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-
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-
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-
Certain foods have been identified as anti-
Research into exactly how well these foods reduce inflammation in the body is mixed, but promising. One easy way to incorporate anti-
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-
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-
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-
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-
Chili pepper is widely considered to be a powerful anti-
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-
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-
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-
1. Green tea
The polyphenols in green tea fend off chronic inflammation.
Green, black and white teas are loaded with polyphenols, plant-
2. Ginger tea
Try ginger to reduce chronic inflammation and soothe the gut at the same time. Ginger is widely known for its anti-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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.