3 easy natural tools for inflammation

For those of us dealing with chronic inflammation, diet changes are often the first step. Avoiding sugars, nightshades, alcohol, and lectins are common anti-inflammatory steps which can be very helpful. 

Yet, we can still be dealing with signs and symptoms of inflammation, and not know what to do beyond the diet changes. In addition to the bitter green herbs I wrote about in the blog here, I’ve found these three simple, portable tools to help me calm down inflammation at the first signs. 

What's most important is that these three tools help with inflammation AND depletion patterns. That is a big deal, because most natural anti-inflammatory tools cool and clear, which can increase Vata imbalance. Personally, I think we all have Vata imbalance (depletion), and so these three are gems. On top of that, they are cheap and easy to source. 

1. Activated Charcoal

When there is inflammation in the colon, the gram negative bacteria are often involved. They thrive on starches and sugars and acidic environs, so during vacation and times of stress, these guys are usually well fed. One of the best ways to reduce this inflammation is to bind the endotoxins created by these bacteria. There are several toxin binders on the market, and one of my favorite is the most accessible and cheapest - activated charcoal. 

Taking 5-6 capsules at bedtime, helps to bind the toxins and prevent them from entering the bloodstream and creating inflammation in other parts of the body. Bonus: also helps to bind viral toxins at the first sign of a cold. This dosing is for short term use for acute inflammation.

2. Castor Oil 

This old grandmothers’ recipe is still a great one. It’s a rejuvenative, but also helps to clear build up (ama) in the colon. The immune system attacks the “biofilm” build up creating more inflammation.

In addition, castor oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory in its own right. Dosing is personal, but starting out with a half a teaspoon at bedtime is a safe place for most people. This option is especially great if you also have some depletion patterns in the digestive system (Vata imbalance) as it helps alleviate both. At doses over a tablespoon, you can have cramping as the castor oil moves things downward. For this reason, it’s not recommended if you may be pregnant or have digestive cramps. 

3. Ghee

Ghee is naturally cooling and soothing. It helps with any ulceration and inflammation in the digestive tract, including gastric ulcers, diverticulitis and heartburn. It has anti-histamine activities and is a rejuvenative, so it’s a great fit if there are allergies and Vata imbalance signs. A teaspoon or two is usually helpful for simply soothing the digestive symptoms, but for true rejuvenation and acute antihistamine action (eg after a wasp sting), you need higher dosing and should do so with a practitioner.

These are all easy and safe tools that may help you when you tip over into Pitta imbalance, or start getting inflamed. Try out all three and see which one gives you the greatest relief, or which combination works best for your body.