Among the most beneficial, yet little used complimentary or alternative medicines are herbs for inflammation. The most common such herbs are ginger and turmeric.

Fortunately, these two are not the only ones. In fact, a person suffering from inflammatory health conditions can access numerous such herbs regardless of where he or she is located.

Among the lesser known, but potent anti inflammatory herbs is Guggul, which is available either from herbalists in powder form or in its raw forms either as resins or gums. Besides its anti-inflammatory qualities, this herb is also good as a cholesterol-lowering agent.

However, since the herb has blood-thinning properties, it is advisable not to self-medicate on it; rather, people should use it under the direction of a qualified herbalist.

Boswellia is also another plant that features prominently among the potent anti inflammatory herbs. With studies having confirmed that the plant has boswellic acids, which act to reduce inflammation, this herb that was traditionally used to manage digestive symptoms, arthritis, and respiratory problems is increasing gaining currency with contemporary herbalists.

Notably, herbalists use the herb for the management inflammatory disorders, which include ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and bronchial asthma.

Also known as Tulsi, Holy basil is another effective herbs for inflammation available mostly in powder form. Since the herb grows well in India, most US-based herbalists do not usually have it.

However,   the herb is available in blended form in the zuflamend brand. Those who prefer having the herb in its unblended form can however purchase it from internet herbal stores.

Neem also features prominently among anti inflammatory herbs. Specifically, herbalists argue that the leaves, seeds, and even oil extracts from the neem tree are all potent anti-inflammatory agents.

The herbs can also be used to manage muscle aches and joint pains. For people suffering from internal inflammatory conditions, herbalist argue that the best herb to use if aloe vera. As such, herbalist advocate for its ingestion, usually in gel form. Herbalists however advise that this herb should be used with caution since it has laxative properties.

Other herbs with proven anti-inflammatory properties include saw palmetto, licorice, slippery elm, and feverfew.  While using herbal remedy, people suffering from inflammatory conditions should always consult qualified herbalists or mainstream doctors especially when the herbs are used as complementary medicine.

Pregnant women, diabetics, hypertensive people, people with bile duct dysfunctions, or those suffering from gallstones should especially exercise caution when using herbs since such can complicate their health conditions.

Simply put, people should avoid unsupervised self-medication regardless of how attractive the anti-inflammatory properties of an herb may sound.

This is especially important because as doctors would tell, inflammatory conditions are usually a disease symptom. As such, successful management of inflammation should be done from the disease level, and effective herbs for inflammation can help.