8 Herbal Creams For Inflammation

Herbal creams are a great way to soothe and calm inflamed skin.

They work by using natural anti-inflammatory properties found in herbs like Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera. This plant has been used for centuries to treat burns and skin irritations because of its cooling and soothing effects. When applied topically, aloe vera helps to reduce redness and swelling, promoting a faster recovery. Another herb that's commonly used in herbal creams is Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce pain and swelling, making it a popular choice for treating wounds, cuts, and scrapes. Calendula cream can be applied directly to the affected area to promote healing and prevent infection. Echinacea purpurea is another herb that's often used to fight off inflammation.

It's a natural anti-inflammatory that helps to reduce swelling and pain, making it a popular choice for treating conditions like arthritis. When taken as a supplement, Echinacea has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of conditions like fibromyalgia. Using herbal creams for inflammation can bring many benefits to your life. For one, they're a natural alternative to over-the-counter medications, which can have harsh side effects. They're also gentle on the skin, making them a great choice for sensitive skin types. Additionally, many herbal creams are multi-purpose, meaning they can be used to treat a variety of conditions, from eczema to acne. When choosing an herbal cream, look for products that contain a high concentration of the active ingredients. Be sure to read the ingredient label and choose a product that's free of harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances.

It's also a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional before trying a new herbal cream, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking prescription medications.

This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for inflammation and wh.

1. Aloe barbadensis

Aloe barbadensis creams contains bioactive constituents such as aloin, aloe-emodin, and aloe-ecdysone, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

These compounds help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase. The aloe-emodin in Aloe barbadensis creams also has a strong ability to scavenge free radicals, which contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, the aloe-ecdysone in Aloe barbadensis creams has been shown to have a potent anti-inflammatory effect by blocking the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).

By reducing inflammation, Aloe barbadensis creams can help alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like arthritis, skin irritations, and other inflammatory disorders.

1. Gather 1 cup of Aloe barbadensis gel, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of shea butter, and 10 drops of tea tree oil.
2. Melt the coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the Aloe gel and shea butter until well combined.
4. Slowly add the melted coconut oil and beeswax mixture to the Aloe gel mixture, stirring constantly until a smooth consistency is achieved.
5. Add the tea tree oil and mix well. Pour the mixture into a container, let it cool, and refrigerate until set.

2. Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis creams contains flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids as its active constituents.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol, have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, which contribute to inflammation. Triterpenoids, including ursolic acid, have been found to have potent anti-inflammatory activity, reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.

Carotenoids, including lutein and zeaxanthin, have antioxidant properties that help to protect tissues from damage caused by free radicals, further reducing inflammation.

1. Gather 1 cup of Calendula officinalis flowers, 1/2 cup of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of shea butter, and 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil.
2. Infuse the Calendula flowers in the coconut oil for 2-3 weeks by placing them in a clean glass jar, covering them with oil, and storing it in a cool, dark place.
3. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean bowl, discarding the flowers.
4. Melt the beeswax and shea butter in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, then add the infused oil and vitamin E oil. Stir until combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a clean container, let it cool and solidify, then use a spatula to create a smooth surface. Your Calendula cream is now ready for use.

3. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea creams contains alkylamides, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid as its key bioactive constituents.

These compounds have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and pain in the affected area. Alkylamides inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals, such as cytokines and prostaglandins, that contribute to inflammation. Caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid have antioxidant properties, which help to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress that can exacerbate inflammation.

By reducing inflammation, Echinacea purpurea creams can provide relief from conditions such as arthritis, eczema, and other skin irritations.

1. Gather 2 cups of distilled water, 1 cup of carrier oil (coconut or olive oil), and 2 tablespoons of beeswax in a double boiler.
2. Melt the beeswax and oil in the double boiler over low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of dried Echinacea purpurea flowers to a tea infuser or a piece of cheesecloth. Steep in the distilled water for 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the Echinacea tea into the melted oil mixture. Let it cool to around 120°F (49°C).
5. Pour the mixture into small containers, let it cool and solidify. Store the Echinacea creams in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

4. Arnica montana

Arnica montana creams contains sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.

These bioactive constituents work together to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes. The sesquiterpene lactones in Arnica montana creams, particularly helenalin and 11,13-dehydrohelenalin, have been shown to inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes, which play a key role in the production of inflammatory mediators. The flavonoids present in Arnica montana creams, such as kaempferol and quercetin, also have anti-inflammatory properties by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.

By regulating the inflammatory response, Arnica montana creams can help alleviate pain and swelling associated with injuries and conditions like sprains, strains, and bruises.

1. Gather ingredients: 250g Arnica montana flowers, 100g coconut oil, 50g beeswax, 20g shea butter, 10g vitamin E oil.
2. Dry the Arnica montana flowers in the oven at 50°C for 2 hours. Let them cool down.
3. Melt the coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter in a double boiler. Heat until the beeswax melts.
4. Add the dried Arnica montana flowers to the melted mixture. Let it steep for 30 minutes.
5. Strain the mixture and add the vitamin E oil. Pour into containers and let it cool down to form the cream.

5. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale creams contains active compounds like gingerols and shogaols, which are responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties.

These compounds have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, thus reducing inflammation. Gingerols and shogaols also have antioxidant properties, which help to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, a major contributor to inflammation. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of Zingiber officinale creams have been attributed to its ability to block the action of COX-2, an enzyme involved in the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.

The combination of these active compounds and properties makes Zingiber officinale creams a promising natural remedy for inflammation.

1. Gather ingredients: 2 cups of coconut oil, 1 cup of beeswax, 1/2 cup of shea butter, 2 tablespoons of Zingiber officinale essential oil, and 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil.
2. Melt coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
3. Add shea butter to the melted mixture and stir until it's fully incorporated.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in Zingiber officinale essential oil and vitamin E oil.
5. Pour the mixture into a heat-proof container and let it cool and solidify completely. Once solid, your Zingiber officinale cream is ready to use.

6. Silybum marianum

Silybum marianum creams contains silymarin, a mixture of bioactive compounds including silibinin, silidianin, and silicristin.

Silymarin has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation in the body. It works by neutralizing free radicals and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as COX-2 and lipoxygenase. Silibinin, a major component of silymarin, has been shown to reduce inflammation by blocking the activation of nuclear factor kappa B, a key transcription factor involved in the inflammatory response.

By reducing inflammation, Silybum marianum creams can help to alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

1. Gather 1 cup of dried Silybum marianum flowers and leaves.
2. Steep 1 cup of the flowers and leaves in 4 cups of boiling water for 30 minutes. Let it cool.
3. Strain the liquid and discard the solids. Use 1 cup of the liquid.
4. Mix the liquid with 2 tablespoons of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a double boiler.
5. Heat the mixture until the beeswax melts. Let it cool and solidify. Your cream is ready.

7. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra creams contains active constituents like glycyrrhizin and flavonoids.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain in the body. Glycyrrhizin blocks the production of a hormone called cortisol, which can cause inflammation when it's produced in excess. Flavonoids, on the other hand, have antioxidant properties that neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.

By reducing cortisol production and neutralizing free radicals, Glycyrrhiza glabra creams can help alleviate inflammation and promote overall health.

1. Mix 2 cups of distilled water and 1 cup of glycerin in a bowl.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of glycyrrhiza glabra root powder to the mixture.
3. Heat the mixture in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water until the glycyrrhiza glabra dissolves.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool. Then, add 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel and mix well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a clean container and store it in the fridge. Use a small amount on affected areas as needed to soothe inflammation.

8. Hypericum perforatum

Hypericum perforatum creams contains hyperforin and hypericin, two active constituents that have anti-inflammatory properties.

Hyperforin blocks the production of inflammatory messengers, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which cause swelling and pain. Hypericin has antioxidant properties, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. These compounds also have an inhibitory effect on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme involved in the production of inflammatory chemicals.

By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, Hypericum perforatum creams can help alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis and eczema.

1. Gather ingredients: 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of beeswax, 1/4 cup of shea butter, 2 tablespoons of Hypericum perforatum oil, 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil.
2. Melt coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
3. Add shea butter to the melted mixture and stir until smooth.
4. Remove from heat and stir in Hypericum perforatum oil and vitamin E oil.
5. Pour the mixture into a container, let it cool and solidify, then use as needed for inflammation.

FAQ

Can drinking herbal tea prevent inflammation from forming?

Drinking herbal tea may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Some herbs, like ginger and turmeric, contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. When consumed as a tea, these compounds can enter the body and potentially help alleviate inflammation.

This can be beneficial for people experiencing chronic inflammation or joint pain.

Is it safe to consume herbal teas for inflammation every day?

Consuming herbal teas for inflammation every day can be safe, but it's essential to be mindful of your body's response.

Some herbal teas, like ginger and turmeric, have anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial. However, others may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

Start with small amounts and observe how your body reacts.

How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in inflammation?

Herbal teas can help reduce inflammation, but it may take some time to notice the effects.

Some people see improvement within a few days, while others may not notice a difference for a week or two.

It's different for everyone, and it depends on the individual and the specific tea being used.

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