Anti-inflammatory Tonics
1. Baking soda + water
A recent study in the Journal of Immunology found drinking a tonic of baking soda and water may help reduce inflammation.
But be careful with this one limit intake no longer than a month.
Use this tonic for short-term inflammation relief.
Baking soda benefits
easily accessible
tells the body to calm its autoimmune response
should only be consumed short term
Try it: Combine 1/4 tsp. baking soda with 8 to 12 oz. of water.
Drink a baking soda and water tonic after a meal twice a week, but for no more than four weeks.
2. Parsley + ginger green juice
Studies have found that parsley’s active ingredient, carnosol, targets inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. It is a well-known anti-inflammatory. It prevents the production of inflammatory molecules like prostaglandin and leukotriene, as well pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Ginger benefits
contains gingerol, a powerful anti-inflammatory
may help reduce muscle soreness and pain
aids digestion
Try it: Make your own juice at home.Add to a juicer:
1 large handful of parsley
2 cups of spinach
1 green apple
1 lemon
1 small cucumber
2 to 3 celery stalks
1 to 2 inches of ginger
Drink parsley and ginger green juice once daily for 8 to 12 weeks.
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3. Lemon + turmeric tonic
Numerous studies have shown that curcumin, the active ingredient found in turmeric, can help reduce the body’s inflammatory response and provide relief for joint pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
In fact, a study analysis published earlier this year in Neurological Sciencesfound curcumin was a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substance.
It could help control proteins, enzymes, and cytokines in central nervous system-related disorders, including multiple sclerosis.
A bonus of this tonic (which was modified from Minimalist Baker): The ginger and lemon will help aid in digestion.
Curcumin benefits
help with chronic inflammation
provide antioxidant protection by neutralizing free radicals
fight brain degeneration
Try it: In a small saucepan, combine:
1 tbsp. fresh grated turmeric
1 tbsp. fresh grated ginger
the juice of 1 lemon
the rind of that lemon
3 cups filtered water
Optional:
Bring to a simmer over medium to medium-high heat, then turn off heat. Be careful not to let it fully boil.
Set a small strainer over serving glasses and divide liquid between two mugs.
Store strained leftovers in the fridge up to two to three days. When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop until just warm.
Drink 1 to 1 2/3 cups of lemon and turmeric tonic every day for up to four weeks.
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4. Bone broth
Bone broth from chickens specifically, not beef or pork or fish, supports joint health through the chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine found in the cartilage, and it’s a good source of anti-inflammatory amino acids like proline, glycine, and arginine,” Simon says.
Bone broth benefits
fights inflammation
contains collagen, which helps support joint health
may promote better sleep, mental function, and memory
Try it: In a 10-quart slow cooker, combine:
2 lbs. of chicken bones (preferably from free-range chickens)
2 chicken feet
1 onion
2 carrots
2 celery stalks
2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 gallon of water
Optional:
1 bunch of parsley
1 tbsp. or more of sea salt
1 tsp. peppercorns
additional herbs of your liking
Simmer for 24 to 48 hours, skimming fat occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Discard solids and strain remainder in a bowl through a colander. Let stock cool to room temperature, then cover and chill.
Drink 1 to 2 cups of bone broth per day. You can also eat it as a soup. Use batch within a week, or freeze up to three months.
5. Functional food smoothie
Whole foods are always best, but there are a handful of functional food powders that help deliver a ton of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories into one drink, says Gabrielle Francis, a licensed naturopathic doctor and herbalist based in New York City.
Powders loaded with bioflavonoids and antioxidants from sources like ginger, rosemary, and turmeric can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation in your body.
Other functional food powders can help heal leaky gut issues, allowing you to absorb more nutrients while keeping out the allergens and toxins that cause inflammation, Francis adds.
