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8 Anti-Inflammatory Spices for Good Health

Stephany

Sep 16, 2019

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Inflammation is your body’s defense mechanism against injury and illness. Its purpose is to help the body heal and return it to normal functioning. However, when inflammation becomes chronic and painful, it is no longer healing for your body. When this happens, anti-inflammatory spices can be a delicious way to help reduce inflammation.

Turmeric powder overflowing off a wooden spoon

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Turmeric

This brilliant yellow spice commonly found in Indian cuisine is having a moment. It has been used for centuries to treat infections, colds, wounds, and liver disease. The curcumin found in turmeric may help reduce inflammation in the body.

a small glass container of powdered ginger with fresh ginger root around it

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Ginger

A zesty spice used throughout the world, ginger had been used in traditional medicine toe calm upset stomach, ease headaches, and heal infections. The anti-inflammatory properties of this delicious spice have been known for centuries.

a small dish of ground cinnamon with fresh cinnamon sticks

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Cinnamon

A popular spice in baked goods, cinnamon is more than just a delightful way to liven up cookies and cakes. It has proven anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling.

Freshly ground Cayenne Pepper on a wooden spoon

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Cayenne Pepper

Hot chili peppers like cayenne owe their heat and their anti-inflammatory properties to compounds called capsaicinoids. Also known as a digestive aid, adding a dash of cayenne to your next dish will not only spice it up but also improve your health.

Ground black pepper used for anti-inflammation

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Black Pepper

Not everyone likes the heat of cayenne, and if that’s you, try adding a dash of black pepper instead. Cayenne’s milder cousin, often called “The “King of Spices” contains the compound peperine that may be effective during the early acute inflammatory process.

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Clove

Cloves contain a compound that inhibits the enzyme that is responsible for causing an inflammatory response in the body.

glass jar of ground up rosemary with rosemary leaves on the side

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Rosemary

Rosemary impacts the body’s production of superoxide dismutase, which is responsible for eliminating a free radical that is known to cause inflammation.

a bowl of unpeeled garlic gloves in a wooden bowl

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Garlic

A tasty addition to almost any savory dish, garlic contains diallyl disulfide, an anti-inflammatory compound that reduces the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Use fresh garlic if you can. If the flavor is too much for you, mellow the flavor by roasting it.

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Stephany

GR8NESS Writer

Stephany is a GR8NESS Contributing Editor who writes about pet care, CBD, stress, self care, meditation, time management, brain training, and natural remedies with a focus on the science behind it all. She has three dogs, three cats, walks half marathons, and practices yoga and powerlifting. You can often find her training her dogs or experimenting with new flavors in the kitchen.

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