Guest Author - Carolyn Chambers Clark, ARNP, EdD

Inflammation is a natural reaction to injury or infection. Affected tissues swell, become warm and tender, redden and may be painful. Any part of the body, inside or out can become inflamed. While bacterial infection is often the cause of internal inflammation, arthritis or allergies can also be at fault. Injury is the most common cause of external inflammation, but allergies, infection and other factors may be at the root. Both inflammation and infection can play a role in many diseases, including arthritis, gingivitis, and most "itis" conditions, heart conditions, Alzheimer's and even cancer. So, even if you don't have an infection or inflammation, ingesting more of the nutrients and herbs listed below may prevent them from occurring by neutralizing free radicals and helping to build anti-inflammatory conditions in your body.

Nutrients for inflammation or infection

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids are essential to healing and reducing inflammation. Drink fresh citrus juices, and eat primarily citrus fruit (including the pulp), strawberries, green peppers, honeydew melon, cooked broccoli or Brussels sprouts or kale, cantaloupe, papaya, cooked cauliflower, watercress, raspberries, parsley, raw cabbage, grapefruit, blackberries, onions, sprouts, raw spinach, and tomatoes.

Eat a diet 75 percent raw foods and drink at least 10 glasses of water a day. Consider squeezing a grapefruit and lemon in a gallon of water and sipping throughout the day. Drink rose hip tea. Take additional ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 500 mg at a time with a big glass of water. (If you get stomach cramps or diarrhea, you've taken too much.)

Zinc helps to control inflammation and promotes healing. Food sources to concentrate on include sunflower seeds, eggs, nuts, wheat germ, and herring. Avoid exposure to gasoline, paints, foods that contain phytate (beans, whole grains, peanuts and other legumes), fast foods, white bread, rich desserts, alcohol, and birth control pills, which can all lead to insufficient zinc intake.

Garlic has a natural anti-inflammatory action.

Kelp and/or alfalfa sprouts contain a balance of essential minerals plus chlorophyll, which acts as a blood cleanser.

Acidophylis or bifidus

These friendly bacteria keep your digestive system working properly,a must to remain healthy. They also ward off infection and inflammation. You can find acidophylis in some yogurts (the ones the label says contains active cultures) or in capsules at your health food store, where you'll also find bifidus. Many experts suggest you use one or the other.

Half a fresh (not canned) pineapple daily will reduce swelling and inflammation. The bromelain enzyme in pineapple has an anti-inflammatory action and breaks down fibrin, which forms around the inflamed area, blocking circulation and increasing swelling.

Ginger contains almost 500 different compounds, many of which are anti-inflammatory. Sprinkle some on your cereal, fruit or put in stews or soups.

Rosemary is a potent inhibitor of inflammation. Sprinkle on salads, soups, stews, soups.

Curcurmin (the spice called turmeric)has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Use in cooking or on salads.

Fish, especially salmon and other oily fish, quenches the fires of inflammation by providing needed fatty acids. A meal of organically-raised baked chicken, steamed vegetables and a salad with extra-virgin olive oil will help, too.

Avoid cola and sodas, sugar, white flour products and junk foods.

Herbs can reduce inflammation and infection.

* Astragalus builds the immune system, increases stamina, combats fatigue and promotes healing, but should not be taken in the presence of a fever.

* Bilberry tea contains flavonoids that reduce inflammation.

* Echinacea, red clover and goldenseal are all good for inflammation. CAUTION: do not take goldenseal internally on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, never use during pregnancy, and use with caution if allergic to ragweed. Horsetail as a tea or extract is a good source of silica, beneficial for healing and repair of bones and connective tissue.

A herb poultice can relieve pain and swelling. Apply comfrey, or fenugreek, flaxseed and slippery elm or even goldenseal or a mustard plaster directly to the affected area. For more information see poultice.

For pain, take white willow.

Rest is most important and position the affect part properly for drainage and healing after inflammation or infection.

Essential oils may reduce infection and inflammation. Consult Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Chart for specifics related to your condition.

Affirmations and imagery may relieve inflammation or infection. Repeat one of the following affirmations several times whenever you think of your condition, assume healing is already in process and picture your body healing.

* For infection: "I choose to be peaceful and harmonious."

* For inflammation: "I remain calm, centered and at peace."

* For viral infection: "I allow joy and peace to flow through me."


NOTE: This article is for informational purposes. For medical treatment consult your health care practitioner.