Do you have pain, swelling, inflammation?
Well, inflammation is the body’s natural reaction to injury. It’s an immune response to help clear away invading organisms. Pain and swelling are a response to bring the body back into balance.

Inflammation was first described by Aurelius Cornelius, a Roman physician from 30 BC to 45 AD. The definition of redness, warmth, swelling, and pain remains true today!

Inflammation Balance
There is a delicate balance between hormones to clear out infection and the anti-inflammatory compounds to aid in healing. Experts believe inflammation arises from an immune system response that is out of control. When symptoms of inflammation are not clear, then the “on” switch is said to be stuck and can lead to chronic concerns.

Imagine yourself like a teapot left on the stove to simmer continuously. This teapot is the picture of what is happening inside your body with chronic inflammation. Often, the symptoms begin or get noticed in the area of our immune system, which is your gut!

This area has the most significant amount of lymph nodes and, therefore, directly correlates to your immune health. Stomach bloating, indigestion, constipation, and reflux are a few signs that you are in a state of inflammation. Other concerns that may indicate internal inflammation include high cholesterol, weight gain - especially in your midsection, skin conditions, and allergies. These all relate to a “fire” within and cannot clear, so symptoms manifest within the body. Many experts believe the root of chronic inflammation begins in the gut.

“True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.” ~Socrates

Common Causes for Chronic Inflammation

Diet - our modern diet offers plenty of processed food, high sugar, and carbs that increase your insulin levels and put your immune system on high alert.

Environment - over the last 50 years, we have poured chemicals into our food, water, ground, and air. These are toxic to your system and difficult for your body to clear. The accumulation can add to or create an inflammatory process.

Stress is a significant source of inflammation, creating chaotic feelings in our body and adding fuel to that internal fire or inflammation. The stress response causes a release of cortisol which has a huge role in inflammation and affects your immune system. Today, we are more stressed out in society than ever before, which is happening at a much younger age.

Researchers link depression and stress to an increase in inflammatory markers in the blood. ~Lee & Guiliani (2019), Frontiers in Immunology

4 Simple Ways to Cool Down Inflammation, Naturally

1. Anti-Inflammatory Diet - slowly reduce inflammatory food like wheat, sugar, and dairy and add more fruit and veggies.

2. Green Environment - review green options for cleaning; there are many products available.

3. Easy Exercise - simple exercise like walking or stretching releases feel-good hormones that can reduce the inflammatory process.

4. Relaxation techniques - regular practice with meditation or breathwork can reduce stress and cool the flame within. 

Add Essential Oils to Cool the Flame

Essential oils can be added to a health plan to help reduce inflammation. Some essential oils known for their anti-inflammatory qualities include:
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) - can be helpful to reduce inflammation and aid muscle relaxation.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has a tremendous amount of research linking its effectiveness in reducing gastric inflammation.
Peppermint (Mentha x Piperita) - contains menthol, which gives a cooling sensation over inflamed tissues.

In summary, be aware of stressors in your life. Choose a wellness plan that includes healthy foods, exercise, and routine relaxation methods.