It is no surprise that inflammation is one of the most common issues that I see as an Ayurvedic practitioner. Although the cause and the manifestation may look different for each individual, the result is the same. Inflammation is often revealed as redness, irritation, heat, swelling, and tenderness. This can be an obvious manifestation such as a rash on your skin, painful swollen joints, or sore muscles, or a not-so-obvious occurrence such as inflammation in your stomach, small intestines, liver, or colon. The location of the inflammation, along with your specific body type (aka dosha type) and current inflammatory symptoms, will all be important factors for which herbal treatment will be the most effective for them.

The first line of treatment for any disorder is always to remove the cause. Whether you are suffering from arthritis, inflammation in the GI tract, inflammatory skin issues (i.e. eczema, psoriasis, rash, etc), or anything in between, the common causes (or at least instigators) will be of a similar nature. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some red flags to look out for in your diet and lifestyle.

Common Causes of Inflammation

Stress
Chronic food allergies or sensitivities (i.e. gluten, dairy, wheat, soy, etc)
Imbalance of gut flora (aka dysbiosis)
Parasitical infection
Low-grade chronic infections (fungal, viral, bacterial)
Use of irritating or allergenic substances (i.e. perfume, chemicals, detergents, dyes, etc)
Environmental allergens, pollutants, or chemicals
Excessive intake of inflammatory foods (nightshades, refined sugar, spicy foods, fatty-fried foods, etc)
Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, prescription, and recreational drugs
Food additives, preservatives, and dyes
Pitta-provoking diet
Pitta-provoking lifestyle
Pitta-increasing emotions such as anger, judgment, criticism, and jealousy
Lack of sleep
Autoimmune disorders

Once you have identified some of the potential causes that are creating inflammation in your system, you can then begin to slowly (but surely) make the needed changes to rid these factors in your life. While you are working to make these essential changes in your routine, it will be beneficial to simultaneously be taking the appropriate herbal regimen to expedite this healing process. Taking these recommended herbs will not only help reduce the inflammation in your system, but they will also help rid the body of excessive heat, toxins, and irritants that are provoking your symptoms.

Although many herbs contain anti-inflammatory properties, some are more powerful and effective than others. Further, some may be extremely useful in one inflammatory condition (for example arthritis), while another may be of more benefit for a different inflammatory condition (say psoriasis). Here is a list of my top seven herbs to use, the best way to take them, when to take them, and when to avoid them.

The Seven Most Powerful Herbs for Inflammation

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is an amazing anti-inflammatory herb that can be used on a daily basis whether in your diet, in herbal teas, or more powerfully, as an herbal powder. Although turmeric is fairly safe for most individuals, it can be a bit heating for those that are sensitive to this issue. In these cases, a more cooling herbal treatment is recommended such as Neem or Mahasudarshana (see below).

Turmeric is fairly well-rounded in its anti-inflammatory properties and can therefore be taken for multiple conditions. However, it is most effective in inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, inflamed muscles, and inflammatory asthma.

For arthritis and inflamed muscles:

Take ¼ teaspoon turmeric with ⅛ teaspoon Boswellia (frankincense), ⅛ teaspoon dry ginger, and ¼ teaspoon Guduchi. Mix this in warm water and take three times daily before meals.

For inflammatory asthma:

Take ¼ teaspoon of ginger, ¼ teaspoon of turmeric, a pinch of black pepper, and a pinch of pippali powder, twice daily mixed in a small spoonful of honey. Take the first dosage upon awakening on an empty stomach. Take the second dosage around 2 to 3 pm. If acute symptoms arise, take a double dosage of each herb with honey every 2 to 3 hours, or as needed.

Click here for our Turmeric, Ginger, and Tulsi Tea Recipe!

2. Ginger

Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. Just as with its sister root turmeric, it can be taken in food, as an herbal tea, or more potently as an herbal powder. Although ginger is fairly safe for most individuals, it can be too heating for Pitta types or for those that have heat sensitivity. In these cases, fresh ginger should be used (which is much less heating) or a more cooling herbal treatment such as neem or Mahasudarshana (as seen below).

Since ginger is heating, it is often not as beneficial in inflammatory GI tract disorders such as hyperacidity, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, ulcers, and similar disorders. It should also be avoided in heat-induced inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. Instead, the most effective use for ginger is in inflammatory asthma conditions and in arthritis, as it has an affinity to the lungs and the joints. Ginger helps clear the bronchial pathways in asthma and helps remove stored toxins in the joints for arthritis.

For inflammatory or congestive asthma:

Take 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric, a pinch of black pepper, and a pinch of pippali powder daily with honey. Take the first dosage upon awakening on an empty stomach. Take the second dosage around 2 to 3 pm. If acute symptoms arise, take a double dosage of each herb with honey every 2 to 3 hours or as needed.

For arthritis:

Make a strong ginger tea using 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger (best for Vata and Pitta) or 1 teaspoon dry ginger powder (best for Kapha) and 1 cup of boiling water. Steep on low heat for 15 to 30 minutes before straining. Once strained, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of organic castor oil to the ginger infusion. Take this each night before bed. This mixture should not be taken for over 30 days without the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.

3. Boswellia (aka Frankincense)

Boswellia, often known for its aromatic benefits, is actually one of Ayurveda’s most powerful and effective anti-inflammatory medicines. Although very effective, this resin is not to be taken lightly due to its extreme heating properties. This means that this may not be the best option for Pitta types, or for any heated inflammatory condition such as hyperacidity, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, ulcers, and similar disorders. It should also be avoided in heat-induced inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and rashes.

Boswellia instead should be a main herbal treatment for arthritis, inflamed muscles, and asthma. With a special affinity for the reproductive system, Boswellia also helps relieve cramping and pain during menstruation, especially if it is caused by inflammation and congestion in the uterus. However, due to its circulatory enhancing properties, Boswellia can increase menstrual bleeding and should be discontinued if your cycle becomes excessively heavy.

For arthritis and inflamed muscles:

Take ¼ teaspoon turmeric with ⅛ teaspoon Boswellia, ⅛ teaspoon dry ginger, and ¼ teaspoon Guduchi. Mix this in warm water and take it three times daily before meals.

For asthma:

Take ⅛ teaspoon of Boswellia mixed with ¼ teaspoon turmeric and ¼ teaspoon ginger. Mix in 1 teaspoon of honey and take twice daily in warm water. Take the first dosage upon awakening on an empty stomach. Take the second dosage around 2 to 3 pm. If acute symptoms arise, take a double dosage of each herb with honey every 2 to 3 hours or as needed.

For cramping and painful menstruation:

Make a strong ginger tea using 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger (best for Vata and Pitta), or 1 teaspoon dry ginger powder (best for Kapha) and 1 cup of boiling water. Steep on low heat for 15 to 30 minutes before straining. Once strained, add in ⅛ teaspoon Boswellia powder. If needed, honey can be added after the tea has cooled a bit. Take this tea 2 to 3 times daily, beginning 1 to 2 days before menstruation to prevent the pain and cramping; continue as needed during your menstrual flow.*

*Due to its circulatory enhancing properties, Boswellia can increase menstrual bleeding and should be discontinued if your cycle becomes excessively heavy.

4. Neem

Neem is an effective anti-inflammatory herb that is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. Unlike the three herbs mentioned above, this bitter leaf is extremely cooling and can be used during times of increased heat and Pitta in the system. This makes it an excellent choice in most inflammatory GI tract disorders such as colitis, gastritis, Chrohn’s disease, ulcers, parasitical infection, yeast overgrowth, and hyperacidity. With a strong affinity for the liver and skin, this herb is equally as useful in inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, rash, and acne, as well as general inflammation of the liver (and spleen).*

*Please note that due to the powerful cooling and bitter properties of neem, it is not often recommended for Vata types or during times of Vata imbalances (anxiety, restless mind, dryness, insomnia, etc).

For inflammatory GI tract disorders:

Take ¼ teaspoon of neem, ¼ teaspoon of Shatavari, and ¼ teaspoon of licorice powder mixed with ¼ teaspoon of melted ghee in ½ cup of warm water. Take this three times daily, 15 minutes before meals.

For inflammatory skin issues:

Take ¼ teaspoon of neem and ½ teaspoon of Guduchi in 1 tablespoon of aloe vera juice. Take this three times daily before meals until symptoms subside. While taking this dosage, it is also recommended to apply a neem-infused oil onto the affected skin areas.

Alternatively or simultaneously, you can take 1 teaspoon of bitter ghee, twice daily. Take the first dosage before food each morning, and the second before bed.

For parasites, dysbiosis, and candida:

Take ½ teaspoon Guduchi, ¼ teaspoon neem, and ¼ teaspoon Vidanga in ½ cup of warm water. Take three times daily before meals.

For inflammation of the liver or spleen:

Take ¼ teaspoon neem, ¼ teaspoon Guduchi, and a pinch of pippali powder with 1 tablespoon organic aloe vera juice. Wash down with warm water. Take this mixture three times daily before meals until symptoms improve.

5. Guduchi

Guduchi is perhaps one of the most balanced of the anti-inflammatory herbs on this list, and is still equally effective in its properties. In fact, due to its sattvic (balanced) nature, this herb can be taken by all dosha types and in slightly larger dosages. Further Guduchi is often the herb of choice in a wide range of inflammatory issues including GI tract disorders (colitis, ulcers, hyperacidity, candida, parasites, dysbiosis, etc), liver and spleen inflammation, inflammatory skin disorders (psoriasis, eczema, acne, rash, etc), and arthritis. Guduchi is a great choice for many autoimmune diseases, as it not only works to reduce inflammation, but as an immunomodulator, it also helps to regulate the immune system.

For inflammatory GI tract disorders:

Take ¼ teaspoon of Guduchi with ¼ teaspoon Shatavari, and ¼ teaspoon licorice powder. Take this mixed with ½ tsp of melted ghee in ½ cup of warm water. Take three times daily, 15 minutes before meals.

For autoimmune disorders:

Take ½ teaspoon Guduchi and ½ teaspoon ashwagandha in ½ cup of warm water. Take three times daily, before meals.

For parasites, dysbiosis, and candida:

Take ½ teaspoon Guduchi, ¼ teaspoon neem, and ¼ teaspoon vidanga in ½ cup of warm water. Take three times daily before meals.

For inflammatory skin issues:

Take ¼ teaspoon of neem and ½ teaspoon of Guduchi in 1 tablespoon of aloe vera juice. Take this three times daily before meals until symptoms subside.

Alternatively or simultaneously, you can take 1 teaspoon of bitter ghee, twice daily. Take the first dosage before food each morning, and the second before bed.

For inflammation of the liver or spleen:

Take ½ teaspoon Guduchi, ¼ teaspoon neem, and a pinch of pippali powder with 1 tablespoon organic aloe vera juice. Wash down with warm water. Take this mixture three times daily before meals until symptoms improve.

6. Guggulu

Purified Guggulu resin (Shuddha Guggulu) is another herb of choice when treating inflammation. However, Guggulu is heating by nature and should be used with caution with Pitta types. In fact, the best Guggulu for Pitta types is often Kaishore Guggulu, whereas the other varieties should be avoided. Guggulu should be avoided with heated inflammatory conditions such as hyperacidity, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, ulcers, and similar disorders. It should also be avoided in heat induced inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and rashes. For these disorders, a more cooling option such as neem, Guduchi or Mahasudarshana churna would be more appropriate.

Instead, Guggulu has made our top anti-inflammatory list due to its powerful ability to reduce arthritis and arthritic symptoms. For this reason, it is effectively used in many Ayurvedic formulations when treating all types of arthritis. You can use either plain Guggulu, or a more appropriate Guggulu formulation such as Yogaraj Guggulu for Vata-type arthritis (i.e. osteoarthritis) or Punarnava Guggulu for Kapha-type arthritis (i.e. fluid retaining, cool, damp-type arthritis). As mentioned above, if you have Pitta-type arthritis should use Kaishore Guggulu or a more appropriate cooling formula.

For general arthritis:

Take ½ teaspoon of Guggulu mixed with ¼ teaspoon of ginger and ¼ teaspoon of Guduchi. Steep this in ½ cup of warm water and take three times daily before meals.

7. Mahasudarshana Churna

Although not an herb but rather a traditional Ayurvedic formulation, I can’t help but mention Mahasudarshana as it is one of the most effective ways to reduce almost all types of inflammation. Beneficial for most inflammatory issues including inflammatory skin disorders, inflammatory eye issues, liver and spleen imbalances, GI tract disorders, parasitical infection, and asthma, this cooling bitter formula is a great option all on its own.*

*Please note that due to the powerful cooling and bitter properties of Mahasudarshana, it is often not recommended for Vata types or during times of Vata imbalances (anxiety, restless mind, dryness, insomnia, etc).

Any Inflammatory Condition:

Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of Mahasudarshana first thing in the morning on an empty stomach steeped in warm water. Take this dosage again before bed for severe inflammatory issues. **For acute flare-ups, you can take ½ teaspoon every 2 to 3 hours, or as needed.

Try my handcrafted Mahasudarshana Churna!