Last Updated on July 2, 2023

Chronic inflammation can lead to various health problems, including pain and discomfort in the body. While there are anti-inflammatory medications available to manage pain, natural remedies for inflammation can also be effective and are oftentimes preferred.

One such remedy is anti-inflammatory tea, which is easy to make and has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory properties. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best herbal teas for pain relief and inflammation, backed by science and traditional wisdom.

Benefits of Anti-inflammatory Teas

There are many great reasons to consume herbal teas besides their great taste. Here are just a few of those reasons.

Reduces Inflammation and Swelling

Herbal tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the body. These compounds can also improve immune function and overall health.

Provides Pain Relief

Herbal teas can provide pain relief due to the presence of certain compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These properties help to reduce pain and discomfort associated with inflammation and swelling in the body.

Helps Relax Muscles

Certain herbal teas contain compounds that can act as muscle relaxants, helping to ease tension and reduce pain. These compounds may also promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, which can help further alleviate muscle-related discomfort.

Soothes Body Aches & Soreness

Herbal tea contains natural compounds that can help to reduce body aches and get rid of muscle soreness. It can also help provide a sense of calm, which may further reduce pain and discomfort.

May Help With Arthritis & Joint Pain

Herbal tea can help reduce arthritis and joint inflammation and swelling, which are common signs and symptoms of these conditions. Additionally, some herbal teas may help improve joint function.

Now, let’s get to our list of the 10 best herbal anti-inflammatory teas for pain relief.

1. Turmeric Tea

Turmeric, a common spice in Indian cuisine, has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. Turmeric tea is a popular way to consume turmeric and has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2009 investigated the effects of curcumin on patients with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation and pain. The study involved 107 patients who were randomly assigned to receive either curcumin or a placebo for eight weeks. The results showed that the curcumin group had significant improvements in pain, stiffness, and physical function compared to the placebo group.

2. Elderberry Tea

Elderberry tea is a popular herbal tea that also has potent medicinal properties. It is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities that can help reduce inflammation and pain in the body.

A study published in the Journal of Functional Foods in 2019 investigated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of elderberry extract on patients with osteoarthritis. The study found that the extract significantly reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, leading to a decrease in pain and stiffness in the joints.

3. Green Tea

Green tea is a popular beverage consumed worldwide, known for its potential health benefits. One of the most well-known benefits is its anti-inflammatory properties. A relevant study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2015 investigated the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects of green tea in rats.

In the study, researchers induced inflammation and pain in the rats’ paws by injecting them with a substance called carrageenan. The rats were then treated with either green tea extract or a control substance. The results showed that the rats treated with green tea extract had significantly reduced inflammation and pain compared to the control group.

4. Ginger Tea

Ginger tea has been a popular remedy for various health issues for hundreds of years, including inflammation and natural pain relief. Several studies have shown that ginger has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it an effective natural remedy for body aches and soreness.

In the study by the University of Miami, 74 people were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or a ginger supplement for 11 days. On the eighth day, the participants performed exercises that induced muscle injury. The study found that those who took the ginger supplement experienced a 25% reduction in muscle pain compared to those who took the placebo. The study concluded that ginger may be an effective natural home remedy for muscle pain and soreness.

5. Holy Basil Tea

Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is an herb commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Holy basil tea, made from the leaves of the plant, is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help with pain relief.

A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2011 investigated the effects of holy basil on inflammation and pain in rats. The study found that holy basil extract reduced inflammation by decreasing the levels of inflammatory markers and also provided pain relief.

6. Rosehip Tea

Rosehip tea has been shown to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief due to its high content of anti-inflammatory compounds such as polyphenols and anthocyanins.

One study conducted by the University of Copenhagen in Denmark in 2008, involved 94 patients with osteoarthritis who were randomized to receive either a rosehip powder supplement or a placebo for 3 months. Those who consumed the rosehip powder supplement experienced significant reductions in pain and inflammation compared to the placebo group.

7. Black Tea

Black tea is a popular beverage worldwide and has been consumed for centuries due to its potential health benefits. Recent studies have suggested that black tea may help reduce inflammation and promote muscle relaxation.

A study conducted by the University of Northumbria in the UK found that drinking black tea can reduce stress and lower cortisol levels in the body, which can lead to a decrease in inflammation and more relaxed muscles. The study also found that black tea consumption increased the production of regulatory T cells, which help to control the immune response.

8. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a popular herbal tea known for its calming properties. It has been used for hundreds of years to promote relaxation and alleviate a variety of ailments including body aches and soreness. Recent studies have also found that chamomile tea may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation in the body.

One study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2010 found that chamomile tea contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body. The study tested the effects of chamomile tea on rats with inflammation and found that the tea was able to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory compounds in the body.

9. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is a popular herbal tea that has been used for centuries for its various health benefits.

A study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine in 2013 investigated the effects of peppermint tea on primary dysmenorrhea, which is characterized by painful menstrual cramps. The study found that consuming peppermint tea twice a day for the first three days of menstruation significantly reduced the severity of menstrual cramps compared to the control group.

The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects of peppermint tea are believed to be due to its high content of menthol, a compound that has been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in various studies. Menthol is known to work by blocking the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting the activation of pain receptors in the body.

10. Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon tea is a popular herbal tea that is often consumed for its health benefits. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help to decrease inflammation and discomfort in the body.

One study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2015 investigated the effects of cinnamon on inflammatory markers in people with type 2 diabetes. The study found that consuming cinnamon for 12 weeks significantly reduced levels of several markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), compared to a placebo group.

Other Ways to Reduce Inflammation

Besides adding an herbal tea to your daily routine, here are several other ways to lower inflammation in the body.

  • Eat fewer inflammatory foods: Foods that cause inflammation include highly processed foods, fried foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in saturated and trans fats.
  • Switch to an anti-inflammatory diet: An anti-inflammatory diet involves eating whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
  • Make lifestyle changes: This includes regular exercise, stress management techniques like meditation and yoga, adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Take dietary supplements: Certain anti-inflammatory herbs and spices like black pepper, turmeric, and ginger have antioxidant properties and may help reduce pain and inflammation in the body.

Besides turmeric and elderberry being powerful anti-inflammatory supplements that we mentioned earlier in the article, you may also want to consider apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) lowers inflammation due to its high acetic acid content, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, ACV contains polyphenols that have antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

Herbal Anti-inflammatory Tea: Final Thoughts

Incorporating anti-inflammatory herbal teas into your daily routine can be an effective and natural way to alleviate pain and inflammation in the body. From ginger and turmeric to chamomile and green tea, there are various herbal teas available that are not only delicious but also packed with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

However, it’s important to remember that these teas should be used as a supplement to an overall healthy lifestyle, and individuals with certain medical conditions should always check with their doctor before adding these teas to their diet. With their numerous health benefits, anti-inflammatory teas are certainly worth exploring as a natural and delicious way to reduce pain and inflammation.