Turmeric 

Properties: 

Antioxidant

Anti-inflammatory

Antidepressant

Liver Stimulant 

Anticoagulant

Cardioprotective 

A powerful ant-inflammatory and anti-oxidant to boot, turmeric is a go-to for anyone with autoimmune disease. Turmeric exerts its anti-inflammatory properties by blocking NF-kappaB, a molecule that can turn on genes related to inflammation, and also squelches TNF alpha, IL-12, nitric oxide and numerous other molecules involved in the inflammatory response. Curcumin is the most potent bioactive component in turmeric; in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was more effective at reducing symptoms of inflammation than anti-inflammatory drugs. Turmeric also has positive effects on mood and well-being and has been shown to be comparable to Prozac in a small trial. It is thought that turmeric exerts this effect by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor which exerts anti-depressant activity.

Cinnamon 

Properties: 

Astringent

Carminative

Hemostatic

Antibacterial 

Hypoglycemic 

Antioxidant

Anti-inflammatory

Immunomodulatory

Anti-estrogenic

The smell of cinnamon alone is enough to brighten anyone’s spirits but it is also a superstar antioxidant. Oxidative damage is paramount in much of autoimmune disease and cinnamon has been shown to have the second highest antioxidant content of 26 different herbs and spices. Hydroxycinnamaldehyde, an active component of cinnamon, has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nitric oxide production through inhibiting NF-kappaB. Cinnamon is also a powerful carminative (goodbye gas and bloating) as well as an astringent, stopping diarrhea in its tracks (so helpful for Crohn’s or Colitis). Lastly, cinnamon is great at lowering blood sugar and decreasing insulin resistance by imitating the effects of insulin and increasing glucose transport into the cells.

Rooibos 

Properties: 

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antispasmodic
• Relaxant
• Diuretic
• Immune Modulating

Rooibos, or red tea, is a popular tea due to the fact that it is rich in minerals and devoid of caffeine. Due to the mineral content of rooibos (high in calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, potassium and zinc), it exerts relaxing effects on muscles and a calming effect on the mind. Also thanks to the minerals present, rooibos acts as a diuretic, aiding in the elimination of excess fluid as in the case of fluid retention or swelling. Rooibos is also immune modulating, meaning that it can strengthen or dampen the actions of the immune system (so important in any autoimmune disease) Like the other herbs featured in our Anti-Inflammatory Blend, rooibos is also an excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and has been shown to enhance the activity of glutathione-S transferase (essential in the production of our body’s most powerful antioxidant, glutathione).

Calendula 

Properties: 

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antispasmodic
• Lymphogogue
• Astringent
• Choleretic
• Antibacterial and antiviral
• Protective effects on liver, kidneys and heart

Calendula is another powerful anti-inflammatory, especially in the digestive system. It is also a lymphagogue—an herb that promotes the flow of lymphatic fluids. This is particularly important as our lymph carries waste products and cellular debris that need to be filtered and removed. Calendula is also great support for the GI tract where it acts as an antispasmodic, supports the function of the gallbladder, and is astringent. Calendula is also antibacterial, antiviral and prevents the formation of cancerous cells and tumors. Finally, calendula is protective to the heart through modulating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways by activated Akt and Bcl2 and down regulating TNF alpha.