Herbal Teas.

Always try to get the least processed as possible. If you are able to, get the raw ingredients and make your own.

    Green tea: Made with steamed tea leaves, it has a high concentration of EGCG and has been widely studied. Green tea’s antioxidants may interfere with the growth of bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers; prevent clogging of the arteries, burn fat, counteract oxidative stress on the brain, reduce risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, reduce risk of stroke, and improve cholesterol levels.

    Black tea: Made with fermented tea leaves, black tea has the highest caffeine content and forms the basis for flavoured teas like chai, along with some instant teas. Studies have shown that black tea may protect lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. It also may reduce the risk of stroke.

    White tea: Uncured and unfermented. One study showed that white tea has the most potent anticancer properties compared to more processed teas.

    Oolong tea: In an animal study, those given antioxidants from oolong tea were found to have lower bad cholesterol levels. One variety of oolong, Wuyi, is heavily marketed as a weight loss supplement, but science hasn’t backed the claims.

    Pu-erh tea: Made from fermented and aged leaves. Considered a black tea, its leaves are pressed into cakes. One animal study showed that animals given pu-erh had less weight gain and reduced LDL cholesterol.

    Chamomile tea: Its calming effect on the gut is well known. It is reported to have antioxidants that may help prevent complications from diabetes, like loss of vision and nerve and kidney damage, and tests are being carried out to see it it helps stunt the growth of cancer cells.

    Echinacea: Often touted as a way to fight the common cold, the research on echinacea has been inconclusive.

    Hibiscus: A small study found that drinking three cups of hibiscus tea daily lowered blood pressure in people with modestly elevated levels.

    Rooibos (red tea): A South African herb that is fermented. Although it has flavanoids with cancer-fighting properties, medical studies have been limited.

ANTI INFLAMMATORY;

What is the main cause of chronic inflammation in the body?

Various factors like stress, environmental toxins and how much exercise you get can affect your body’s response to inflammation. But, according to research by the Foundation for Integrated Medicine in New York, diet also plays a key role in how your body handles inflammation. That means that certain foods can either create or fight chronic inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory foods, teas and spices

Certain foods have been identified as anti-inflammatory. They may help to reduce chronic inflammation and pain. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, certain nuts, and even chocolate have all been acknowledged for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Research into exactly how well these foods reduce inflammation in the body is mixed, but promising. One easy way to incorporate anti-inflammatory properties into your diet is through the use of spices.

Turmeric is a brilliant yellow spice common in Indian cuisine that you can find in any grocery store. Turmeric has been used as a medicine for centuries to treat wounds, infections, colds, and liver disease.

Studies have shown that curcumin, a compound in turmeric, may reduce inflammation in the body. Mix with a pinch of black pepper to assist absorption

Ginger is a zesty spice used in many cuisines. You can buy it powdered or as a fresh root in most supermarkets. Ginger has been used as a traditional medicine to treat stomach upset, headaches, and infections.

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have been praised for centuries, and scientific studies have confirmed it.

Cinnamon is a popular spice often used to flavour baked treats. But cinnamon is more than just a delicious additive in our cakes. Studies have shown that the spice has anti-inflammatory properties, which can ease swelling.

Keep a good supply of cinnamon on hand and sprinkle it in your coffee or tea, and on top of your breakfast cereal.

Garlic; The anti-inflammatory properties of garlic have been proven to ease arthritis symptoms. A little bit can go a long way. Use fresh garlic in almost any savoury dish for added flavour and health benefits.

If the taste is too much for you, roast a head of garlic for a sweeter,  milder flavour. Alternatively, add natural honey.

Cayenne and other hot chili peppers have been praised for their health benefits since ancient times. All chili peppers contain natural compounds called capsacinoids. These are what give the spicy fruit its anti-inflammatory properties.

Chili pepper is widely considered to be a powerful anti-inflammatory spice, so be sure to include a dash in your next dish. It has long been used as a digestive aid as well, so that’s an added benefit.

Black pepper

If cayenne is too hot for your liking, you’ll be happy to know that the milder black pepper has been identified for its anti-inflammatory properties as well. Known as the “King of Spices,” black pepper has been valued for its flavour and antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Cloves have been used as an expectorant, and to treat upset stomach, nausea, and inflammation of the mouth and throat. Research is still mixed, but evidence suggests that they may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Powdered clove works well in baked goods and in some savoury dishes, like hearty soups and stews. You can also use whole cloves to infuse both flavour and nutrition into hot drinks like tea or cider.

What is the main cause of chronic inflammation in the body?

Various factors like stress, environmental toxins and how much exercise you get can affect your body’s response to inflammation. But, according to research by the Foundation for Integrated Medicine in New York, diet also plays a key role in how your body handles inflammation. That means that certain foods can either create or fight chronic inflammation.

Teas that fight inflammation

Rather than relying on medication to manage chronic inflammation, try some of these all-natural remedies instead. Here are six teas that can help kick inflammation to the curb:

1. Green tea

The polyphenols in green tea fend off chronic inflammation.

Green, black and white teas are loaded with polyphenols, plant-derived compounds that boost the immune system and may even protect against certain inflammation-causing diseases. But, according to the University of Maryland Medical Centre, green tea contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, since it’s made from unfermented leaves. When it comes to fighting inflammation, green tea may help fight inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease and certain cancers.

2. Ginger tea

Try ginger to reduce chronic inflammation and soothe the gut at the same time. Ginger is widely known for its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, and its ability to alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal distress by relaxing and soothing the intestinal tract. According to research in the National Center for Biotechnology, ginger exhibits analgesic and potent anti-inflammatory effects that decrease inflammation, swelling and pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatism. Research published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine also suggests that ginger has anticancer activities because of its ability to curb the life or death of a cell.

Ingredients

    6 thin slices raw ginger

    1 1/2 cup boiling water

    1/2 lemon or lime, juiced

    1tsp raw honey

Instructions

    Simmer ginger in water for 10 minutes.

    Pour into a cup. Don’t bother removing ginger pieces; it will continue to steep.

    Add lemon and honey. Stir to combine and enjoy.

3. Turmeric tea

Recipe by:The Alternative Daily

The curcumin in turmeric fights chronic inflammation. Curcumin, the main active compound that gives turmeric its golden colour, is responsible for most of its anti-inflammatory benefits. Turmeric contains more than two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds, including six different pain, swelling and inflammation inhibitors, according to Dr. Weil. An excellent way to reap turmeric’s anti-inflammatory benefits is by drinking it in a tea.

Ingredients

    1tsp ground turmeric or 1 tbsp finely chopped root

    4cups water

    1 lemon, juiced

    Raw honey to taste

    Pinch of ground pepper

Instructions

    Boil water.

    Add ground turmeric.

    Simmer for 10 minutes before straining into a cup.

    Add lemon juice and raw honey to taste.

    Add ground pepper to increase curcumin absorption.

4. Tart cherry tea

Recipe by:The Alternative Daily

Tart cherries work to reduce chronic inflammation by subduing inflammatory pathways. Turns out, tart cherries top the list of anti-inflammatory foods. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition looked at 10 healthy women ages 22 to 40. After fasting overnight, the women ate two servings of cherries. Blood and urine samples were taken before and after the cherries were eaten. Researchers found that cherries decreased inflammation and subdued inflammatory pathways. In fact, tart cherry compounds have comparable anti-inflammatory activity to ibuprofen and naproxen — but without the significant side effects!

Ingredients

    3/4cups water

    1/2 lemon, juiced

    1/4cup of tart organic cherry juice (not from concentrate)

    1tsp raw honey (or whole sweetener of choice)

Instructions

    Boil water and pour into cup.

    Add lemon, cherry juice and raw honey.

    Stir to combine and enjoy.

5. Pineapple tea

[Recipe by:The Alternative Daily

The bromelain in pineapple reduces chronic inflammation. Research from the University of Southampton in the UK looked at the analgesic effects of bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple used to reduce swelling and inflammation. The studies concluded that this enzyme was comparable to or even more effective than NSAID painkiller drugs for managing the pain of osteoarthritis. Other studies have also found that bromelain could be even more effective than prescription anti-inflammatory drugs for various types of pain.

Ingredients

    1 pineapple peel, crown and scraps

    2 cinnamon sticks

    1 knob ginger

    Water, enough to cover the peels

    Place pineapple skins, cinnamon and ginger into medium pot and cover with water.

    Heat on medium-low, then allow it to simmer for about 25 minutes.

    Turn heat off and cover pot with lid, allowing it to infuse for 20 more minutes.

    Strain into jar and place in the fridge until cold, or drink it hot.

6. Dandelion tea

[Recipe by:The Alternative Daily

Dandelion tea can detox the body and fight chronic inflammation. Dandelions are more than just a weed. They can detoxify your body, relieve constipation, soothe an upset stomach, help reduce water weight and help fight inflammation. Dandelion tea is made from the roots or leaves of the plant and has been used in ancient Native American and Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

Ingredients

    1 to 2tbs dried dandelion leaves

    1 cup water

Instructions

    Boil water.

    Pour boiling water over dried dandelion leaves.

    Steep for 10 minutes, strain.

Recipe Notes

Dandelion can produce laxative effects, so sip your tea at home if you haven’t had it before. In addition to easing inflammation and digestive problems, dandelions help detox the body. So, you may find that your skin becomes brighter and clearer.