July 23, 2021 6 min read

Inflammation is at the center of a range of different conditions, ranging from chronic pain to arthritis and even to certain skin conditions like psoriasis. The truth is, managing many health conditions really boils down to managing inflammation.

Luckily, there are options for natural inflammation relief that can help you avoid pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medications, which may come with risky side effects.

We’ve included a range of herbal remedies and practical solutions that can be used on their own or in combination with each other to get natural relief from inflammation. Here are the natural anti-inflammatory solutions you need to know:

Table of Contents

Turmeric 
Tea 
Vitamin D 
Cannabidiol (CBD) 
White Willow Bark 
Capsaicin 
Black Pepper 
Resveratrol 
Ginger 
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Frequently Asked Questions 
Resources 

1. Turmeric (Curcumin)

At the top of the list of natural remedies for inflammation is turmeric, a savory spice that contains curcumin. Curcumin has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries to help reduce inflammation and manage pain, but also to improve digestion and treat topical wounds by reducing swelling and pain.

A comprehensive review of Curcumin published in 2017 verifies it’s anti-inflammatory benefits, and also suggests that taking it alongside black peppercorns can increase its bioavailability by 2000%.

A bowl of turmeric powder, traditionally used to make tea or to season foods and soups in order to reap the natural inflammation benefits.

2. Tea

A 2012 evaluation compared the anti-inflammatory effects of green tea and black tea. The study found that both types of tea posed powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, but green tea’s benefits were much more substantial, possibly due to it’s higher flavonoid content.

To use green tea for inflammation, just brew yourself a strong cup (and feel free to add honey, lemon, or whatever else you like) and drink 3-4 cups daily. Alternatively, you can buy green tea extract in supplement form, but you should check with your doctor before using this potent form of green tea to manage inflammation.

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a chemical that is naturally produced by the body when you’re exposed to sunlight, and it’s also one of the body’s primary natural resources for managing internal inflammation. Low vitamin D levels can lead to inflammation going unchecked, which is why people with low vitamin D usually take supplements or find ways to safely increase sun exposure.

Our CBD Multivitamin contains vitamin D3, which is the form of vitamin D that’s made when your skin is exposed to sun. This is a multi-functional option for managing inflammation because CBD is actually next on our list of natural options for inflammation relief.

Vida Optima Vitality CBD Tincture

4. Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is a hemp-derived cannabinoid that mimics certain neurotransmitters in the body called “endocannabinoids.” Endocannabinoids (and the Endocannabinoid System) play an important role in regulating signals of inflammation in the body, and research has identified CBD as a potential solution for managing inflammation, both topically and internally. A 2020 study verified CBD as an antioxidant that indirectly improves the body’s own anti-inflammatory response.

Daily doses may be more effective than a one-off management dose, and a full spectrum CBD tincture can make it easy to integrate CBD into your regular wellness routine.

For a powerful (but affordable) CBD tincture that includes a boost of B12 and D3, check out ourVitality CBD Oil.

5. White Willow Bark

The use of white willow bark to manage inflammation and pain dates back centuries, and studies show that it contains compounds that are the precursor to modern day aspirin. The study also verified that white willow bark extract has a similar efficacy to aspirin, but with fewer drawbacks.

The average dose of white willow bark ranges from 200-300 mg per day, and this dose is sometimes broken up into smaller portions to manage inflammation consistently. Just like when taking aspirin, you should talk to your doctor before using white willow bark or it’s extracts for medicinal purposes.

6. Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the active compound in chili peppers that’s responsible for their heat, but it’s also a well-known and powerful way to reduce inflammation. Unlike many of the natural inflammation remedies on this list, capsaicin is most frequently used externally in the form of creams or salves, although many people report positive anti-inflammatory benefits when using it internally in the form of capsaicin capsules, too.

7. Black Pepper

While we’re speaking of black pepper, we’ll also mention that it contains some anti-inflammatory potential of it’s own. It’s primarily made of the chemical piperine, which is what gives it its characteristic spicy notes. Research has shown that it may help soothe inflammation even in small doses, and that it may even help change the way that pain is perceived in the case of arthritis.

This is another easy opportunity to incorporate natural inflammation relief into your daily routine. Just spice up your favorite meals with black pepper, preferably the fresh cracked variety.

A bowl full of black peppercorns, which may provide inflammation relief when taken orally or mixed into food.

8. Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes, and is at the center of why drinking one glass of red wine each day is considered a heart healthy choice. That’s not all, though, as resveratrol may have powerful anti-inflammatory potential.

A 2018 study reviewed resveratrol’s potent ability to positively influence the inflammatory pathways involved in a range of chronic conditions like cancer and various neurodegenerative, respiratory, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases.

As we mentioned, you can get it by eating lots of red grapes, but you can also find it in supplement form for more potent doses.

9. Ginger

A 2005 study found ginger to have more powerful therapeutic benefits than some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Researchers have linked these anti-inflammatory effects to several different characteristics of ginger, but one of the most prominent is ginger’s ability to inhibit the activation of inflammatory genes.

The use of ginger for managing inflammation, pain, and nausea has been around for centuries. You can use ginger daily in your normal routine by adding it to meals (like stir fry!) or steeping it to make ginger tea. You can also buy ginger capsules that offer potent doses of ginger without the same spicy flavor, which is unfavorable to some people.

Vida Optima Elev8 Delta 8 THC Gummies

10. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

We saved this one for the bottom of the list because it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is an age-old and scientifically supported method for managing inflammation without medications. THC is the active compound in cannabis, also known as Delta-9-THC, and studies have shown it to have a positive impact on both inflammation and pain.

A 2015 review found that whole-plant cannabis and various cannabinoids were effective for managing different types of pain, including nerve pain. Another study from 2016 found that the use of cannabis led to a 64% reduction in the use of opioids for cancer patients.

Delta-9-THC is found in cannabis, which can only be used in places where it’s legal. However, Delta-8-THC has been found to have many of the same benefits as traditional THC products, like potentially managing pain. It’s made from hemp, however, which means it’s legal in the U.S. and is much more accessible. It makes a great option for new or inexperienced THC users, too, because it’s psychoactive effects are less potent.

Looking for natural inflammation relief today?

Check out our Elev8 Collection for a range of Delta-8-THC products you can buy online. Or check out our Vitality CBD Collection for a solution without any psychoactive effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is inflammation, and why is it harmful?

Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can be harmful and lead to various diseases. It is associated with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Can an anti-inflammatory diet help reduce inflammation?

Yes, an anti-inflammatory diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help to reduce inflammation in the body. It should also limit processed foods, sugar, and saturated and trans fats.

How can regular exercise help reduce inflammation?

Regular exercise can help to reduce inflammation by promoting weight loss, reducing stress, and improving overall health. It can also reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body.



Resources

  1. “Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/
  2. “Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effects of green tea and black tea: A comparative in vitro study” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3401676/
  3. “Vitamin D and the Immune System” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/
  4. “Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
  5. “Natural anti-inflammatory agents for pain relief” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3011108/
  6. Arthritis Research & Therapyhttps://arthritis-research.biomedcentral.com/
  7. “Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Resveratrol: Mechanistic Insights” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6032205/
  8. “Ginger--an herbal medicinal product with broad anti-inflammatory actions” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16117603/
  9. “Medical Marijuana for Treatment of Chronic Pain and Other Medical and Psychiatric Problems: A Clinical Review” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26103031/

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Optimize Your Life

Kratom Strains: A Beginner's Guide To The Types of Kratom Strains - Vida Optima™
Kratom Strains: A Beginner's Guide To The Types of Kratom Strains

October 12, 2023 8 min read

The three primary strains, green, red, and white, each have distinct characteristics that make for very different therapeutic experiences.
Read More
How to Take Kratom Powder: 5 Methods You Should Try - Vida Optima™
How to Take Kratom Powder: 5 Methods You Should Try

October 12, 2023 5 min read

Here are the best methods, ranging from the most convenient doses to the tastiest kratom doses you can take.
Read More
Can You Mix CBD and Viagra? (Yes, but with precautions) - Vida Optima™
Can You Mix CBD and Viagra? (Yes, but with precautions)

September 29, 2023 8 min read

The two may have synergistic effects, but be aware of possible side effects.
Read More

Subscribe