By Leen Randell

Updated: Nov 13, 2024

10 Best Herbal Teas For Inflammation

Herbal teas for inflammation are natural remedies that help alleviate and reduce inflammation in the body.

They work by using plant-based compounds to target the root causes of inflammation, providing relief from pain, swelling, and discomfort. The best herbal teas for inflammation include Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Echinacea purpurea, Camellia sinensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ginkgo biloba, Achillea millefolium, Salix alba, Cinchona officinalis, and Silybum marianum.

If left untreated, chronic inflammation can lead to serious health issues, such as joint damage, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer, significantly impacting one's quality of life and overall well-being.

1. Curcuma longa

Curcuma longa teas helps with inflammation because it contains a potent compound called curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

Curcumin inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which contribute to inflammation and pain. By reducing inflammation, curcuma longa teas can alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory diseases.

Its anti-inflammatory properties also promote healing and repair in the body, making it a popular natural remedy for soothing joint pain and improving overall well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa teas that help with inflammation.

• Curcumin: Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which contribute to the development and progression of inflammation.
• Demethoxycurcumin: Demethoxycurcumin has anti-inflammatory effects by blocking the activity of enzymes responsible for the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing inflammation.
• Bisdemethoxycurcumin: Bisdemethoxycurcumin has anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, which play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of inflammation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Curcuma longa used to make teas for inflammation.

• Rhyzomes: The most commonly used part, as they contain the highest concentration of curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound.
• Roots: While similar to rhyzomes, roots are still used to make teas and contain some curcumin, although in lower quantities.
• Leaves: Some herbal teas use the leaves of Curcuma longa, although they are less effective than rhyzomes or roots in reducing inflammation.

2. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale teas helps with inflammation because of its active compound, gingerol, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Gingerol reduces the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, thereby minimizing inflammation. Additionally, ginger's antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals that can cause oxidative stress, a key contributor to inflammation. Regular consumption of ginger tea has been shown to alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory disorders, promoting overall well-being and reducing discomfort.

Its anti-inflammatory effects make ginger tea a popular natural remedy.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with inflammation.

• Gingerol: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes involved in the inflammatory process.
• Shogaol: Acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent by blocking the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and reducing oxidative stress.
• 6-gingerol: Demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a key transcription factor involved in the inflammatory response.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for inflammation.

• Buds: The buds of the plant are sometimes used, as they have a higher concentration of certain compounds that may help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

3. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea teas helps with inflammation because of its rich content of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkylamides.

These bioactive compounds have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and ease pain. By inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, Echinacea purpurea teas can mitigate inflammation and promote healing. Additionally, its antioxidant properties help to neutralize free radicals, further reducing inflammation and promoting overall well-being.

This makes Echinacea purpurea teas a popular natural remedy for various inflammatory conditions.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with inflammation.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
• Flavonoids: As powerful antioxidants, these flavonoids help to neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation, thereby protecting against cell damage and promoting overall health.
• Cichoric acid: This compound exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for inflammation.

• Flowers: They are the most widely used part due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds, such as alkylamides and polyphenols, which are responsible for their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Roots: Roots are used for their immunomodulatory effects and to address inflammation, as they contain compounds like echinacoside and chicoric acid, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Leaves: Leaves are often used in combination with flowers and roots due to their high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which contribute to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

4. Camellia sinensis

Camellia sinensis teas helps with inflammation because of its high content of flavonoids and polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, leading to a reduction in inflammation and pain.

Additionally, the tea's catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory effects, making Camellia sinensis teas a natural and effective way to alleviate inflammation and promote overall well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Camellia sinensis teas that help with inflammation.

• Flavonoids: These compounds help with inflammation by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which contribute to the development and progression of inflammation.
• Catechins: Catechins, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit the activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors and reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.
• Theaflavins: Theaflavins are a group of flavonoids that have potent anti-inflammatory effects, including the inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes and the reduction of oxidative stress, which contributes to inflammation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Camellia sinensis used to make teas for inflammation.

• Leaves: The most used part of Camellia sinensis, leaves are used in traditional teas like green tea and black tea, which contain anti-inflammatory compounds like polyphenols.
• Buds: Camellia sinensis buds are used to make teas like white tea, which contains high levels of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.
• Stems: Some traditional Chinese teas use Camellia sinensis stems, which contain anti-inflammatory compounds like flavonoids that help reduce inflammation.

5. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with inflammation because of its rich content of glycyrrhizin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound.

This compound has been shown to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, which contribute to swelling and pain. Additionally, the tea's antioxidant properties help to neutralize free radicals that can exacerbate inflammation.

As a result, Glycyrrhiza glabra teas have been traditionally used to alleviate various inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, eczema, and digestive issues.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with inflammation.

• Licorice saponins: These saponins inhibit the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, reducing inflammation and swelling.
• Flavonoids: These flavonoids have potent anti-inflammatory properties, suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and reducing oxidative stress.
• Triterpenoid glycosides: These triterpenoid glycosides have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, and reducing inflammation and pain.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for inflammation.

• Roots: They are widely used due to their high concentration of glycyrrhizin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves: The leaves are used for their secondary glycosides, which are believed to contribute to their anti-inflammatory effects and provide a milder alternative to root extracts.
• Flowers: The flowers are utilized for their minor glycosides and flavonoids, which may help soothe and reduce inflammation in a more gentle manner.

6. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba teas helps with inflammation because of its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The flavonoids and terpenoids present in Ginkgo biloba have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, thus reducing the inflammation. Additionally, the tea's antioxidant properties help to scavenge free radicals, which contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress.

By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, Ginkgo biloba teas can promote overall well-being and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory diseases.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with inflammation.

• Flavonoids: These compounds have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
• Bilobalide: This sesquiterpene lactone has anti-inflammatory effects by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, thereby alleviating inflammation.
• Ginkgolides: These sesquiterpene trilactones have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to scavenge free radicals and inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, thereby reducing inflammation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for inflammation.

• Leaves: They are the most widely used part of Ginkgo biloba due to their high concentration of flavonoids and terpenoids, which contribute to their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Seeds: The seeds are rich in ginkgotoxin, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects and is often used in combination with the leaves.
• Buds: The buds are used due to their high content of flavonoids and terpenoids, similar to the leaves, and are often used as a substitute in traditional medicine.

7. Achillea millefolium

Achillea millefolium teas helps with inflammation because it contains bioactive compounds like sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that work together to reduce swelling and pain. The tea's anti-inflammatory effects are also attributed to its ability to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines. By reducing inflammation, Achillea millefolium tea can help alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory disorders.

It also promotes overall well-being and relaxation.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Achillea millefolium teas that help with inflammation.

• Apigenin: A flavonoid that reduces inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
• Nepalensetin: A coumarin that exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes and suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Acacetin: A flavone that reduces inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and enzymes, and also by exerting antioxidant effects.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Achillea millefolium used to make teas for inflammation.

• Leaves: Containing active compounds like sesquiterpene lactones, leaves are used to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Flowers: Rich in flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, flowers are used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Stems: Acting as a source of sesquiterpene lactones, stems are used to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing.

8. Salix alba

Salix alba teas helps with inflammation because of its rich content of salicin, a compound similar to aspirin.

When consumed, salicin is converted into salicylic acid in the body, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to reduce swelling, ease pain, and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as arthritis and gout.

The anti-inflammatory compounds in Salix alba teas also help to reduce oxidative stress and promote the healing process, making it a popular natural remedy for managing inflammation and promoting overall well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salix alba teas that help with inflammation.

• Salicylic acid: It helps with inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which contribute to the inflammatory response.
• Flavonoids: They help with inflammation by scavenging free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
• Tannins: They help with inflammation by reducing the permeability of blood vessels, thereby reducing the influx of inflammatory mediators to the affected area.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Salix alba used to make teas for inflammation.

• Barks: The barks are used to make teas for inflammation because they contain salicin, a compound similar to aspirin, which helps to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Leaves: The leaves are used to make teas for inflammation because they contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Stems: The stems are used to make teas for inflammation because they contain salicin and other compounds that help to reduce pain and inflammation.

9. Cinchona officinalis

Cinchona officinalis teas helps with inflammation because they contain quinine and other bioactive compounds that have potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Quinine has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, which contribute to the development of inflammation. Additionally, Cinchona officinalis contains alkaloids that have been traditionally used to reduce swelling and pain associated with inflammation.

These compounds work together to provide relief from inflammation, making Cinchona officinalis teas a popular natural remedy for various inflammatory conditions.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinchona officinalis teas that help with inflammation.

• Quinine: A naturally occurring alkaloid that helps reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, which contribute to the development of inflammation.
• Quinovic acid glycosides: A type of saponin that helps reduce inflammation by suppressing the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes and mediators, thereby alleviating inflammatory responses.
• Anthraquinones: A class of compounds that helps reduce inflammation by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, and protect against oxidative stress.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Cinchona officinalis used to make teas for inflammation.

• Leaves: The leaves of the Cinchona officinalis tree are the most commonly used part to make teas for inflammation, as they contain the highest concentration of quinine and other compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Barks: The bark of the Cinchona officinalis tree is also widely used for making teas, as it contains a high amount of quinine and other alkaloids that help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
• Stems: The stems of the Cinchona officinalis tree are sometimes used to make teas, although less frequently than the leaves or bark, as they still contain some amount of quinine and other anti-inflammatory compounds.

10. Silybum marianum

Silybum marianum teas helps with inflammation because its active compound, silymarin, has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Silymarin works by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that promote inflammation. By reducing the levels of these cytokines, silymarin helps to alleviate inflammation and promote healing in the body.

Additionally, silymarin has antioxidant properties, which help to neutralize free radicals that can contribute to inflammation and tissue damage, making it a natural and effective way to reduce inflammation.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Silybum marianum teas that help with inflammation.

• Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Silybum marianum teas have anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
• Lignans: Lignans in Silybum marianum teas have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Silymarin: Silymarin in Silybum marianum teas has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help in protecting cells from damage and reducing inflammation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Silybum marianum used to make teas for inflammation.

• Seeds: The seeds are commonly used due to their high concentration of silymarin, a flavonoid complex that helps reduce inflammation.
• Leaves: The leaves are used for their anti-inflammatory properties, which are attributed to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids.
• Flowers: The flowers are used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are believed to be due to the presence of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds.