Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Anti Inflammatory Herbs - 4 Questions to Ask Before You Take Them

By Richard Wayne

When it comes to treating inflammation, research suggests that a number of anti inflammatory herbs could do the same job as, if not work better than, traditional prescription and over the counter medications.

Natural anti inflammatory treatments can work for many people, though you should always ask yourself a series of important questions before you start using them. Here is a quick guide to what you should be thinking about.

1. Which Herb Will Bring the Best Results for You?

Always think about your lifestyle and your diet before you start taking any herbs. You should always remember that everyone responds differently, so the best treatment differs from person to person.

Making simple changes to your diet, such as eating more fatty fish, can help to reduce inflammation - and you should always eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to stay healthy. Some people have also found success when adding spices to their food, such as turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne and others.

You might find that you need more than a few simple changes to your diet, which is where anti inflammatory herbs come in. Some of these herbs include ginger, licorice and boswellin.

2. Will It Conflict With Medication or Other Herbs?

You should always seek expert advice from a doctor before you begin taking any natural anti inflammatory treatment. This is because some herbs can interact with medication, causing it to stop working or producing undesirable symptoms.

Another possible consideration is that anti inflammatory herbs could conflict with other herbs you are taking at the same time, so always read the labels carefully.

3. Does It Produce Unwanted Side Effects?

Always check that you aren't allergic to any ingredients before you take a natural remedy. You should also ask your doctor for advice, and follow instructions carefully, to help avoid the chances of any negative side effects.

4. Is the Supplier A Trustworthy Source?

Lastly, always make sure you're buying the natural anti inflammatory remedies from a source you can trust. Often this will mean your local drugstore, but if you buy from the internet you'll want to ensure that the company has proper certification and a full list of ingredients. You need to know what goes into any tablets or capsules you are taking to reduce any of the risks mentioned above.

Anti inflammatory herbs can be a great way to treat your condition. However, you must always exercise some caution and ask yourself the important questions listed above.

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