Also see: How to treat chronic low-level inflammation (CLII)

Topical anti-inflammatories

Ice.   If possible, apply ice to affected area – 10-15 mins every 1-2 hours

DMSO – Powerful short-term anti-inflammatory. E.g. Very effective at quickly quenching pain  and reducing inflammation from bites and stings.

Comfrey Oil.    Not only anti-inflammatory, comfrey builds collagen, which helps heal bruises, burns, wrinkles, damaged muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones; use as comfrey leaf/root oil or leaf poutice (mash fresh leaves in a processor and place inside muslim or thin cloth and cover with plastic; alternatively if possible place

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF therapy)

Cayenne pepper cream / lotion / oil or 0.025 – 0.075% capsaicin gel or cream.    Cayenne’s active ingredient capsaicin relieves pain by numbing sensory nerves (gradually reduces substance P, a chemical necessary for nerves to send pain signals to the brain), and also increases circulation to aid healing of joints and/or muscles.

• Apply up to 4 times daily to affected area.   Treatment can take 3 to 7 days to relieve pain and inflammation.
• DIY cayenne pepper recipe: Mix half a teaspoon cayenne pepper into 1 cup carrier oil (E.g. olive oil or comfrey oil) or lotion (containing natural ingredients).

Mainstream anti-inflammatory “Meds”

Statins, NSAIDS (aspirin), prednisone /corticosteroids   (can cause osteoporosis, cataracts, diabetes, Cushings syndrome)

Polyphenols for symptomatic relief of ACUTE inflammation

Polyphenols are strong anti-inflammatories and antioxidants found in high amounts in certain foods, spices and herbs:

• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Bromelain

Polyphenols

Herbal remedies

• White willow bark – contains salicin and polyphenols
• Boswellia (Indian frankincense) – from resin of Boswellia serrata tree. Ayurvedic medicine long used to relieve joint and muscle pain. Found effect to relieve pain from osteoarthritis
  

  Ferrara et al, 2015,

   IBS and a small study found it effective against asthma

• Devil’s claw – found effective against arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis