Herbs for Inflammation and Swelling

4 Sri Lankan medicinal plants traditionally used for this purpose. Open a herb to see its Sinhala, English and botanical names, the parts used, how it is prepared, the research behind it and safety notes.

Use with care: Traditional use does not prove that a herb works or that it is safe for you. Talk to a doctor or a registered Ayurveda practitioner before using herbs to treat a condition, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medicines, or treating a child. Read our disclaimer

Leaves

Nika (Vitex negundo): The Five-Leaved Chaste Tree for Pain and Swelling

(Vitex negundo)

Nika (Vitex negundo) is the shrub Sri Lankan physicians reach for when a joint is hot and swollen. A

Roots & Rhizomes

Inguru (Ginger): The Universal Medicine, and What It Is Proven To Do

(Zingiber officinale)

Inguru (Zingiber officinale) earns its Ayurvedic title vishwabhesaj — universal medicine — more hone

Leaves

Sarana (Boerhavia diffusa): Punarnava, the Weed That Renews

(Boerhavia diffusa)

Sarana (Boerhavia diffusa) sprawls along roadsides and waste ground with pink-purple flowers no bigg

Roots & Rhizomes

Kaha (Turmeric): The Golden Spice, the Supplement, and the Lead Problem

(Curcuma longa)

Kaha (Curcuma longa) is the most researched medicinal plant in the world and the most oversold. It i

Other uses

Digestion (42) Coughs and Colds (22) Skin Conditions (22) Blood Sugar and Diabetes (18) Fever (16) Urinary and Kidney Health (16) Cooling the Body (14) Joint Pain and Arthritis (13) Wound Healing (12) Sleep and Stress (9) Immunity (8) Diarrhoea (8) Oral and Dental Health (8) Constipation (7) Cholesterol and Heart Health (7) Hair Care (7) Liver Health (6) Asthma and Breathing (5) Women's Health (4) Memory and Brain Health (4) Eye Health (4) Weight Management (3) Piles (Haemorrhoids) (3) Intestinal Worms (3)