Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is our body’s response to infection and injury. Its purpose is to clear out foreign cells and dead cells from the local area.  Inflammation is characterized by increased redness, heat, pain, and swelling to an area.  Anti-inflammatory herbs reduce inflammation in various ways.  For example, spices like turmeric, ginger, rosemary, black pepper, and clove may help with internal inflammation.  Herbs like comfrey, juniper, lavender, and peppermint have been useful in topical remedies.  More human studies are warranted.

Edema is not necessarily the same thing as inflammation.  Edema is when there is excessive fluid in the tissue.

Consult with a Doctor when considering herbs, especially beyond food quantity amounts, to ingest for inflammation reduction. Herbs, especially in large doses, may interfere with certain medications and affect certain medical conditions. Also, be aware of any contraindications before topical use.

Anti-inflammatory Recipes

Achy Cocoa-Menthol Muscle Rub Recipe

Comfrey Joint Cream Recipe

Easy Black Pepper Tea Recipe

Easy Cardamom Tea Recipe

Easy Clove Tea Recipe

Easy Ginger Tea Recipe & Some Research

Ginger & Turmeric for Inflammation: Golden Milk Recipe

Peppermint Muscle Rub

Quick & Easy Anti-inflammatory Fudge Recipe

Topical Anti-inflammatory Studies for Pine, Juniper, & Cedarwood

Blog Articles

Achy Cocoa-Menthol Muscle Rub Recipe

Ginger & Turmeric for Inflammation: Golden Milk Recipe

Red Ant Bites

Research on the Cinnamaldehyde Constituent

Rose & Pain Reduction

Rosemary for Skin Irritations

Topical Anti-inflammatory Studies for Pine, Juniper, & Cedarwood

What is a Mangosteen?

Why Should I Eat Acai Berries?

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.

GENERAL

• Reviewed were 32 monoterpenes from plants that showed anti-inflammatory action.  From:  de Cássia da Silveira e Sá, R., Andrade, L. N., & de Sousa, D. P. (2013). A review on anti-inflammatory activity of monoterpenes. Molecules, 18(1), 1227-1254.

AGRIMONY

• Consumption of agrimony tea for one month reduced lipid levels and inflammation, and showed antioxidant activity in participants.  From:  Ivanova, D., Vankova, D., & Nashar, M. (2013). Agrimonia eupatoria tea consumption in relation to markers of inflammation, oxidative status and lipid metabolism in healthy subjects. Archives of physiology and biochemistry, 119(1), 32-37.

ALLPSICE

• Extracts from chili peppers, allspice, basil, bay, black pepper, licorice, nutmeg, oregano, sage and thyme showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.  From:  Mueller, M., Hobiger, S., & Jungbauer, A. (2010). Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from fruits, herbs and spices. Food Chemistry, 122(4), 987-996.

ALOE

• Studying aloe components in vitro, antioxidant activity was correlated with phenolic content and anti-inflammatory activity was associated with catechin tannins compounds.  From:  Kammoun, M., Miladi, S., Ali, Y. B., Damak, M., Gargouri, Y., & Bezzine, S. (2011). In vitro study of the PLA2 inhibition and antioxidant activities of Aloe vera leaf skin extracts. Lipids in health and disease, 10(1), 30.
• In 40 healthy adults, test areas of the back were overexposed to ultraviolet light. A formulation with Aloe vera showed the highest anti-inflammatory effect. Formulations with Chamomilla recutita, Melissa officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia and Coriandrum sativum showed some anti-inflammatory effect. From: Beikert, F. C., Schönfeld, B. S., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 64(1), 40-46.

ANGELICA

• Angelica sinensis had an anti-inflammatory effect in mice.  From:  Chao, W. W., Hong, Y. H., Chen, M. L., & Lin, B. F. (2010). Inhibitory effects of Angelica sinensis ethyl acetate extract and major compounds on NF-κB trans-activation activity and LPS-induced inflammation. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 129(2), 244-249.
• Angelica root essential oil showed in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. From: Fraternale, D., Teodori, L., Rudov, A., Prattichizzo, F., Olivieri, F., Guidarelli, A., & Albertini, M. C. (2018). The In Vitro Activity of Angelica archangelica L. Essential Oil on Inflammation. Journal of medicinal food, 21(12), 1238-1243.

ANISE

• Phytochemicals derived from spices can reduce inflammatory diseases.  These include:  turmeric (curcumin), red pepper (capsaicin), cloves (eugenol), ginger (gingerol), cumin, anise (anethol), fennel (anethol), basil (ursolic acid), rosemary (ursolic acid), garlic (diallyl sulfide, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and ajoene), and pomegranate (ellagic acid). From:  Aggarwal, B. B., & Shishodia, S. (2004). Suppression of the Nuclear Factor‐κB Activation Pathway by Spice‐Derived Phytochemicals: Reasoning for Seasoning. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1030(1), 434-441.

ARNICA

• Traumeel is an herbal formulation including Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, Symphytum officinale, Atropa belladonna, Aconitum napellu, Bellis perennis, Hypericum perforatum, Chinacea angustfolia, Echinacea purpurea, Hamamelis virginica, Mercurius solubilis, and Hepar sulfuris. In a review of research, the author concluded that Traumeel is an effective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for treating pain and inflammation, especially related to stomatitis for chemotherapy patients and musculoskeletal injuries. From: Grech, D., Velagala, J., Dembek, D. J., & Tabaac, B. (2018). Critical Literature Review of the Homeopathic Compound Traumeel for Treatment of Inflammation. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 9(03), 67.

ASHWAGANDHA

• Ashwagandha possessed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, possibly related to the alkaloid and withanolide content.  From:  Chandra, S., Chatterjee, P., Dey, P., & Bhattacharya, S. (2012). Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect of ashwagandha: a preliminary study in vitro. Pharmacognosy Journal, 4(29), 47-49.
• Leaf extracts from ashwagandha and its withaferin constituent strongy inhibited inflammation in vitro.  From:  Kaileh, M., Berghe, W. V., Heyerick, A., Horion, J., Piette, J., Libert, C., … & Haegeman, G. (2007). Withaferin A strongly elicits IκB kinase β hyperphosphorylation concomitant with potent inhibition of its kinase activity. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 282(7), 4253-4264.

BASIL

• Phytochemicals derived from spices can reduce inflammatory diseases.  These include:  turmeric (curcumin), red pepper (capsaicin), cloves (eugenol), ginger (gingerol), cumin, anise (anethol), fennel (anethol), basil (ursolic acid), rosemary (ursolic acid), garlic (diallyl sulfide, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and ajoene), and pomegranate (ellagic acid). From:  Aggarwal, B. B., & Shishodia, S. (2004). Suppression of the Nuclear Factor‐κB Activation Pathway by Spice‐Derived Phytochemicals: Reasoning for Seasoning. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1030(1), 434-441.
• Extracts from chili peppers, allspice, basil, bay, black pepper, licorice, nutmeg, oregano, sage and thyme showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.  From:  Mueller, M., Hobiger, S., & Jungbauer, A. (2010). Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from fruits, herbs and spices. Food Chemistry, 122(4), 987-996.

BAY

• Extracts from chili peppers, allspice, basil, bay, black pepper, licorice, nutmeg, oregano, sage and thyme showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.  From:  Mueller, M., Hobiger, S., & Jungbauer, A. (2010). Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from fruits, herbs and spices. Food Chemistry, 122(4), 987-996.

BAYBERRY

• Myricetin from Myrica rubra (Chinese bayberry) leaves possessed a potent anti-inflammatory function on acute and chronic inflammation related to antioxidant activity.  From:  Wang, S. J., Tong, Y., Lu, S., Yang, R., Liao, X., Xu, Y. F., & Li, X. (2010). Anti-inflammatory activity of myricetin isolated from Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc. leaves. Planta medica, 76(14), 1492-1496.

BONESET

• Eupatorium perfoliatum extracts showed anti-inflammatory activity related to cytokines and chemokines in vitro.  From:  Maas, M., Deters, A. M., & Hensel, A. (2011). Anti-inflammatory activity of Eupatorium perfoliatum L. extracts, eupafolin, and dimeric guaianolide via iNOS inhibitory activity and modulation of inflammation-related cytokines and chemokines. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 137(1), 371-381.
• Inflammatory cytokines were reduced in vitro with an extract of E. perfoliatum.  From:  Nauert, C., Bentley, C., & Fiebich, B. L. (2006). In-vitro-Untersuchungen zur entzündungshemmenden Wirkung von Eupatorium perfoliatum (EP). Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie, 27(S 1), P28.

BORAGE

• Herbs with an anti-inflammatory effect in clinical studies is reviewed. Herbs include Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis, Borago officinalis, evening primrose (Oenethera ssp), and Devil’s claw (Proboscidea parviflora). From: Ghasemian, M., Owlia, S., & Owlia, M. B. (2016). Review of anti-inflammatory herbal medicines. Advances in pharmacological sciences, 2016.
• Traumeel is an herbal formulation including Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, Symphytum officinale, Atropa belladonna, Aconitum napellu, Bellis perennis, Hypericum perforatum, Chinacea angustfolia, Echinacea purpurea, Hamamelis virginica, Mercurius solubilis, and Hepar sulfuris. In a review of research, the author concluded that Traumeel is an effective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for treating pain and inflammation, especially related to stomatitis for chemotherapy patients and musculoskeletal injuries. From: Grech, D., Velagala, J., Dembek, D. J., & Tabaac, B. (2018). Critical Literature Review of the Homeopathic Compound Traumeel for Treatment of Inflammation. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 9(03), 67.

BURDOCK

• In a review of research, the arctigenin component of A. lapp has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activities, but further research is needed with alternative delivery methods. From: Gao, Q., Yang, M., & Zuo, Z. (2018). Overview of the anti-inflammatory effects, pharmacokinetic properties and clinical efficacies of arctigenin and arctiin from Arctium lappa L. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, 39(5), 787-801.
• Drinking Arctium lappa root tea (burdock) reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in 36 patients with knee osteoarthritis.  From:  Maghsoumi‐Norouzabad, L., Alipoor, B., Abed, R., Eftekhar Sadat, B., Mesgari‐Abbasi, M., & Asghari Jafarabadi, M. (2014). Effects of Arctium lappa L.(Burdock) root tea on inflammatory status and oxidative stress in patients with knee osteoarthritis. International journal of rheumatic diseases.
• Burdock root crude extract reduced rat paw edema and had radical scavenging activity.  From:  Lin, C. C., Lin, J. M., Yang, J. J., Chuang, S. C., & Ujiie, T. (1996). Anti-inflammatory and radical scavenge effects of Arctium lappa. The American journal of Chinese medicine, 24(02), 127-137.
• In vivo studies demonstrated arctigenin extracted from the seeds of Arctium lappa reduced inflammatory diseases like colitis by inhibiting the PI3K pathway and changing M1 macrophages to M2-like macrophages. From: Hyam, S. R., Lee, I. A., Gu, W., Kim, K. A., Jeong, J. J., Jang, S. E., … & Kim, D. H. (2013). Arctigenin ameliorates inflammation in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway and polarizing M1 macrophages to M2-like macrophages. European journal of pharmacology, 708(1-3), 21-29.
• Arctigenin was the active constituent in burdock, suppressing inflammation in vitro.  From:  Zhao, F., Wang, L., & Liu, K. (2009). In vitro anti-inflammatory effects of arctigenin, a lignan from Arctium lappa L., through inhibition on iNOS pathway. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 122(3), 457-462.
• Burdock reduced the allergic inflammatory response in mouse ear edema.  From:  Knipping, K., van Esch, E. C., Wijering, S. C., van der Heide, S., Dubois, A. E., & Garssen, J. (2008). In vitro and in vivo anti-allergic effects of Arctium lappa L. Experimental biology and medicine, 233(11), 1469-1477.
• Lignans extracted from burdock inhibited inflammation.  From:  Park, S. Y., Hong, S. S., Han, X. H., Hwang, J. S., Lee, D., Ro, J. S., & Hwang, B. Y. (2007). Lignans from Arctium lappa and their inhibition of LPS-induced nitric oxide production. Chemical and pharmaceutical bulletin, 55(1), 150-152.
• Diarctigenin from burdock seeds reduced inflammation gene expression. From:  Kim, B. H., Hong, S. S., Kwon, S. W., Lee, H. Y., Sung, H., Lee, I. J., … & Ahn, B. (2008). Diarctigenin, a lignan constituent from Arctium lappa, down-regulated zymosan-induced transcription of inflammatory genes through suppression of DNA binding ability of nuclear factor-κB in macrophages. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 327(2), 393-401.
• Arctigenin inhibited activation of MAP kinases. From:  Cho, M. K., Jang, Y. P., Kim, Y. C., & Kim, S. G. (2004). Arctigenin, a phenylpropanoid dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan, inhibits MAP kinases and AP-1 activation via potent MKK inhibition: the role in TNF-α inhibition. International immunopharmacology, 4(10), 1419-1429.

CALENDULA

• Traumeel is an herbal formulation including Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, Symphytum officinale, Atropa belladonna, Aconitum napellu, Bellis perennis, Hypericum perforatum, Chinacea angustfolia, Echinacea purpurea, Hamamelis virginica, Mercurius solubilis, and Hepar sulfuris. In a review of research, the author concluded that Traumeel is an effective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for treating pain and inflammation, especially related to stomatitis for chemotherapy patients and musculoskeletal injuries. From: Grech, D., Velagala, J., Dembek, D. J., & Tabaac, B. (2018). Critical Literature Review of the Homeopathic Compound Traumeel for Treatment of Inflammation. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 9(03), 67.

CANNABIS

• Cannabis extracts of CBD showed in vitro anti-inflammatory skin action.  From:  Fumagalli, M., Sangiovanni, E., Pacchetti, B., Piazza, S., & Dell’Agli, M. (2017). Anti-inflammatory activity of Cannabis sativa L. extracts in an in vitro model of skin inflammation. Planta Medica International Open, 4(S 01), We-SL.

CARDAMOM

• A cardamom supplement taken for 8 weeks reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in 80 overweight pre-diabetic female patients.  From: Kazemi, S., Yaghooblou, F., Siassi, F., Rahimi Foroushani, A., Ghavipour, M., Koohdani, F., & Sotoudeh, G. (2017). Cardamom supplementation improves inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in hyperlipidemic, overweight, and obese pre‐diabetic women: a randomized double‐blind clinical trial. Journal of the science of food and agriculture, 97(15), 5296-5301.

CARROT SEED

• Daucus carota seed inhibiting carrageenan, histamine and serotonin-induced paw edema and formaldehyde-induced arthritis in rats.  From:  Vasudevan, M., Gunnam, K. K., & Parle, M. (2006). Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of Daucus carota seeds extract. Journal of Health Science, 52(5), 598-606.

CEDARWOOD

• Essential oil from cedarwood displayed significant wound-healing and anti-inflammatory activities.  From:  Tumen, I., Süntar, I., Eller, F. J., Keleş, H., & Akkol, E. K. (2013). Topical wound-healing effects and phytochemical composition of heartwood essential oils of Juniperus virginiana L., Juniperus occidentalis Hook., and Juniperus ashei J. Buchholz. Journal of medicinal food, 16(1), 48-55.

CHAMOMILE

• Traumeel is an herbal formulation including Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, Symphytum officinale, Atropa belladonna, Aconitum napellu, Bellis perennis, Hypericum perforatum, Chinacea angustfolia, Echinacea purpurea, Hamamelis virginica, Mercurius solubilis, and Hepar sulfuris. In a review of research, the author concluded that Traumeel is an effective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for treating pain and inflammation, especially related to stomatitis for chemotherapy patients and musculoskeletal injuries. From: Grech, D., Velagala, J., Dembek, D. J., & Tabaac, B. (2018). Critical Literature Review of the Homeopathic Compound Traumeel for Treatment of Inflammation. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 9(03), 67.
• The author discussed the anti-inflammatory proazulenes: chamazulene and matricin that occur in chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and  yarrow (Achillea millefolium), along with a few other Asteraceae species.  From:  Ramadan, M., Goeters, S., Watzer, B., Krause, E., Lohmann, K., Bauer, R., … & Imming, P. (2006). Chamazulene carboxylic acid and matricin: a natural profen and its natural prodrug, identified through similarity to synthetic drug substances. Journal of natural products, 69(7), 1041-1045.
• Chamazulene in chamomile showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting leukotriene synthesis.  From:  Safayhi, H., Sabieraj, J., Sailer, E. R., & Ammon, H. P. T. (1994). Chamazulene: an antioxidant-type inhibitor of leukotriene B4 formation. Planta medica, 60(05), 410-413.
• Roman chamomile essential oil showed a sedative, anti-inflammatory effect in rats.  From:  Rossi, T., Melegari, M., Bianchi, A., Albasini, A., & Vampa, G. (1988). Sedative, anti-inflammatory and anti-diuretic effects induced in rats by essential oils of varieties of Anthemis nobilis: a comparative study. Pharmacological research communications, 20, 71-74.
• The herbs willow bark (Salix alba), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), and their polyphenol compounds of apigenin, quercetin and salicylic acid showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.  From:  Drummond, E. M., Harbourne, N., Marete, E., Martyn, D., Jacquier, J. C., O’riordan, D., & Gibney, E. R. (2013). Inhibition of proinflammatory biomarkers in THP1 macrophages by polyphenols derived from chamomile, meadowsweet and willow bark. Phytotherapy Research, 27(4), 588-594.
• In 40 healthy adults, test areas of the back were overexposed to ultraviolet light. A formulation with Aloe vera showed the highest anti-inflammatory effect. Formulations with Chamomilla recutita, Melissa officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia and Coriandrum sativum showed some anti-inflammatory effect. From: Beikert, F. C., Schönfeld, B. S., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 64(1), 40-46.

CHASTE

• Extracts from Vitex agnus-castus: methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate and 5-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzoic acid showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in a cell-based contemporary assay, and both casticin and 3,3′-dihydroxy-5,6,7,4′-tetramethoxy flavon exhibited a potent lipoxygenase inhibition   From:  Choudhary, M. I., Jalil, S., Nawaz, S. A., Khan, K. M., & Tareen, R. B. (2009). Antiinflammatory and lipoxygenase inhibitory compounds from vitex agnus‐castus. Phytotherapy Research, 23(9), 1336-1339.

CINNAMON

• In a review of 6 human studies including 285 patients, intake of cinnamon improved levels of inflammation biomarkers. Further studies are needed. From: Vallianou, N., Tsang, C., Taghizadeh, M., Davoodvandi, A., & Jafarnejad, S. (2018). Effect of cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum) supplementation on serum C-reactive protein concentrations: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Complementary therapies in medicine.
• Cinnamaldehyde demonstrated anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory properties.  From:  Chao, L. K., Hua, K. F., Hsu, H. Y., Cheng, S. S., Lin, I. F., Chen, C. J., … & Chang, S. T. (2008). Cinnamaldehyde inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion from monocytes/macrophages through suppression of intracellular signaling. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 46(1), 220-231.

CISTUS

• Aqueous extracts from two cistus species showed in vivo anti-inflammatory and both central and peripheral analgesic activities. From: Sayah, K., Chemlal, L., Marmouzi, I., El Jemli, M., Cherrah, Y., & Faouzi, M. E. A. (2017). In vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Cistus salviifolius (L.) and Cistus monspeliensis (L.) aqueous extracts. South African Journal of Botany, 113, 160-163.

CLOVE

• Phytochemicals derived from spices can reduce inflammatory diseases.  These include:  turmeric (curcumin), red pepper (capsaicin), cloves (eugenol), ginger (gingerol), cumin, anise (anethol), fennel (anethol), basil (ursolic acid), rosemary (ursolic acid), garlic (diallyl sulfide, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and ajoene), and pomegranate (ellagic acid). From:  Aggarwal, B. B., & Shishodia, S. (2004). Suppression of the Nuclear Factor‐κB Activation Pathway by Spice‐Derived Phytochemicals: Reasoning for Seasoning. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1030(1), 434-441.

COMFREY

• In a randomized clinical trial of 164 patients with ankle sprains, swelling and pain was improved using a comfrey root extract more so than a diclo-fenac gel.  From:  Predel, H. G., Giannetti, B., Koll, R., Bulitta, M., & Staiger, C. (2005). Efficacy of a Comfrey root extract ointment in comparison to a Diclo-fenac gel in the treatment of ankle distortions: Results of an observer-blind, randomized, multicenter study. Phytomedicine, 12(10), 707-714.
• Comfrey extract was anti-inflammatory in humans.  From:  Petersen, G., Lorkowski, G., Kasper, F. R., Gottwald, R., & Lücker, P. W. (1993). Anti-inflammatory activity of a pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free extract of roots of Symphytum officinale in humans. Planta Medica, 59(S 1), A703-A704.
• Symptoms of swelling, pain, and mobility of ankle distortions was improved with the topical application of a comfrey cream.  From:  Kučera, M., Barna, M., Horáček, O., Kováriková, J., & Kučera, A. (2004). Efficacy and safety of topically applied Symphytum herb extract cream in the treatment of ankle distortion: Results of a randomized controlled clinical double-blind study. WMW Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 154(21), 498-507.
• With ankle sprains, comfrey was safe and effective in reducing inflammation and pain.  From:  Koll, R., Buhr, M., Dieter, R., Pabst, H., Predel, H. G., Petrowicz, O., … & Staiger, C. (2004). Efficacy and tolerance of a comfrey root extract (Extr. Rad. Symphyti) in the treatment of ankle distorsions: results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Phytomedicine, 11(6), 470-477.

CUMIN

• Phytochemicals derived from spices can reduce inflammatory diseases.  These include:  turmeric (curcumin), red pepper (capsaicin), cloves (eugenol), ginger (gingerol), cumin, anise (anethol), fennel (anethol), basil (ursolic acid), rosemary (ursolic acid), garlic (diallyl sulfide, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and ajoene), and pomegranate (ellagic acid). From:  Aggarwal, B. B., & Shishodia, S. (2004). Suppression of the Nuclear Factor‐κB Activation Pathway by Spice‐Derived Phytochemicals: Reasoning for Seasoning. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1030(1), 434-441.

CORIANDER

• In 40 volunteers, a placebo controlled study showed that induced skin redness and inflammation was reduced greater with a lotion containing 0.5% or 1.0% coriander seed oil over the hydrocortisone placebo. From: Reuter, J., Huyke, C., Casetti, F., Theek, C., Frank, U., Augustin, M., & Schempp, C. (2008). Anti‐inflammatory potential of a lipolotion containing coriander oil in the ultraviolet erythema test. JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 6(10), 847-851.
• In 40 healthy adults, test areas of the back were overexposed to ultraviolet light. A formulation with Aloe vera showed the highest anti-inflammatory effect. Formulations with Chamomilla recutita, Melissa officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia and Coriandrum sativum showed some anti-inflammatory effect. From: Beikert, F. C., Schönfeld, B. S., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 64(1), 40-46.

DAISY

• Traumeel is an herbal formulation including Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, Symphytum officinale, Atropa belladonna, Aconitum napellu, Bellis perennis, Hypericum perforatum, Chinacea angustfolia, Echinacea purpurea, Hamamelis virginica, Mercurius solubilis, and Hepar sulfuris. In a review of research, the author concluded that Traumeel is an effective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for treating pain and inflammation, especially related to stomatitis for chemotherapy patients and musculoskeletal injuries. From: Grech, D., Velagala, J., Dembek, D. J., & Tabaac, B. (2018). Critical Literature Review of the Homeopathic Compound Traumeel for Treatment of Inflammation. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 9(03), 67.

DEADLY NIGHTSHADE / BELLADONNA

• Traumeel is an herbal formulation including Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, Symphytum officinale, Atropa belladonna, Aconitum napellu, Bellis perennis, Hypericum perforatum, Chinacea angustfolia, Echinacea purpurea, Hamamelis virginica, Mercurius solubilis, and Hepar sulfuris. In a review of research, the author concluded that Traumeel is an effective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for treating pain and inflammation, especially related to stomatitis for chemotherapy patients and musculoskeletal injuries. From: Grech, D., Velagala, J., Dembek, D. J., & Tabaac, B. (2018). Critical Literature Review of the Homeopathic Compound Traumeel for Treatment of Inflammation. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 9(03), 67.

DEVIL’S CLAW

• Herbs with an anti-inflammatory effect in clinical studies is reviewed. Herbs include Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis, Borago officinalis, evening primrose (Oenethera ssp), and Devil’s claw (Proboscidea parviflora). From: Ghasemian, M., Owlia, S., & Owlia, M. B. (2016). Review of anti-inflammatory herbal medicines. Advances in pharmacological sciences, 2016.

ECHINACEA

• Traumeel is an herbal formulation including Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, Symphytum officinale, Atropa belladonna, Aconitum napellu, Bellis perennis, Hypericum perforatum, Chinacea angustfolia, Echinacea purpurea, Hamamelis virginica, Mercurius solubilis, and Hepar sulfuris. In a review of research, the author concluded that Traumeel is an effective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for treating pain and inflammation, especially related to stomatitis for chemotherapy patients and musculoskeletal injuries. From: Grech, D., Velagala, J., Dembek, D. J., & Tabaac, B. (2018). Critical Literature Review of the Homeopathic Compound Traumeel for Treatment of Inflammation. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 9(03), 67.

ELECAMPANE

• Elecampane extracts had an anti-inflammatory effect on septic mouse liver.  From:  Park, E. J., Kim, Y. M., Park, S. W., Kim, H. J., Lee, J. H., Lee, D. U., & Chang, K. C. (2013). Induction of HO-1 through p38 MAPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway by ethanol extract of Inula helenium L. reduces inflammation in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells and CLP-induced septic mice. Food and chemical toxicology, 55, 386-395.

FENNEL

• Phytochemicals derived from spices can reduce inflammatory diseases.  These include:  turmeric (curcumin), red pepper (capsaicin), cloves (eugenol), ginger (gingerol), cumin, anise (anethol), fennel (anethol), basil (ursolic acid), rosemary (ursolic acid), garlic (diallyl sulfide, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and ajoene), and pomegranate (ellagic acid). From:  Aggarwal, B. B., & Shishodia, S. (2004). Suppression of the Nuclear Factor‐κB Activation Pathway by Spice‐Derived Phytochemicals: Reasoning for Seasoning. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1030(1), 434-441.

FEVERFEW

• Oral doses of feverfew demonstrated antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity in mice.  From: Jain, N. K., & Kulkarni, S. K. (1999). Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Tanacetum parthenium L. extract in mice and rats. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 68(1-3), 251-259.
• Parthenolide constituents from feverfew showed in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities.  From:  Kwok, B. H., Koh, B., Ndubuisi, M. I., Elofsson, M., & Crews, C. M. (2001). The anti-inflammatory natural product parthenolide from the medicinal herb Feverfew directly binds to and inhibits IκB kinase. Chemistry & biology, 8(8), 759-766.

FLAXSEED

• Inflammation was reduced in pregnant women who took an omega-3 flaxseed supplement for 25 weeks.  Inflammation declined in both maternal adipose and placental tissue.  From:  Kordoni, M. E., & Panagiotakos, D. (2018). Can Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Reduce Inflammation in Obese Pregnant Women: A Discussion of a Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial. Hellenic Journal οf Atherosclerosis, 8(4).

GARLIC

• Phytochemicals derived from spices can reduce inflammatory diseases.  These include:  turmeric (curcumin), red pepper (capsaicin), cloves (eugenol), ginger (gingerol), cumin, anise (anethol), fennel (anethol), basil (ursolic acid), rosemary (ursolic acid), garlic (diallyl sulfide, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and ajoene), and pomegranate (ellagic acid). From:  Aggarwal, B. B., & Shishodia, S. (2004). Suppression of the Nuclear Factor‐κB Activation Pathway by Spice‐Derived Phytochemicals: Reasoning for Seasoning. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1030(1), 434-441.

GERANIUM

• Lemongrass, geranium and spearmint oils inhibited neutrophil adherence.  From:  Abe, S., Maruyama, N., Hayama, K., Ishibashi, H., Inoue, S., Oshima, H., & Yamaguchi, H. (2003). Suppression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced neutrophil adherence responses by essential oils. Mediators of inflammation, 12(6), 323-328.

GINGER

• Herbs with an anti-inflammatory effect in clinical studies is reviewed. Herbs include Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis, Borago officinalis, evening primrose (Oenethera ssp), and Devil’s claw (Proboscidea parviflora). From: Ghasemian, M., Owlia, S., & Owlia, M. B. (2016). Review of anti-inflammatory herbal medicines. Advances in pharmacological sciences, 2016.
• Phytochemicals derived from spices can reduce inflammatory diseases.  These include:  turmeric (curcumin), red pepper (capsaicin), cloves (eugenol), ginger (gingerol), cumin, anise (anethol), fennel (anethol), basil (ursolic acid), rosemary (ursolic acid), garlic (diallyl sulfide, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and ajoene), and pomegranate (ellagic acid). From:  Aggarwal, B. B., & Shishodia, S. (2004). Suppression of the Nuclear Factor‐κB Activation Pathway by Spice‐Derived Phytochemicals: Reasoning for Seasoning. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1030(1), 434-441.
• This article reviewed studies on the anti-inflammatory actions of ginger.  From:  Grzanna, R., Lindmark, L., & Frondoza, C. G. (2005). Ginger—an herbal medicinal product with broad anti-inflammatory actions. Journal of medicinal food, 8(2), 125-132.
• This was a 3 month double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial with 120 knee osteoarthritis patients. The group who took 1000 mg of ginger powder daily showed reduced inflammation. From: Naderi, Z., Mozaffari-Khosravi, H., Dehghan, A., Nadjarzadeh, A., & Huseini, H. F. (2016). Effect of ginger powder supplementation on nitric oxide and C-reactive protein in elderly knee osteoarthritis patients: A 12-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 6(3), 199-203.
• In this double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical with 70 type 2 diabetic patients, taking 1600 mg of ginger daily for 12 weeks reduced fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and inflammatory markers significantly. From: Arablou, T., Aryaeian, N., Valizadeh, M., Sharifi, F., Hosseini, A., & Djalali, M. (2014). The effect of ginger consumption on glycemic status, lipid profile and some inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 65(4), 515-520.
• Gingerol possessed analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in paw edema.  From:  Young, H. Y., Luo, Y. L., Cheng, H. Y., Hsieh, W. C., Liao, J. C., & Peng, W. H. (2005). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of [6]-gingerol. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 96(1), 207-210.
• Gingerol reduced induced skin tumors and inflammation in rodents.  From:  Park, K. K., Chun, K. S., Lee, J. M., Lee, S. S., & Surh, Y. J. (1998). Inhibitory effects of [6]-gingerol, a major pungent principle of ginger, on phorbol ester-induced inflammation, epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity and skin tumor promotion in ICR mice. Cancer letters, 129(2), 139-144.
• A ginger extract was topically anti-inflammatory in vivo. From: Minghetti, P., Sosa, S., Cilurzo, F., Casiraghi, A., Alberti, E., Tubaro, A., … & Montanari, L. (2007). Evaluation of the topical anti-inflammatory activity of ginger dry extracts from solutions and plasters. Planta medica, 73(15), 1525-1530.

GINKGO

• Turmeric, myrrh, and ginkgo extracts were just as effective as aspirin in having an anti-inflammatory action in vitro.  From:  Motar, A. A., Hussein, R. A., & Abdulbary, M. (2017). Anti-inflammatory effect of turmeric plant (Curcuma longa L.) rhizomes and myrrh (Commiphora myrrha L.) gums and ginkgo Ginkgo biloba L. leaves (tablets) extracts. karbala journal of pharmaceutical sciences, (13), 59-69.   Mohamed WA, Abd-Elhakim YM, Farouk SM. Protective effects of ethanolic extract of rosemary against lead-induced hepato-renal damage in rabbits. Exp Toxicol Pathol. 2016;68:451–61.

HOREHOUND

• Marrubiin from horehound had an anti-inflammatory effect in induced animals.  From:  Stulzer, H. K., Tagliari, M. P., Zampirolo, J. A., Cechinel-Filho, V., & Schlemper, V. (2006). Antioedematogenic effect of marrubiin obtained from Marrubium vulgare. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 108(3), 379-384

JUNIPER

• Juniper  extract reduced rat paw edema.  From:  Mascolo, N., Capasso, F., Menghini, A., & Fasulo, M. P. (1987). Biological screening of Italian medicinal plants for anti‐inflammatory activity. Phytotherapy research, 1(1), 28-31.
• Antioxidant, anti-fungal, genoprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities of juniper extracts were demonstrated in vitro. From: Fierascu, I., Ungureanu, C., Avramescu, S. M., Cimpeanu, C., Georgescu, M. I., Fierascu, R. C., … & Dinu-Pirvu, C. E. (2018). Genoprotective, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory evaluation of hydroalcoholic extract of wild-growing Juniperus communis L.(Cupressaceae) native to Romanian southern sub-Carpathian hills. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 18(1), 3.

LEMON

• Essential oils from C. limon, C. aurantifolia and C. limonia had a significant anti-inflammatory effect in vivo, likely related to the limonene constituent. However, C. aurantifolia, caused myelotoxicity in mice, likely related to the citral constituent. From: Amorim, J. L., Simas, D. L. R., Pinheiro, M. M. G., Moreno, D. S. A., Alviano, C. S., da Silva, A. J. R., & Fernandes, P. D. (2016). Anti-inflammatory properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils of four citrus species. PloS one, 11(4), e0153643.
• In a summary of research, hesperidin is a bioflavonoid found in high concentrations in citrus fruit with a significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. From: Tejada, S., Pinya, S., Martorell, M., Capó, X., Tur, J. A., Pons, A., & Sureda, A. (2018). Potential anti-inflammatory effects of hesperidin from the genus Citrus. Current medicinal chemistry, 25(37), 4929-4945.
• Essential oils from C. limon, C. latifolia, C. aurantifolia or C. limonia showed in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. In high concentration, C. aurantifolia induced myelotoxicity in mice. From: Amorim, J. L., Simas, D. L. R., Pinheiro, M. M. G., Moreno, D. S. A., Alviano, C. S., da Silva, A. J. R., & Fernandes, P. D. (2016). Anti-inflammatory properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils of four citrus species. PloS one, 11(4), e0153643.

LEMONGRASS

• Lemongrass, geranium and spearmint oils inhibited neutrophil adherence.  From:  Abe, S., Maruyama, N., Hayama, K., Ishibashi, H., Inoue, S., Oshima, H., & Yamaguchi, H. (2003). Suppression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced neutrophil adherence responses by essential oils. Mediators of inflammation, 12(6), 323-328.

LIME

• Essential oils from C. limon, C. aurantifolia and C. limonia had a significant anti-inflammatory effect in vivo, likely related to the limonene constituent. However, C. aurantifolia, caused myelotoxicity in mice, likely related to the citral constituent. From: Amorim, J. L., Simas, D. L. R., Pinheiro, M. M. G., Moreno, D. S. A., Alviano, C. S., da Silva, A. J. R., & Fernandes, P. D. (2016). Anti-inflammatory properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils of four citrus species. PloS one, 11(4), e0153643.
• In a summary of research, hesperidin is a bioflavonoid found in high concentrations in citrus fruit with a significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. From: Tejada, S., Pinya, S., Martorell, M., Capó, X., Tur, J. A., Pons, A., & Sureda, A. (2018). Potential anti-inflammatory effects of hesperidin from the genus Citrus. Current medicinal chemistry, 25(37), 4929-4945.
• Essential oils from C. limon, C. latifolia, C. aurantifolia or C. limonia showed in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. In high concentration, C. aurantifolia induced myelotoxicity in mice. From: Amorim, J. L., Simas, D. L. R., Pinheiro, M. M. G., Moreno, D. S. A., Alviano, C. S., da Silva, A. J. R., & Fernandes, P. D. (2016). Anti-inflammatory properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils of four citrus species. PloS one, 11(4), e0153643.

LICORICE

• Extracts from chili peppers, allspice, basil, bay, black pepper, licorice, nutmeg, oregano, sage and thyme showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.  From:  Mueller, M., Hobiger, S., & Jungbauer, A. (2010). Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from fruits, herbs and spices. Food Chemistry, 122(4), 987-996.

LITSEA

• Boldine and reticuline alkaloids isolated from Litsea cubeba had an in vivo anti-inflammatory effect. From: Yang, X., Gao, X., Cao, Y., Guo, Q., Li, S., Zhu, Z., … & Chai, X. (2018). Anti-inflammatory effects of boldine and reticuline isolated from Litsea cubeba through JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Planta medica, 84(01), 20-25.

MANGOSTEEN

• In a study of 84 overweight people who drank a mangosteen juice over an 8 week period, results showed a reduction in inflammatory biomarkers and an increase in antioxidant levels in the blood.  From:  Udani, J. K., Singh, B. B., Barrett, M. L., & Singh, V. J. (2009). Evaluation of Mangosteen juice blend on biomarkers of inflammation in obese subjects: a pilot, dose finding study. Nutrition journal, 8(1), 48.

MELISSA

• In 40 healthy adults, test areas of the back were overexposed to ultraviolet light. A formulation with Aloe vera showed the highest anti-inflammatory effect. Formulations with Chamomilla recutita, Melissa officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia and Coriandrum sativum showed some anti-inflammatory effect. From: Beikert, F. C., Schönfeld, B. S., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 64(1), 40-46.

MEADOWSWEET

• The herbs willow bark (Salix alba), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), and their polyphenol compounds of apigenin, quercetin and salicylic acid showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.  From:  Drummond, E. M., Harbourne, N., Marete, E., Martyn, D., Jacquier, J. C., O’riordan, D., & Gibney, E. R. (2013). Inhibition of proinflammatory biomarkers in THP1 macrophages by polyphenols derived from chamomile, meadowsweet and willow bark. Phytotherapy Research, 27(4), 588-594.

MONK’S HOOD / WOLFSBANE

• Traumeel is an herbal formulation including Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, Symphytum officinale, Atropa belladonna, Aconitum napellu, Bellis perennis, Hypericum perforatum, Chinacea angustfolia, Echinacea purpurea, Hamamelis virginica, Mercurius solubilis, and Hepar sulfuris. In a review of research, the author concluded that Traumeel is an effective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for treating pain and inflammation, especially related to stomatitis for chemotherapy patients and musculoskeletal injuries. From: Grech, D., Velagala, J., Dembek, D. J., & Tabaac, B. (2018). Critical Literature Review of the Homeopathic Compound Traumeel for Treatment of Inflammation. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 9(03), 67.

MOTHERWORT

• Motherwort inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines in vitro.  From:  Shin, H. Y., Kim, S. H., Kang, S. M., Chang, I. J., Kim, S. Y., Jeon, H., … & Shin, T. Y. (2009). Anti-inflammatory activity of Motherwort (Leonurus sibiricus L.). Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology, 31(2), 209-213.
• Leonurus sibiricus (motherwort) had an antioxidant, antinociceptive and topical anti-inflammatory effect on mice ear.  From:  Oliveira, A. S., Cercato, L. M., de Santana Souza, M. T., de Oliveira Melo, A. J., dos Santos Lima, B., Duarte, M. C., … & Camargo, E. A. (2017). The ethanol extract of Leonurus sibiricus L. induces antioxidant, antinociceptive and topical anti-inflammatory effects. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
• Ursolic acid from Leonurus cardiaca was an excellent inhibitor of superoxides produced in the cellular system and might be a useful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent.  From:  Ali, M. S., Ibrahim, S. A., Jalil, S., & Choudhary, M. I. (2007). Ursolic acid: a potent inhibitor of superoxides produced in the cellular system. Phytotherapy Research, 21(6), 558-561.

MULLEIN

• Verbascum mallophorum (mullein) showed anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the production of superoxide radicals and the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase.  From:  Speranza, L., Franceschelli, S., Pesce, M., Menghini, L., Patruno, A., Vinciguerra, I., … & Grilli, A. (2008). Anti-inflammatory properties of the plant Verbascum mallophorum. Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents, 23(3), 189-195.

MYRRH

• Turmeric, myrrh, and ginkgo extracts were just as effective as aspirin in having an anti-inflammatory action in vitro.  From:  Motar, A. A., Hussein, R. A., & Abdulbary, M. (2017). Anti-inflammatory effect of turmeric plant (Curcuma longa L.) rhizomes and myrrh (Commiphora myrrha L.) gums and ginkgo Ginkgo biloba L. leaves (tablets) extracts. karbala journal of pharmaceutical sciences, (13), 59-69.   Mohamed WA, Abd-Elhakim YM, Farouk SM. Protective effects of ethanolic extract of rosemary against lead-induced hepato-renal damage in rabbits. Exp Toxicol Pathol. 2016;68:451–61.

NUTMEG

• Extracts from chili peppers, allspice, basil, bay, black pepper, licorice, nutmeg, oregano, sage and thyme showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.  From:  Mueller, M., Hobiger, S., & Jungbauer, A. (2010). Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from fruits, herbs and spices. Food Chemistry, 122(4), 987-996.

OREGANO

• In mice, oregano extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory activities but tended to be weaker than those of hydrocortisone. It also showed antioxidant activities which could contribute to its preventive effects against inflammatory diseases, like gastritis and contact hypersensitivity.  From:  Yoshino, K., Higashi, N., & Koga, K. (2006). Antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities of oregano extract. Journal of health science, 52(2), 169-173.
• Extracts from chili peppers, allspice, basil, bay, black pepper, licorice, nutmeg, oregano, sage and thyme showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.  From:  Mueller, M., Hobiger, S., & Jungbauer, A. (2010). Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from fruits, herbs and spices. Food Chemistry, 122(4), 987-996.

PATCHOULI

• Patchouli alcohol possessed potent anti-inflammatory activity in rat paw edema.  From:  Li, Y. C., Xian, Y. F., Ip, S. P., Su, Z. R., Su, J. Y., He, J. J., … & Lin, Z. X. (2011). Anti-inflammatory activity of patchouli alcohol isolated from Pogostemonis Herba in animal models. Fitoterapia, 82(8), 1295-1301.
• Beta patchoulene, a constituent in patchouli oil, reduced inflammation in mouse ear edema.  From:  Zhang, Z., Chen, X., Chen, H., Wang, L., Liang, J., Luo, D., … & Su, Z. (2016). Anti-inflammatory activity of β-patchoulene isolated from patchouli oil in mice. European journal of pharmacology, 781, 229-238.

PEPPER, BLACK

• Extracts from chili peppers, allspice, basil, bay, black pepper, licorice, nutmeg, oregano, sage and thyme showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.  From:  Mueller, M., Hobiger, S., & Jungbauer, A. (2010). Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from fruits, herbs and spices. Food Chemistry, 122(4), 987-996.

PEPPER, RED

• Phytochemicals derived from spices can reduce inflammatory diseases.  These include:  turmeric (curcumin), red pepper (capsaicin), cloves (eugenol), ginger (gingerol), cumin, anise (anethol), fennel (anethol), basil (ursolic acid), rosemary (ursolic acid), garlic (diallyl sulfide, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and ajoene), and pomegranate (ellagic acid). From:  Aggarwal, B. B., & Shishodia, S. (2004). Suppression of the Nuclear Factor‐κB Activation Pathway by Spice‐Derived Phytochemicals: Reasoning for Seasoning. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1030(1), 434-441.
• Extracts from chili peppers, allspice, basil, bay, black pepper, licorice, nutmeg, oregano, sage and thyme showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.  From:  Mueller, M., Hobiger, S., & Jungbauer, A. (2010). Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from fruits, herbs and spices. Food Chemistry, 122(4), 987-996.

PEPPERMINT

• In 19 healthy participants, ice and/or diluted menthol were applied and blood flow was measured. It was found that applying a 3.5% menthol helped reduce peripheral blood flow, and the combination of applying both crushed ice and menthol had an additive effect of reducing blood flow. From: Topp, R., Ledford, E. R., & Jacks, D. E. (2013). Topical menthol, ice, peripheral blood flow, and perceived discomfort. Journal of athletic training, 48(2), 220-225.
• In 16 subjects, topical application to the thigh of a 3.5% and an 10% menthol rapidly reduced blood flow. This may aid to attenuate the inflammation process. From: Topp, R., Winchester, L. J., Schilero, J., & Jacks, D. (2011). Effect of topical menthol on ipsilateral and contralateral superficial blood flow following a bout of maximum voluntary muscle contraction. International journal of sports physical therapy, 6(2), 83.
• In 17 healthy adults, 3.5% menthol was more effective than ice in rapidly reducing blood flow and improving lower arm muscle strength. From: Topp, R., Winchester, L., Mink, A. M., Kaufman, J. S., & Jacks, D. E. (2011). Comparison of the effects of ice and 3.5% menthol gel on blood flow and muscle strength of the lower arm. Journal of sport rehabilitation, 20(3), 355-366.

PINE

• Pinus sylvestrus bark extract inhibited the production of proinflammatory mediators.  From:  Karonen, M., Hämäläinen, M., Nieminen, R., Klika, K. D., Loponen, J., Ovcharenko, V. V., … & Pihlaja, K. (2004). Phenolic extractives from the bark of Pinus sylvestris L. and their effects on inflammatory mediators nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(25), 7532-7540.
• Scots pine contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds.  From:  Laavola, M., Nieminen, R., Leppänen, T., Eckerman, C., Holmbom, B., & Moilanen, E. (2015). Pinosylvin and monomethylpinosylvin, constituents of an extract from the knot of Pinus sylvestris, reduce inflammatory gene expression and inflammatory responses in vivo. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 63(13), 3445-3453.

PLANTAIN

• Phenylethanoids from plantain showed inhibitory effects on induced mouse ear edema.  From:  Murai, M., Tamayama, Y., & Nishibe, S. (1995). Phenylethanoids in the Herb of Plantago lanceolata and Inhibitory Effect on Arachidonic Acid-Induced Mouse Ear Edema1. Planta Medica, 61(05), 479-480.

POMAGRANATE

• Phytochemicals derived from spices can reduce inflammatory diseases.  These include:  turmeric (curcumin), red pepper (capsaicin), cloves (eugenol), ginger (gingerol), cumin, anise (anethol), fennel (anethol), basil (ursolic acid), rosemary (ursolic acid), garlic (diallyl sulfide, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and ajoene), and pomegranate (ellagic acid). From:  Aggarwal, B. B., & Shishodia, S. (2004). Suppression of the Nuclear Factor‐κB Activation Pathway by Spice‐Derived Phytochemicals: Reasoning for Seasoning. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1030(1), 434-441.

PRIMROSE

• Herbs with an anti-inflammatory effect in clinical studies is reviewed. Herbs include Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis, Borago officinalis, evening primrose (Oenethera ssp), and Devil’s claw (Proboscidea parviflora). From: Ghasemian, M., Owlia, S., & Owlia, M. B. (2016). Review of anti-inflammatory herbal medicines. Advances in pharmacological sciences, 2016.

ROSMEARY

• Herbs with an anti-inflammatory effect in clinical studies is reviewed. Herbs include Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis, Borago officinalis, evening primrose (Oenethera ssp), and Devil’s claw (Proboscidea parviflora). From: Ghasemian, M., Owlia, S., & Owlia, M. B. (2016). Review of anti-inflammatory herbal medicines. Advances in pharmacological sciences, 2016.
• Phytochemicals derived from spices can reduce inflammatory diseases.  These include:  turmeric (curcumin), red pepper (capsaicin), cloves (eugenol), ginger (gingerol), cumin, anise (anethol), fennel (anethol), basil (ursolic acid), rosemary (ursolic acid), garlic (diallyl sulfide, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and ajoene), and pomegranate (ellagic acid). From:  Aggarwal, B. B., & Shishodia, S. (2004). Suppression of the Nuclear Factor‐κB Activation Pathway by Spice‐Derived Phytochemicals: Reasoning for Seasoning. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1030(1), 434-441.
• A review of research on the anti-inflammatory activity of rosemary was discussed.  From:  Borges, R. S., Ortiz, B. L. S., Pereira, A. C. M., Keita, H., & Carvalho, J. C. T. (2018). Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil: A review of its phytochemistry, anti-inflammatory activity, and mechanisms of action involved. Journal of ethnopharmacology.
• Rosemary extract, its waste product, as well as its constituents of tritepenes, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, and micromeric acid all showed antiinflammatory activity.  From:  Altinier, G., Sosa, S., Aquino, R. P., Mencherini, T., Loggia, R. D., & Tubaro, A. (2007). Characterization of topical antiinflammatory compounds in Rosmarinus officinalis L. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 55(5), 1718-1723.
• Rosemary essential oil had an anti-inflammatory and peripheral antinociceptive activity on mice.  From:  Takaki, I., Bersani-Amado, L. E., Vendruscolo, A., Sartoretto, S. M., Diniz, S. P., Bersani-Amado, C. A., & Cuman, R. K. N. (2008). Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil in experimental animal models. Journal of Medicinal food, 11(4), 741-746.
• Rosemary essential oil showed anti-inflammatory action in vitro via leukocyte migration.  From;  de Melo, G. A. N., Grespan, R., Fonseca, J. P., Farinha, T. O., Silva, E. L., Romero, A. L., … & Cuman, R. K. N. (2011). Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil inhibits in vivo and in vitro leukocyte migration. Journal of medicinal food, 14(9), 944-946.
• Carnosic acid, carnosol and rosmarinic acid content in rosemary impacted radical-scavenging activity and the anti-inflammatory action was mainly based on the carnosic acid content.  From:  Kuhlmann, Annette, and Claudia Röhl. “Phenolic antioxidant compounds produced by in vitro. Cultures of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis.) and their anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide-activated microglia.” Pharmaceutical biology 44.6 (2006): 401-410.
• Rosmanol, a phenol in rosemary, showed anti-inflammatory activity.  From:  Lai, C. S., Lee, J. H., Ho, C. T., Liu, C. B., Wang, J. M., Wang, Y. J., & Pan, M. H. (2009). Rosmanol potently inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced iNOS and COX-2 expression through downregulating MAPK, NF-κB, STAT3 and C/EBP signaling pathways. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 57(22), 10990-10998.
• Carnosol in rosemary showed anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive action in mice.  From:  Lo, A. H., Liang, Y. C., Lin-Shiau, S. Y., Ho, C. T., & Lin, J. K. (2002). Carnosol, an antioxidant in rosemary, suppresses inducible nitric oxide synthase through down-regulating nuclear factor-κB in mouse macrophages. Carcinogenesis, 23(6), 983-991.
• Rosemary extracts were antimicrobial against oral microbes and showed anti-inflammatory action in vitro.  From:  de Oliveira, J. R., de Jesus, D., Figueira, L. W., de Oliveira, F. E., Pacheco Soares, C., Camargo, S. E. A., … & de Oliveira, L. D. (2017). Biological activities of Rosmarinus officinalis L.(rosemary) extract as analyzed in microorganisms and cells. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 242(6), 625-634.
• Rosemary extract exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor action. Peng, C. H., Su, J. D., Chyau, C. C., Sung, T. Y., Ho, S. S., Peng, C. C., & Peng, R. Y. (2007). Supercritical fluid extracts of rosemary leaves exhibit potent anti-inflammation and anti-tumor effects. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry, 71(9), 2223-2232.

SAGE

• Extracts from chili peppers, allspice, basil, bay, black pepper, licorice, nutmeg, oregano, sage and thyme showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.  From:  Mueller, M., Hobiger, S., & Jungbauer, A. (2010). Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from fruits, herbs and spices. Food Chemistry, 122(4), 987-996.
• This article discusses the anti-inflammatory actions of carnosic acid and carnosol as found in rosemary and sage.  From:  Poeckel, D., Greiner, C., Verhoff, M., Rau, O., Tausch, L., Hörnig, C., … & Werz, O. (2008). Carnosic acid and carnosol potently inhibit human 5-lipoxygenase and suppress pro-inflammatory responses of stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Biochemical pharmacology, 76(1), 91-97.

SPEARMINT

• Lemongrass, geranium and spearmint oils inhibited neutrophil adherence.  From:  Abe, S., Maruyama, N., Hayama, K., Ishibashi, H., Inoue, S., Oshima, H., & Yamaguchi, H. (2003). Suppression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced neutrophil adherence responses by essential oils. Mediators of inflammation, 12(6), 323-328.

ST. JOHN’S WORT

• Traumeel is an herbal formulation including Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, Symphytum officinale, Atropa belladonna, Aconitum napellu, Bellis perennis, Hypericum perforatum, Chinacea angustfolia, Echinacea purpurea, Hamamelis virginica, Mercurius solubilis, and Hepar sulfuris. In a review of research, the author concluded that Traumeel is an effective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for treating pain and inflammation, especially related to stomatitis for chemotherapy patients and musculoskeletal injuries. From: Grech, D., Velagala, J., Dembek, D. J., & Tabaac, B. (2018). Critical Literature Review of the Homeopathic Compound Traumeel for Treatment of Inflammation. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 9(03), 67.

TARRAGON

• Extract from  Artemisia dracunculus significantly modulated proteins involved in regulating inflammatory pathways.  From:  Kheterpal, I., Coleman, L., Ku, G., Wang, Z. Q., Ribnicky, D., & Cefalu, W. T. (2010). Regulation of insulin action by an extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. in primary human skeletal muscle culture: a proteomics approach. Phytotherapy Research, 24(9), 1278-1284.

TEA TREE

• Tea tree reduced plaque formation and inflammation orally.  From:  Saxer, U. P., Stäuble, A., Szabo, S. H., & Menghini, G. (2003). Effect of mouthwashing with tea tree oil on plaque and inflammation. Schweizer Monatsschrift für Zahnmedizin= Revue mensuelle suisse d’odonto-stomatologie= Rivista mensile svizzera di odontologia e stomatologia/SSO, 113(9), 985.
• Tea tree reduced the inflammation of gingivitis in this double blind study.  From:  Soukoulis, S., & Hirsch, R. (2004). The effects of a tea tree oil‐containing gel on plaque and chronic gingivitis. Australian dental journal, 49(2), 78-83.
• Tea tree oil reduced histamine-induced skin inflammation in humans.  From:  Koh, K. J., Pearce, A. L., Marshman, G., Finlay‐Jones, J. J., & Hart, P. H. (2002). Tea tree oil reduces histamine‐induced skin inflammation. British Journal of Dermatology, 147(6), 1212-1217.
• Terpinen-4-ol from tea tree oil suppressed pro-inflammatory mediator production by activated human monocytes.  From:  Hart, P. H., Brand, C., Carson, C. F., Riley, T. V., Prager, R. H., & Finlay-Jones, J. J. (2000). Terpinen-4-ol, the main component of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil), suppresses inflammatory mediator production by activated human monocytes. Inflammation Research, 49(11), 619-626.
• Anti-inflammatory action of tea tree oil was associated with bactericidal, antioxidant and radical scavenging activity in vitro.  From:  Caldefie-Chezet, F., Guerry, M., Chalchat, J. C., Fusillier, C., Vasson, M. P., & Guillot, J. (2004). Anti-inflammatory effects of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on human polymorphonuclear neutrophils and monocytes. Free radical research, 38(8), 805-811.
• Topical tea tree oil and terpinen-4-ol and α-terpineol affected oedema associated with the efferent phase of a contact hypersensitivity response in mice.  From:  Brand, C., Grimbaldeston, M. A., Gamble, J. R., Drew, J., Finlay-Jones, J. J., & Hart, P. H. (2002). Tea tree oil reduces the swelling associated with the efferent phase of a contact hypersensitivity response. Inflammation Research, 51(5), 236-244.
• In 40 healthy adults, test areas of the back were overexposed to ultraviolet light. A formulation with Aloe vera showed the highest anti-inflammatory effect. Formulations with Chamomilla recutita, Melissa officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia and Coriandrum sativum showed some anti-inflammatory effect. From: Beikert, F. C., Schönfeld, B. S., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 64(1), 40-46.

THYME

• Extracts from chili peppers, allspice, basil, bay, black pepper, licorice, nutmeg, oregano, sage and thyme showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.  From:  Mueller, M., Hobiger, S., & Jungbauer, A. (2010). Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from fruits, herbs and spices. Food Chemistry, 122(4), 987-996.

TURMERIC

• Herbs with an anti-inflammatory effect in clinical studies is reviewed. Herbs include Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis, Borago officinalis, evening primrose (Oenethera ssp), and Devil’s claw (Proboscidea parviflora). From: Ghasemian, M., Owlia, S., & Owlia, M. B. (2016). Review of anti-inflammatory herbal medicines. Advances in pharmacological sciences, 2016.
• Phytochemicals derived from spices can reduce inflammatory diseases.  These include:  turmeric (curcumin), red pepper (capsaicin), cloves (eugenol), ginger (gingerol), cumin, anise (anethol), fennel (anethol), basil (ursolic acid), rosemary (ursolic acid), garlic (diallyl sulfide, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and ajoene), and pomegranate (ellagic acid). From:  Aggarwal, B. B., & Shishodia, S. (2004). Suppression of the Nuclear Factor‐κB Activation Pathway by Spice‐Derived Phytochemicals: Reasoning for Seasoning. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1030(1), 434-441.
• Turmeric, myrrh, and ginkgo extracts were just as effective as aspirin in having an anti-inflammatory action in vitro.  From:  Motar, A. A., Hussein, R. A., & Abdulbary, M. (2017). Anti-inflammatory effect of turmeric plant (Curcuma longa L.) rhizomes and myrrh (Commiphora myrrha L.) gums and ginkgo Ginkgo biloba L. leaves (tablets) extracts. karbala journal of pharmaceutical sciences, (13), 59-69.   Mohamed WA, Abd-Elhakim YM, Farouk SM. Protective effects of ethanolic extract of rosemary against lead-induced hepato-renal damage in rabbits. Exp Toxicol Pathol. 2016;68:451–61.

VETIVER

• Anti-inflammatory actions of vetiver essential oil and its constituents were demonstrated in vitro.  From: Chou, S. T., Lai, C. P., Lin, C. C., & Shih, Y. (2012). Study of the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity of essential oil from Vetiveria zizanioides. Food Chemistry, 134(1), 262-268.

WILLOW

• The herbs willow bark (Salix alba), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), and their polyphenol compounds of apigenin, quercetin and salicylic acid showed anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.  From:  Drummond, E. M., Harbourne, N., Marete, E., Martyn, D., Jacquier, J. C., O’riordan, D., & Gibney, E. R. (2013). Inhibition of proinflammatory biomarkers in THP1 macrophages by polyphenols derived from chamomile, meadowsweet and willow bark. Phytotherapy Research, 27(4), 588-594.

WITCH HAZEL

• Traumeel is an herbal formulation including Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, Symphytum officinale, Atropa belladonna, Aconitum napellu, Bellis perennis, Hypericum perforatum, Chinacea angustfolia, Echinacea purpurea, Hamamelis virginica, Mercurius solubilis, and Hepar sulfuris. In a review of research, the author concluded that Traumeel is an effective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for treating pain and inflammation, especially related to stomatitis for chemotherapy patients and musculoskeletal injuries. From: Grech, D., Velagala, J., Dembek, D. J., & Tabaac, B. (2018). Critical Literature Review of the Homeopathic Compound Traumeel for Treatment of Inflammation. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 9(03), 67.

YARROW

• Traumeel is an herbal formulation including Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria chamomilla, Symphytum officinale, Atropa belladonna, Aconitum napellu, Bellis perennis, Hypericum perforatum, Chinacea angustfolia, Echinacea purpurea, Hamamelis virginica, Mercurius solubilis, and Hepar sulfuris. In a review of research, the author concluded that Traumeel is an effective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for treating pain and inflammation, especially related to stomatitis for chemotherapy patients and musculoskeletal injuries. From: Grech, D., Velagala, J., Dembek, D. J., & Tabaac, B. (2018). Critical Literature Review of the Homeopathic Compound Traumeel for Treatment of Inflammation. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 9(03), 67.
• Yarrow extract showed anti-inflammatory skin action in a double blind in vitro study.  From:  Tadić, V., Arsić, I., Zvezdanović, J., Zugić, A., Cvetković, D., & Pavkov, S. (2017). The estimation of the traditionally used yarrow (Achillea millefolium L. Asteraceae) oil extracts with anti-inflamatory potential in topical application. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 199, 138-148.
• Yarrow showed antioxidant anti-inflammatory action where it could be useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.  From:  Chou, S. T., Peng, H. Y., Hsu, J. C., Lin, C. C., & Shih, Y. (2013). Achillea millefolium L. essential oil inhibits LPS-induced oxidative stress and nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. International journal of molecular sciences, 14(7), 12978-12993.
• Crude plant extracts of yarrow showed anti-inflammatory activity on human neutrophil elastase and matrix metalloproteinase in vitro.  From:  Benedek, B., Kopp, B., & Melzig, M. F. (2007). Achillea millefolium L. sl–Is the anti-inflammatory activity mediated by protease inhibition?. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 113(2), 312-317.
• Yarrow inhibited human neutrophil respiratory burst activity.  From:  Choudhary, M. I., Jalil, S., Todorova, M., Trendafilova, A., Mikhova, B., Duddeck, H., & Atta-ur-Rahman. (2007). Inhibitory effect of lactone fractions and individual components from three species of the Achillea millefolium complex of Bulgarian origin on the human neutrophils respiratory burst activity. Natural product research, 21(11), 1032-1036.
• A gel containing yarrow and butcher’s broom showed 50% reduction in vivo in rat paw edema.  From:  Maswadeh, H. M., Semreen, M. H., & Naddaf, A. R. (2006). Anti-inflammatory activity of Achillea and Ruscus topical gel on carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. Acta Pol Pharm, 63(4), 277-280.

By: Kathy Sadowski

Last Updated: 6/17/2020