6 Natural Remedies for Reducing Inflammation

Avoid the side effects of pharmaceuticals and relieve painful inflammation with these natural remedies

Inflammation isn’t all bad. In fact, inflammation is the body’s natural way of protecting itself, removing harmful stimuli and beginning the healing process. However, when inflammation persists and becomes acute, it can be a serious threat to your health.

Acute inflammation manifests in the form of many disabling conditions, such as chronic gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, muscle and tissue pain, and so on. You’ll know when you’re experiencing acute inflammation, as pain, redness, immobility, swelling, and heat will be prevalent in your body.

While over-the-counter anti-inflammatory meds like Advil or generic ibuprofen can help reduce acute inflammation, you can’t take those for too long without risking nasty side effects. The following natural inflammation remedies are worth incorporating into your regular health routine.

Tiger Balm Ultra

This topical anti-inflammatory reduces inflammation and pain caused by arthritis, muscle strains, back pain, and headaches. Its active natural ingredients are camphor and menthol, which are set in a paraffin base including mint and clove oils.

Rub a small amount on the affected area to reduce inflammation and relieve pain instantly. You can find Tiger Balm Ultra in the pain relief section of your local drugstore.

Arnica Salve

The arnica flower is a native North American plant that has been used for hundreds of years as a natural remedy for inflammation, muscle and joint pain, sprains, and cuts and bruises.

Unity Yoga & Teahouse in East Vancouver carries the locally and ethically wildcrafted Healing Gardens Arnica Salve for $15, a slippery rub made of arnica, olive oil, and beeswax. Apply it anywhere on your body to reduce inflammation and massage sore muscles.

Lavender Essential Oil

Most commercially grown lavender is used for the production of lavender essential oil. Gently rubbing a small amount of lavender essential oil on your temples, neck, and lower back is an effective natural remedy for reducing inflammation.

Lavender essential oil is widely available in any natural foods or health store. You can also try your hand at making lavender tea to reduce inflammation internally.

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is one of the oldest commercially produced oils due to its high concentrations of anti-inflammatory omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Flaxseed oil supplements are widely available in any drugstore, or natural foods and health store. Finlandia Pharmacy & Health Centre is an excellent place to seek out help in choosing supplements. You can also purchase a bottle of flaxseed oil at your local grocery store and use it in salad dressings to reduce inflammation.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is one of nature’s best sources for omega fatty acids, which are essential for brain and cardiovascular health, and reducing inflammation. Gone are the days when you got your healthy fatty acids from drinking bitter cod liver oil. Now, there’s a huge range of high quality fish oil supplements that you can take daily with meals to reduce inflammation and promote overall health.

Epsom Salts

Taking a hot bath with Epsom salts is still one of the best and cheapest natural remedies for externally reducing inflammation. You can find large bags of unscented and scented Epsom salts in any drugstore. Adding a few drops of your favourite essential oil, like lavender or peppermint, will add to the relaxing and healthful experience.