Inflammation often occurs as the body or immune system’s response to pain, autoimmune diseases, irritants, conditions with the joints and bones, etc. Thus, the area gets swollen.
While many people often ingest over-the-counter medications, there is nothing better than consuming all-natural homemade teas that can help relieve inflammation.
Here are 6 teas that can help with reducing inflammation:
- Black Tea
Black tea leaves are rich in antioxidants and contain a compound called “Theaflavin” which is a polyphenol that can help reduce inflammation in the body and increase one’s overall general health.
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
2 black tea bags
(Or 1½ to 2 tsp black tea powder or tea leaves)
Honey to taste (optional)
Method:
In a heating pot, add in one cup of water and once the water is heated, add in the tea bags or tea leaves/powder. Let it come to a boil and then let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes before turning off the flame and strain. It is ready to consume. You can also add in a little honey to taste (optional).
- Green Tea
Green tea has its major component called EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) which is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis etc.
Ingredients:
1 cup hot water
4 green tea bags
(Or 4 tsp green tea leaves)
Honey to taste (optional)
Method:
Into a heating pot, add in the water and let it heat up. Then add in the green tea bags/leaves and let it come to a boil for two to three minutes. Turn off the flame, strain and it is read to consume. You can add in a little honey to taste (optional).
- Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea can help reduce the stiffness and disability caused by inflammation as it has an abundance of anti-inflammatory properties to reduce the effects of osteoarthritis and other such conditions (where degeneration of the joint cartilage and the underlying bones takes place, especially after middle age, causing stiffness in the joints and disability).
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
1 teaspoon of tea leaves or tea powder
10 – 12 peppermint leaves
Honey (optional)
Method:
Bring the water to a boil and add the tea leaves/powder and let it continue to boil for two minutes. Add in the chopped peppermint leaves and let it boil for another minute and turn off the flame. In a cup, add in the strained peppermint tea, along with some honey to taste (optional) and it is ready to drink.
- Ginger Tea
Ginger tea will help get rid of muscle pain over time by easing post-exercise sore muscles. It can also help those with arthritis and osteoarthritis as ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce swelling in the body and treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis and provide relief from the pain. It is great to soothe a headache or period cramps.
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 tsp grated ginger
(Or 1 inch of finely chopped ginger)
Honey to taste (optional)
Method:
Into a heating pot add in the water along with the grated ginger (or freshly and finely chopped ginger) and let it come to a boil. When it starts to boil, lower the flame and let it simmer for a minute or two and then turn off the flame. Strain it into a cup, add some honey to taste (which is optional) and consume it when it is still hot.
- Turmeric Tea
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties which can help treat wounds. It also has a compound called curcumin, which helps to reduce pain and provides an analgesic effect. It can be used to treat open wounds. Those who suffer from arthritis can use turmeric, as it helps treat inflammation.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- ¼ tsp organic turmeric powder
- Honey to taste (optional)
Method:
Boil one cup of water and add in ¼ teaspoon of organic turmeric powder. Boil it for a minute or so on high flame and then turn off. Strain this into a cup and add in honey to taste. Stir well and it is ready to consume.
- Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has many chemical compounds that are known to be linked to reducing inflammation in the body. It can also help reduce the symptoms of inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, muscle and joint pain etc.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp organic dried chamomile flowers
(Or powder) - Honey to taste
Method:
Into a heating pot, add in the water and dried chamomile flowers and let it come to a boil. Cover the pot with a lid and then let it simmer for 5 to 6 minutes on slow heat. Then turn off the flame, strain, add in the honey, stir well and it is ready to consume.
Tip: If you do not have chamomile powder or dried flowers, you can use 1 to 2 chamomile tea bags, depending on how you like it.
Caution: Chamomile tea may not agree with everyone and can have side effects like allergies etc, which could vary depending on the potency of the chamomile. So, it is advisable to start off with very low potency of chamomile in your tea and slowly increase it based on the reaction it has with your body.