Inflammation doesn’t even necessarily have to come from a disease or a chronic condition. It could be the result of seasonal allergies, an illness or infection, or even intense exercise. It may also come from stress if you’re particularly worried or anxious about something going on in your life.
The good news is we don’t have to keep suffering without relief, and we don’t always have to pop pills to get it. We have natural healing alternatives, like tea that helps with inflammation.
Before we talk about the power of tea to help manage your inflammatory symptoms, we need to talk about where inflammation comes from.
As we mentioned earlier, inflammation manifests itself in different ways. Something that you might have barely noticed, like a sudden proliferation of acne, could be due to the fact that your body’s immune system is fighting against a foreign invader or infection.
That’s what inflammation is_ it’s a state your body goes into to fight against a bacterium, virus, infection, or disease. It also rises in response to substances that your body is allergic to, such as specific food, plant, chemical, or drug.
Some people suffer from autoimmune diseases. These are conditions where the immune system attacks your body instead of foreign cells. There are no cures for autoimmune diseases, which is why coping methods like soothing tea are so important. The best anti-inflammatory teas lower inflammatory symptoms and help you manage them.
Below are 10 signs that your body is inflamed.
1 | Persistent severe acne
Everyone has acne, but if yours is noticeably red and swollen, and you have cysts and scarring, you may have inflamed acne. This type is far more intense and painful than a few blackheads.
2 | Red skin that is hot to the touch
If you haven’t been out in the sun long enough to sunburn, but your skin is red and hot to the touch, it could be the result of an inflammatory reaction from your immune system.
3 | Eczema
Eczema is a condition where your skin develops patches of cracked, red, dry, itchy skin. Sometimes the cracks open and bleed or get infected. They are most often the result of inflammation.
4 | Swollen joints
Swollen joints are inflamed joints. You will notice this sign if you have arthritis.
5 | Nerve pain
When your nerves get inflamed, they become extremely sensitive and painful.
6 | Red, puffy eyes
Allergens like dust, dirt, and pollen are common causes of inflamed, puffy eyes, but you might also experience redness due to something you ate that your body is allergic to.
7 | Red, runny nose
You’ll probably have a red, runny nose whenever you encounter things that you’re allergic to, or when you get sick with a cold or sinus infection.
8 | Pain during bowel movements
If you have an IBD like me, or you ate something that didn’t agree with you, then you may feel pain when you poop because your intestines, rectum, or anus are inflamed.
9 | Ulcers
Ulcers are sores that flare up, typically inside your body in the lining of your stomach, small intestine, rectum, or esophagus. They’re painful, and they often bleed when something like food or stool brushes up against them.
10 | Unusually severe PMS symptoms
A study from 2016 showed that there is a connection between inflammation and more severe premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. If your body is inflamed, you may feel more intense cramps, acne, diarrhea, and other typical PMS signs.
Does Tea Reduce Inflammation?
People whose bodies are in an inflamed state try all kinds of treatments to feel relief. The most popular method is drugs and medication prescribed by their doctor. But for people who want to go a more natural route, where do they turn? Here is our list of the best teas for inflammation_
1 | Rosehip Tea
Rosehips have been used as an herbal medicine for over 2,000 years due to being packed with beta carotene, vitamin C and E, and anti-inflammatory antioxidants like phenolic compounds that protect against cell damage and reduce pain related to rheumatoid arthritis. Enjoy rosehip tea on its own or enjoy the floral notes as part of a blend.
2 | Chamomile Tea
Best known for assisting with relaxation, sleeplessness, and anxiety, the chamomile flower has been used as a remedy for muscle pain, cold, and flu, and shown to reduce symptoms of inflammation. Specifically, inflammation of gastro-intestinal disorders like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease.
3 | Turmeric Tea
One of our favorite ingredients is turmeric. In addition to making turmeric tea for inflammation, turmeric is a versatile bright golden yellow spice that has been used in cooking as well as medicinal purposes dating back nearly 4,000 years. It contains a chemical called curcumin, which is a scientifically proven anti-inflammatory. It is also an antioxidant, meaning it helps your body destroy free radicals that can cause damage to your cells.
Turmeric has a rich, earthy taste that is also bitter, so combining it with other ingredients will ease its somewhat overwhelming taste. It’s best to add black pepper when making any form of turmeric tea because it contains piperine which is a compound that helps increase the rate turmeric is absorbed by the body. If you’re not sure where to start, our Golden Turmeric Truffle tea is a great start. With a combination of organic orange peel, cacao nibs, Pu-erh, turmeric, black pepper it is a delicious way to reap turmeric’s inflammation-fighting benefits.
4 | Green Tea
Countless studies have been conducted validating the power of green tea and its anti-inflammatory properties. The high antioxidant content helps to reduce free radicals and is considered antibacterial, antiviral, and antiarthritic. In addition, matcha green tea is a great option since contains 137 times more antioxidant properties than brewed green tea. You will never be in need of variety when it comes to green tea, so have fun with it.
There is a reason that teas have been used for medicinal benefits for centuries. Whether you have temporary inflammation due to exercise or suffering from chronic inflammation, adding teas can be easily incorporated into your daily wellness routine to find relief. In addition, reducing inflammation in the body will have a domino effect on your health preventing other illnesses in the process. It’s a win-win.