12 Anti-Inflammatory Spices

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure << here >> for further information.

Using Spices to Heal

Spices bring heat to a dish but can decrease heat and inflammation in the body. People who suffer from chronic inflammation, either from injury or illness, may find some benefit in including these anti-inflammatory spices in their meals or even as supplements. We’ve put together a list of spices known for their anti-inflammatory abilities. 

Build a Healthy Homestead for Yourself and Loved Ones

Turmeric – Most commonly found in Indian cuisine, Turmeric is a root and contains the compound curcumin, known to reduce inflammation in the body. Turmeric is a spice in the grocery store but is also available in a supplement variety. Supplement turmeric is more effective if paired with black pepper. Interestingly you can grow turmeric in your own home and have it fresh! 

Ginger – Most everyone knows ginger soothes an upset stomach. Like turmeric, it is actually the root of a ginger plant. You can grow this one at home too! It can be used powdered, chopped, ground, fresh, dried… even candied. It’s been scientifically proven to reduce inflammation. 

Cinnamon – From the bark of cinnamon trees, cinnamon is not just an anti-inflammatory but also an antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial and can lower your lipids in your cholesterol. It’s also great in most foods, not just cookies, cakes, and muffins. 

Garlic – Garlic is not just delicious but anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. Roast garlic with a little olive  oil and the flavor becomes sweeter and more mellow. Add garlic to almost any dish for a most healthy experience.

Cayenne – Peppers have a compound called capsaicin that is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Capsaicin is the same compound that gives a pepper its heat, and it even helps with digestion. All chili peppers will provide this same benefit for these same reasons – capsaicin is a great tool for reducing inflammation. Warning: I suggest not using anti-inflammatory creams with capsaicin if you are fair-skinned.

Black Pepper – Black pepper doesn’t come from peppers but an Asian flowering vine. Peppercorn flowers leave behind a seed pod that can be dried up into peppercorns. These peppercorns are ground into black pepper. This ‘King of the Spices’ has antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory and is especially effective in the early, acute stages of inflammatory issues. 

Heal Your Body with Probiotics

Clove – Cloves are good for more than fixing up the Christmas ham. It can treat upset stomachs and inflammation, especially inflammation of the mouth and throat. Add it to both sweet and savory dishes and enjoy not just the flavor but the extra benefits as well. 

Rosemary – Rosemary is hugely popular in Greek and Italian food.  It’s also an anti-inflammatory; however, rosemary helps protect the skin from skin diseases related to inflammation issues; it also reduces arthritis pain and improves memory! 

Bay Leaf – Bay Leaf is a wonderful aromatic to add to your soups and stews, and it can help with indigestion and ulcers. However, it also decreases joint pain, reduces inflammation, and helps to control cholesterol. 

Sage – Delicious in stuffing and excellent for your skin, sage helps to receive psoriasis and eczema. Remember, the largest organ your body has is your skin. 

Fennel – Fennel is a vegetable with big, green, leafy fronds extending from a large-ish white bulb sitting just above the ground. The fronds can be dried and ground for their licorice flavor. If you allow it to flower and go to seed, you can harvest the seeds to get Anise seeds. The stalks are great for both, and the bulb can be chopped and cooked up in soups and stews. It’s high in antioxidants, low in calories, and is antibacterial. Also, it may be decrease inflammation, improve mental health, and relieve menopause symptoms. 

Paprika – Paprika comes from a pepper with a rich flavor and deep red color. It’s easy to confuse with Cayenne in your spice cabinet and comes in three varieties – hot, sweet, and smoked. The sweet and smoked varieties are usually not hot. It is loaded with nutrients, helps with vision, and reduces inflammation. It can also improve cholesterol and lower blood sugar while improving your blood quality. 

Build a garden focused on your health and your needs. Get seeds for these herbs and spices from Eden Bros.