Easy to make recipe for inflammation

Whether you over-exercised, worked too hard in the garden, or picked up something that was too heavy; everyone has, at one point, suffered from stiffness, soreness and inflammation of the muscles.  Inflammation occurs when muscles become overworked and stiff.  Stiffness is the first sign that your body is tired and/or over worked.  If you listen and stretch, relax and take time out, then the stiffness usually disappears.  However, if you push through, stiffness can turn into numbness and pain.  The latter is a signal that inflammation is starting to / has already set in.

When muscles become stiff and/or painful, the body is crying out for help.  Massage, rest, physiotherapy, hot baths / showers and rubbing things like Arnica oil on, can help to relieve the body.  However, once inflammation sets in, not only is it better to seek professional help, but also to use gels / ointments with anti-inflammatory properties in.

Taking anti-inflammatory tablets can also do the trick.  However, most of these tablets can affect your gut and cannot be used long term.  So, what to do?  Turn to your kitchen cupboards!  Things like Ginger, Turmeric, Black pepper, Cayenne pepper, Cinnamon, Coconut oil, Garlic, Honey and Pineapple, are just what the doctor ordered.  Pineapples, for example, are high in Bromelain, which is a wonderful remedy for the immune system, it contains loads of vitamin C and aids in inflammation control.  The spices are easy-to-use and can be taken either in tablet form, or mixed into a drink, poultice or food. 

Here is an easy recipe:

4 tsp turmeric

4 tsp ginger

Half tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp ground cloves

2 tsp cinnamon

1 Tbsp coconut oil

Put all of the above in a bowl, add boiling water and mix it into a paste.  Take a teaspoon full every day, until the inflammation has gone.  Do note that, if there is any of the above ingredients that you cannot use, you can just leave it out.

All of the abovementioned foodstuffs, have both anti-inflammatory and antibiotic-properties in and have been used for a long time, in many kitchens throughout the world.  Inflammation is not something that you have to live with, because there is a way to not only cure it, but also keep it at bay.

Exercising regularly, to keep your bones and your muscles flexible, is key.  Stretching and resting in-between workouts and always listening to your body, are very important.  Drinking enough fluids, eating no / very little junk / processed foods, limiting your alcohol intake and not smoking, are also important.  At the end of the day, it is better to be safe than sorry; as chronic inflammation becomes arthritis, if it is not taken seriously and taken care of.