Inflammation is our body’s defense mechanism. When something harmful or irritating affects a part of our body, there is a biological response to try to remove it. The signs and symptoms of inflammation can be uncomfortable but they show that the body is trying to heal itself.
Inflammation is caused by a number of physical reactions triggered by the immune system in response to a physical injury or an infection.
An acute inflammation is one that starts rapidly and becomes severe in a short span of time. Signs and symptoms are normally only present for a few days but may persist for a few weeks in some cases.
Chronic inflammation refers to long-term inflammation that can last for several months and even years.
Although damaged tissue cannot heal without acute inflammation, chronic inflammation can eventually cause several diseases and conditions including some cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, periodontitis, and hay fever
Therefore, anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is of potential importance in preventing and even treating these diseases.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is a strong anti-inflammatory. It is even said to match the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs.
It blocks NF-kB, a molecule that travels into the nuclei of your cells and turns on genes related to inflammation. NF-kB is believed to play a major role in many chronic diseases.
2. Ginger
Research suggests that the compounds gingerol and zingerone found in ginger are primarily responsible for the root's ability to fight inflammation. They have also been linked to reductions in many forms of inflammation, from colitis to kidney damage to diabetes and cancer.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is delicious as it is nutritious. Many of the phytonutrients present in raw cinnamon are potent anti-inflammatory compounds. Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants and flavanols that are both known for having a positive impact on inflammation in the human body.
One of the main components of cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde, is known to inhibit certain proteins that are factors in causing inflammation, as well as preventing blood from clumping which further helps protect against other inflammation related diseases.
4. Cloves
Cloves contain a compound called eugenol, and it acts in a very similar manner to cinnamaldehyde.
Eugenol works partially by inhibiting an enzyme that’s responsible for causing an inflammatory response. This is actually the same enzyme that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs target, making cloves and clove oil one of the most potent natural anti-inflammatories that you can find.
5. Black pepper
This unassuming spice actually packs an anti-inflammatory punch. The distinctive flavor of black pepper comes from the chemical piperine. Even at low doses, piperine has been shown to reduce inflammation. It can inhibit the spread of cancer and has been shown to suppress the perception of pain and arthritis symptoms.
A lot of these spices are used in a variety of foods including Turmeric Teas. In fact our WINTER blend is a delicious combination of all the spices mentioned above.