The use of natural anti-inflammatories is becoming increasingly popular these days. That is not without reason. Natural remedies usually do not have as many side effects as prescription medication, such as antibiotics.
Logically, this does not mean that you can no longer use a prescription antibiotic, but that a natural alternative may also help. In this article, we look at the significance of natural anti-inflammatories, which types are good to use, and the possible risks of using natural anti-inflammatory foods.
Difference Between Antibiotics and Natural Anti-Inflammatories
An antibiotic is a medicine that fights bacterial infections. Although antibiotics used to consist of natural ingredients, nowadays medicines are also made of synthetic origin. They have then assembled artificially.Regular antibiotics are used to fight bacterial infections and sometimes to support the growth of livestock. However, a prescription antibiotic also attacks healthy bacteria, making it bad for your gut flora.
Natural anti-inflammatories do not do this. This is because the plants from which this medicine is made have special antibacterial properties. As a result, only the bad bacteria are attacked and the healthy bacteria remain intact.
4 types of natural anti-inflammatories
Plants, herbs, fruits, and roots can function as a natural anti-inflammatory. You can find these foods in nature, or even grow them in your vegetable garden.But which anti-inflammatories with a natural origin are there? We would like to explain four of them so that after reading this article you will know which anti-inflammatories you can add to your diet.
1. Garlic
From research has shown that garlic concentrate properly operates as a natural anti-inflammatory. You can make this concentrate yourself by soaking many garlic cloves in oil, but you can also buy garlic supplements or a concentrate from the health store.
To keep wounds clean, you can even apply garlic directly to the skin. Please note that garlic dietary supplements can enhance the effects of blood thinners, so only use this type of supplement in consultation with a doctor.
2. Myrrh extract
Myrrh is not just frankincense; it can also be classified among the natural anti-inflammatories. For example, myrrh can help to fight the E.coli bacteria. You can buy myrrh extract prepackaged as a supplement.
3. Thyme
Thyme is not only a delicious herb to use in your dishes; the essential oil it contains is also very effective against bad bacteria.
In addition, it helps you to get rid of sore throat quickly. Drink fresh thyme tea for a sore throat and use the essential oil along with some cream to soothe your skin.
4. Echinacea / Coneflower
This colorful flower has been used as a medicine for centuries. And there are good reasons for that! The flower kills various harmful bacterial species, including flesh-eating bacteria. Coneflower also has an anti-inflammatory effect on wounds. You can find supplements containing Echinacea at the drugstore.
Risks of Natural-Based Anti-Inflammatories
As with prescription medications, taking natural anti-inflammatories is not always without risk. Therefore, take a remedy of natural origin only in consultation with a doctor or a nutritionist.
Garlic, for example, when used extensively, can interfere with other types of medication and even lead to bleeding.
With essential oils, it is always important not to ingest the oil, nor to apply it directly to the skin. Always mix the essential oil with a base oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil. This way you prevent skin irritation or other health problems due to incorrect use of an anti-inflammatory.