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Herbalism and Medical Terms

Anti-inflammatory

Herbal Action:

Anti-Inflammatory

These are plants and treatments that reduce inflammation or swelling.

Inflammation is part of the body’s immune system response to irritants like bacteria, physical stress, or allergens. It’s intended to protect the body and eliminate whatever’s causing cell injury, clear out dead cells and damaged tissue, and begin repairing the injury.1 

Reducing inflammation is a critical part of managing many health conditions because, over time, unresolved inflammation begins to cause problems with the regular functioning of the affected tissues. Most autoimmune diseases cause inflammation and reducing it can help reduce the long-term harm of the disease.2

Diseases and conditions that end in the suffix -itis refer to inflammation. For example, tonsillitis is the swelling of the tonsils, and arthritis is the swelling of joints.((Wikipedia. Inflammation.)

Reducing inflammation is one of two ways to reduce pain. The other way is to work with analgesics which affect the central nervous system directly, blocking pain signaling to the brain.

Anti-inflammatory Plants

  • Loquat

    The Loquat, a tree native to Japan, is easy to identify and is commonly grown in the Southern US as an ornamental and fruit bearing tree. Loquat fruit, seeds, and leaves are full of beneficial plant compounds and have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.

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  • Mexican Mint

    A hardy, ubiquitous, and easy to grow evergreen plant that is good for the garden, kitchen, and apothecary.

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  • Oregano

    Scientific name: Origanum vulgare In traditional medicine, oregano has been used for respiratory conditions (i.e. asthma, bronchitis, cough), gastrointestinal (i.e. diarrhea, indigestions, stomachache), anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, menstrual disorders, and diabetes.1 Sources[+] Sources ↑1 Veenstra JP, Johnson JJ. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) extract for food preservation and improvement in gastrointestinal health. Int J Nutr. 2019;3(4):43-52. doi: 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2703. Epub…

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  • Pine

    Pine trees are a common tree with a host of medicinal and utilitarian uses. There are seven varieties of pine native to Florida and countless more introduced varieties.

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  • Rosemary

    This aromatic evergreen shrub is currently being researched for its potential benefits to alleviate complications caused by obesity and diabetes, inflammation-associated conditions, and neurological deficits.

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  • Shepherd’s Needles

    A common wildflower that grows in fields and lawns across the Southeast, Shepherd’s Needles has a wealth of medicinal and food value.

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  • Violet

    These small shade-loving plants cover our forest floors in spring and autumn. One of the first flowers of the season, violets have a lot to offer pollinators. As a medicinal herb used for thousands of years, they have a lot to offer us too.

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Sources[+]