ‘PRISH’.
P – Pain: the area hurts to touch or it may hurt without being touched.
R – Redness: where there is inflammation, capillaries are filled with more blood.
I – Immobility: it is difficult to move the part where there is inflammation.
S – Swelling: the area swells due to the accretion of fluid.
H – Heat: because there is more blood in the capillaries, the area is hot to touch.

7 Home Remedies for Inflammation

1.     Pineapple

Fresh pineapple can be your savior. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain. This enzyme reduces inflammation and diminishes swelling. Consumption of bromelain helps with pain and it lessens the inflammation within two to six days.

Munch through half of a pineapple a day. Pineapple must be fresh, not canned. Bromelain supplement tablets are available. If you decide to take supplements, consult a doctor first.

2.     Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that is commonly used in Asian countries. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory. It is an excellent remedy for arthritis, sprains, and some injuries. It is traditionally used in herbal medicines.

There are several ways to consume turmeric. The easiest way is to down a cup of turmeric tea. To make tea, boil a teaspoon of turmeric powder in four cups of water. Let it boil for a few minutes. Strain the tea. Add some lemon and honey to taste. You may boil ginger along turmeric powder for more effect.

3.     Tart Cherries

Fancy a remedy that is flavorsome as well as highly beneficial for fighting inflammation? Tart cherries can aid you with healing inflammations. It is commonly used by athletes to help them reduce the consumption of anti-inflammatory medicines.

Enjoy a cup and a half of tart cherries or a glass of tart cherry juice a day. Bear in mind that tart cherries and simple, sweet cherries are different and do not have the same effect.

4.     Olive Oil

Olive oil is anti-inflammatory. Period. It is advantageous when used for massage and even more profitable when it is ingested with food. Olive oil, especially extra virgin, is good for the heart that automatically makes it good for the body.

In a small bowl or container, warm olive oil. The temperature of the oil must be as high as your skin can tolerate as oil tends to burn. Then, with the tips of your finger, massage softly and gradually increase the pressure. After you are done, wrap the massaged area with a clean cloth to keep it warm. It is best if you do it just before you retire to sleep at night.

Other than massaging, include extra virgin olive oil in your meals and salads.

5.     Beets

As red as blood, beets detoxify the blood and help the immune system to function better. Beets have numerous health benefits, but the one we are interested in is its anti-inflammatory property. Beets are good for your heart and eliminate all the unwanted compounds from you system.

Beets can be savored by adding to your serving of salad. Benefit from a cool glass of beet smoothie to beat inflammation!

6.     Dark Leafy Greens

We have always heard are moms and granny that eating leafy greens makes you healthy. And how can we even forget Popeye! Leafy green vegetables have abundance of nutrients that our body requires to function. To name a few of them, we have spinach, collard greens, broccoli, and kale.

Stir fry these vegetables and incorporate them into your meals. Make salads from these leaves or consume in any other preferable way.

7.     Avocados

Avocados are a rich fruit that contains a lot of vitamin and minerals that combat inflammation. Even physicians advise their patient to include avocados in their anti-inflammatory diets.

There is not a particular way in with you ought to consume avocado. Slice an avocado and eat, add it to your salad or make a smoothie.