A major element at the root of all pain, disease, and malaise we may experience is excessive inflammation. It leads to a cascade of uncomfortable biochemical processes, either physical or psychological, and this has the potential to vastly disrupt what could otherwise be an optimal state of being. This makes it important to understand the mechanisms behind these inflammatory processes so that you can support the body naturally and foster a more ideal inflammatory process which rather than leading to chronic pain or conditions, restores the body to it’s optimal state of being.

One of the most important aspects of the inflammation process is the concept of inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. This ratio controls much of how the body handles inflammation and therefore whether you experience pain or other inflammatory symptoms that can manifest in just about every way, as we will see in this article. Omega 3’s, specifically fish oils, have been highlighted in recent years for their supposed health enhancing properties. However, many don’t understand the process behind this. The reason they’re so helpful is because omega 3’s and fish oils are made up of the components of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, otherwise known as eicosanoids. These are our body’s built in painkillers. So needless to say, they’re absolutely critical to controlling pain and other forms of inflammation that are hampering our wellbeing on a daily basis. Omega 6’s are additionally important and should be tracked to ensure one is getting enough as they also offer unique and critical anti- inflammatory prostaglandins. Some of the better sources are walnuts and walnut oil, sesame seeds or sesame seed oil, unrefined safflower or sunflower seed oil, pumpkin seeds and pumpkin seed oil, as well as evening primrose and black currant seed oil. These omega 6’s, in combination with the right ratio of omega 3’s, can control inflammation and bring it into the perfect balance and in turn minimizing pain, when eaten in the proper balance. Hemp oil, according to Ann Louise Gittleman, touted as the “first lady of nutrition”, has the perfect ratio of Omega 6’s to Omega 3’s, which she believes is 4:1. While this optimal ratio can vary according to one’s heritage and unique bio-individuality, you definitely want to ensure you’re getting enough of both, which many in recent years have not due to the more current sole emphasis on omega 3’s and demonization of Omega 6’s. The vast majority of people who Ann Louise, PHD, tested on nutritionally were very low in Omega 6’s while plentifully supplied with Omega 3’s in their daily nutrition and subsequent stores. While it is important to the processed and genetically modified Omega 6’s you will see on shelves and in restaurants, especially canola oil, that’s not to say that we should leave out this ever vital material for making the main pain- managing and inflammation- cooling ingredients inherent in our bodies.

A critical part of this process we need to consider in addition to the fatty acids themselves, are the cofactors we need in order to assimilate these materials and use them in our pain- killing biological processes. We also need the ingredients that initiate these processes to ensure that our fatty acid intake is put to good use. Such necessary components to this process include magnesium, and zinc, both of which are required for proper digestion, enzymatic and liver function, as well as free radical neutralization. They’re particularly important for the nervous system in with regard to having an anti- inflammatory, and impactful detoxification effect, as are selenium and B6. Magnesium is also one of the necessary cofactors required for the anti- inflammatory prostaglandin process. Zinc is needed for the immune system to properly function, as well as tissue repair. This can help with anything from acne, to cold and flu recovery, or in helping the body to rebuild itself after a traumatic physical, mental or emotional experience. Amino acids like sulfur, glutamine, glycine, and cysteine are additionally vital for quelling inflammation as they contain the very materials that seize inflammation. These precurse the body’s main free radical quencher in the body, called Glutathione, in effect neutralizing inflammation and making you feel better. There are other more readily available forms of glutathione supplementation that you can get supplementally like NAC or N- Acetyl Cysteine. This has shown to help immensely with pain due to it’s ability to diffuse inflammation in the body and safely help the liver to escort anything that doesn’t belong or causes irritation, out of the body. The chemical mechanism has a comforting characteristic in itself as it simultaneously gives the body what it needs to feel good. This supplement is very inexpensive and can be found here*.
Vitamin E is important for neutralizing inflammation, supporting circulation which brings nutrients to every one of your cells, which are often starved of this in the event of pain and inflammation. This is one of the reasons B6 and B3 are also required, as well as choline, betaine, and lecithin. Not only are these nutrients a necessary component to combatting inflammation in the body, but all of the nutrients are necessary for supporting the nervous system which conducts, transmits, and receives all of the signals that generate your experiences throughout the body, as well as creating glutathione which physiologically quenches the free radicals that in excess can cause pain and induce cellular damage.

In addition to getting the right foundational ingredients for properly managing an inflammatory response that heals, the following anti- inflammatory extracts, foods and herbs that have also been made available for us:

• Fermented foods: Raw organic apple cider vinegar can be highly beneficial in an event of muscle soreness, aching joints, or twitching. Often this can be a result of pH imbalance, which raw organic apple cider vinegar with the mother can correct. Other beneficial fermented foods can include raw or cultured butter, raw, grass fed cheese, kimchi, sauerkraut, organic miso and natto, and full fat, preferably unpasteurized, grass fed yogurt or sour cream. Cultured dairy substitute products can be helpful and are being made increasingly available, sourced by brands like Coyo or even Synergy who also makes exceptional kombucha with no sugar added, another powerful ingredient for fighting inflammation. Probiotics help regulate the inflammatory processes and keep things in check for a good feeling and well functioning system.
• Ginger: Active compound gingerol helps to quell inflammation by increasing circulation and lymphatic flow greatly. For colder constituencies, indicated by a thinner figure, sub- optimal digestion, thin skin— which that can progress nerve problems, then and aching joints, even osteopenia— ginger can aid in nutrient absorption and support digestion, fascilitating a more grounded, balanced, and strong constituency.
• Abhyanga: Seemingly surface- level, this practice of rubbing oils on one’s skin in a way that works with the lymphatic system, with back- and- forth strokes on long bones and circular motions around joints, can actually really calm and soothe one’s nervous system and in turn the way you perceive pain. This also quells inflammation because of the way that it heals and nourishes the lymphatic system. This can be done before or after a bath or shower, before bed, or prior to leaving the house on a cold day. You’ll be amazed at how much more “protected” you feel from the chilling air, which can lead to neuropathy in itself for some. Even better, if you can infuse medicinal soothing herbs into the oil by allowing your favorite herbs to cook on low heat or sit in the sun and then strain it with a colander and coffee filter or cloth. Dr. John Douillard recommends this for anyone suffering from lymph issues, and the lymph is the nourishing fluid that is the basis for all of your cells and your entire body which is made up by the two.
• Turmeric: Highly important for quelling an overactive inflammatory pattern, turmeric is uniquely able to activate the NRF2 detoxification pathway that can also soothe pain. This can signal the release of glutathione, which has major free radical and pain neutralizing effects. You’ll want to enjoy your turmeric combined with a good fat like coconut oil, raw, cold pressed and unrefined hemp oil which is in itself anti- inflammatory due to it’s perfect relative structure of omega 6 fatty acids to omega 3 fatty acids, according to the “Mother of Nutrition”, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman. Black pepper also serves its own anti- inflammatory function and significantly increases absorbability of the curcumin in the turmeric, the active ingredient.
• Glutathione and Superoxide Dismutase: these are both powerfully anti- inflammatory compounds that are integral components to healing from any kind of pain or inflammation in the body. They are the body’s two main forms of natural free radical quenching capacities. This means they work like a shield to the body in taking care of the anything that might come our way whether in the form of free radicals, infection, stress, radiation or otherwise. I offer a homeopathic, liposomal cream that delivers both of these in the manner of an IV without the needle and would be glad to order you some if you need. Contact me for more details.
• Japanese Knotweed: Actually an invasive plant that’s full of resveratrol and can really bring down inflammation, including that of the brain. This is handy in a culture inundated with inflammation that’s gotten out of hand in cases of chronic disease like Lyme which is a root cause of many people’s afflictions unbeknownst to them. This herb that is actually considered a “weed” which grows in abundance, increases circulation, quenches free radicals and calms an over- active inflammatory pathway and even carries all of these benefits beyond the blood- brain- barrier, offering full fledged healing potential for the entire body including the brain. It’s no wonder so many people have gotten better using this plant extract, even for conditions as serious as Lyme disease which are often seen as a problem with no solutions by unwitting victims.
• Cat’s claw: a powerful agent against inflammation, due to its antioxidant capabilities originating from the Amazon rainforest, this is a tool effective enough to significantly improve the well-being, livelihood, and success of patients with chronic disease and illness like Lyme. It’s been Traditionally used for pain, against infection, arthritis, and heart disease. This is an ingredient used in many formulations for pain as well is viruses, bacteria and other microbes which are fundamentally at the root of pain and other expressions of inflammation. In one study this was shown to be effective against E- coli, staph and klepsiela, thanks to its numerous and unique alkaloids. This could play an integral part in our newly faced challenge of going against antibiotic resistant bacteria. Fortunately, nature’s held answers for us all along, and still offers a merciful answer to the ills of of modern society (R).
• Lycopene: Particularly beneficial in the event of neurological support being required. Also helpful in mitigating excessive blood platelet aggregation leading to blood clots and other circumstances that occur as a result of inflammation and lead to more painful events including conditions like fibromyalgia and neuropathy. Lycopene can also regulate an out- of – control immune system that’s been fighting a battle for too long and needs to be calmed down (R).
• Quercetin: This modulates the inflammatory response which is why it can be so healing for those with allergies. You can find it mainly in red produce like raspberries, red onions, red apple peels and red wine, as well as green tea.
• Pycnogenol: This can also help manage an imbalance in the TH1/ TH2 immunity which often leads to the pain and deleterious effects that can be seen as a result of chronic, prolonged stress, infection and exposure to unwanted stressors. An easily accessible and whole- food, local version of this can be found simply by looking outside and foraging for some pine needles. You can use these to make a calming, nervous system protective, anti-inflammatory respiratory and immune system- supportive tea or tonic using something like raw honey or oil infused with pine needles which can be used in any food recipe or salve you prefer. You can also use these needles to make a tincture using your choice of preferred base of either liquor, glycerine, or even vinegar for part of a great respiratory and congestion- clearing, ache and pain soothing tonic.
• Manage Cortisol: Getting stress under control can drastically decrease the inflammation one experiences. Even cartoons seem to demonstrate the inflammatory effect cortisol can have when angry characters are shown having steam coming out of their ears. Inflammation tends to generate heat and when a person becomes stressed they can often feel it in their neck and shoulders or develop a headache. Magnesium can be immensely supportive for those with excessive cortisol as well as subsequent physiological responses. One of my favorite nutrients ever can also save the day in this event, lithium orotate. This is something I believe just about everybody should have in their household. This is a mineral that the majority of people don’t even recognize as such. They view it as a drug because of the way lithium is used by doctors, in excessively high and toxic doses due to the cheap form they prescribe which must fully saturate the body in order to even get to the brain. To the contrary, lithium orotate is only needed in small doses in the tens of milligrams yet not toxic if even taken in the hundreds of milligrams, so long as no lithium toxicity or hypothyroidism is present. Highly bioavailable, with its oratic acid component being found abundantly in some of the most healing natural foods. You can learn more about this cortisol- lowering, stress fighting nutrient in this blog post. Finally, but possibly most important and often neglected by those with already existent knowledge of nutrition, is eating enough. Cortisol will go too high when you’re in a state of full on or subtle starvation. Eating too little calories can have many effects on inflammation, from leading to a low body temperature or hypothyroid, to impairing digestion and detoxification. This allows toxins to dominate as your body isn’t strengthened like it should be to release those things regularly like it does if it’s consistently fed with enough energy, and not restricted and believing that it’s in a famine (in which case, detoxification would be the least of your priorities).
• Pineapple: Thanks to bromelaine, the active enzyme found in this fruit, pineapple can be used to help quell respiratory illnesses as well as joint pain, muscle pain, and other aches that are often due to various forms of stagnation or energetic blockage, whether in the tissue, mucus membranes, or the blood– all of which the bromelaine found in pineapple can help to address. If possible, eat or juice the slightly harder core of the pineapple which is chock full of this healing enzyme. Papaya are another fruit containing enzymes that can be anti- inflammatory as well, particularly papain. These fruits may be best eaten on their own since otherwise their enzymatic activity might go to use on the other foods you’re eating instead. Make sure both of these fruits are organic or at the very least non-GMO as genetically modified versions are widely available on grocery store shelves.
• Capscaicin: When applied topically or taken internally, this can drastically soothe pain by increasing circulation and in turn oxygen supply to the rest of the body. You can derive this from cayenne peppers or other spicy peppers that you prefer. Anyone who’s enjoyed hot food can attest to the pain- killing endorphin rush that hot foods can induce. This can and has been used for medicinal, pain killing, and pathogen deterring purposes throughout centuries and across cultures.
• Bentonite clay, activated charcoal, diatomaceous earth and other binders: These are very important any time you’re releasing chemicals that are unwanted or have them circulating in the system. This could mean endogenous chemicals from indigestion or stress, or in the event of chelating heavy metals, managing a painful die- off, or ridding oneself of harmful chemicals. This is critical for avoiding toxicity and congestion of the lymph system which leads to pain and excessive inflammation. You can purchase my favorite of the above binders, diatomaceous earth, here. Binders like the ones above hold a negative charge with draws out any net positive charge which tends to accumulate with toxins. You can also use clay or diatomaceous earth in the bath.
• Stretch and/ or Exercise: This releases immune system enhancing cytokines that will properly fight your battles for you and do so in balance. It’s always a good idea to stretch before and after exercise to decrease inflammation and maximize beneficiality. If you’re not in a place to exercise currently for any reason, you can certainly still reap the benefits of stretching in one way or another. Doing this upon waking can drastically change the heir of your day and help to increase your momentous velocity in tackling the day and maximizing your health and wellness. Exercise can take the form of a brisk walk, swimming, free weights, house work or anything that gets your muscles contracting and heart beating. High intensity Interval training has shown to unlock a number of anti- inflammatory markers in minutes and days following (R). HIIT exercise can take many forms, whether it be on a mini-trampoline, doing calisthenics, swimming, or circuit training.
• Tryptophan, 5-HTP or L-Tyrosine: 5-HTP and tryptophan contain the precursor for serotonin which can neutralize the negative feelings generated from pain. You’ve likely noticed that when you’re happy, you may feel no, or substantially less, pain. This is because when the brain is supplied with the tryptophan and subsequent serotonin that it needs, it sends a signal to the rest of the body that everything will be alright. So when we’re in pain, we run though these a lot faster. Serotonin also helps to fight infection which can in turn lessen the cortisol response as well as infection.
• Tyrosine actually acts as a painkiller as well in a similar way as it precurses dopamine, which is similarly involved in the endorphin response.
• Cacao for andamide: This active constituent can work similarly to the above neurotransmitter precursors and their mechanisms (R). Cacao supplies what’s been called a “bliss molecule” as well as the tyrosine which can comprise dopamine, making one to feel better in the face of pain and inflammation. Cacao also has a bitter property that can be very beneficial for the gallbladder, bile duct and inflammation as with gallbladder contraction and subsequent release of bile– the main mechanism by which the foundation of the lymph begins– as lymph depends on fat absorption, production, and the quality thereof. This doesn’t mean to shop ’til you drop at the closest chocolate factory, unless by chance you’re planning on making a visit to Erin Elizabeth of Health Nut News’ chocolate factory, in which case might be acceptable. Otherwise, opt for making your own or finding a chocolate made with natural, low glycemic sweeteners like stevia or coconut sugar. You can even make your own quite easily by blending 1 part cacao powder to 1 part coconut, organic palm oil,  or cacao butter, to a small portion of sweetener of your choosing, whether it be lucuma powder, organic maple or yacon syrup, organic stevia powder or extract, or raw honey (only once the mixture has reached a warm, not hot temperature, so as not to cook the honey). As with all things though, cacao and/ or chocolate is best used with moderation and according to the signals your body gives you regarding what it needs. Here is a way you can check anything you own and plan on consuming to see whether it may be beneficial to your body at any given time.
• Enzymes on an empty stomach: have a very unique way of going into the body and eating up anything that isn’t meant to be there. This is because God engineered these enzymes to be so smart that they would recognize the human body as opposed to foreign invaders or byproducts of metabolic processes. Systemic or proteolytic enzymes can both be very helpful for this purpose. They’re known to have a history of saving people with ruptured disks from getting back surgery. This is because of the unique ability to go in and eat the waste from the ruptured disk as well as the inflammation with it that causes pain. Similarly, enzymes can be eaten on an empty stomach or inflammatory conditions like carpal tunnel, before and after necessary surgeries, or even in the event of an infection like candida or parasites. Even more astounding, these enzymes can even eat up tumors and plaque throughout the arteries. Endless accounts of success exist includng various forms of these enzymes, but one of the most popular ones is serrapeptase. Bromelaine is another viable option. Both are capable of clearing stagnation and congestion anywhere in the body, particularly helpful areas may be the sinuses and ears as well as the chest. Remember, though, this is important to be taken on an empty stomach because if not, any enzyme activity will just go toward digesting your food instead. Enzymes can also be used to help get rid of stagnant tissue like fibroids, cysts, and even pimples, tumors and boils.
• Glycine. The American diet consists of largely meats that are made of muscle. This leads to an excessively larger ratio of methionine to glycine. Methionine leads to an increase in homocysteine, the main inflammatory amino acid in the body. Organ meats, bone broth, and collagen supplementation is a good way to offset this balance and as a result manage pain and inflammation.
• Lymphatic Support: Often when we get pains of any type, whether it’s aching, sharp, neuropathic, cramping or dull, it’s likely pointing to a state of stagnation inside the body. These are often indicators of some kind of often microscopic pathogen that’s been allowed to flourish in whatever region it resides due to a lack of proper movement, flow, and nourishment of this river of life throughout the body. This is important to take note of as when left without assistance and commitment to work on the root of these issues, the problems causing them can compound and leading to a much problem then the one you’ve been trying to band-aid all along. The lymphatic system is the nourishing material that bathes all of your cells in nutrient rich fluid, full of antibodies and immunity for bringing strength and a smooth flow to your life, energy levels and body. We can support this system by moving in any way possible, be it going on daily walks, lifting weights, stretching or doing pilates– just check in with your body and make sure you’re supplying it with adequate amounts of the right kind of movement as well as nourishment. Specifically beneficial exercise for the lymphatic system include jumping jacks, jumping on a rebounder for 5- 10 minutes a day, doing head or handstands or other inversions which support this system by using gravity as one’s assistant. Foods and herbs that can help the lymph include manjistha, a bright red root known in Ayurveda for supporting the cleansing of the blood, and in turn the skin and lymph. Red staining produce can be equally important and as their appearance indicates they support the blood and it’s cleanliness. Beets, for instance, support the lymph by impacting one of the most fundamental factors for the lymph– the liver and bile duct/ gallbladder. Cranberry juice can be exceptionally helpful for the lymph as it can wash away and acidify these liquids which can be especially helpful in the main environment where pathogenic invader microbes like parasites and Lyme spirochetes like to release ammonia– a very alkalizing substance that hinders absorption and causes brain fog in addition to a host of other symptoms like twitching, muscle spasms, stress and body odor. Still other produce that can be very helpful for the system are pomegranates and fresh pomegranate juice, cherries and strawberries as well as hibiscus tea and red root. There are a number of healthful lymphatic formulations, mainly tinctures that are known by a lymphatic specialist named Melissa Gallagher with Natural Health Resources to be very effective (R). You can get one of the top products she recommends for these purposes here by signing into my supplement store and creating an account with me where you can by professional grade supplements to suit your own personal healing needs.

Main components of inflammation include two factors that often need to be addressed– pain and infection.
Pain is the result of our bodies telling us that something is wrong and needs to be done for optimal care. It acts as a built- in GPS or compass that can often tell us exactly how to be at our best. The problem is that most people’s immediate reaction is to simply cover up the symptoms with a drug that presses the mute button on these important signals, in turn keeping us from ever knowing the root cause of the problem.

Anadine herbs help the body deal with pain and include:

• Wild Lettuce: Also called “opium lettuce”, effective, but safe enough that it’s been given to teething children to quell pain. This can also serve as a nervous system relaxant, natural cough suppressant and cooling agent throughout the body and body systems. This can be found growing all over the US, and Canada particularly during July- August. You’ll recognize this plant by it’s tall stature and somewhat dandelion- like appearance in the leaves and flowers. A major distinguishing factor is a prickly texture along the middle of the underside of the leaves. During blooming months, to derive the most medicinal substance from this plant, simply take a leaf or two off a taller plant– which can range from 3 or 4 feet, ranging to even upwards of 6 to 8 ft. When you do this, you’ll see a milky sap emerging right from the area from which you removed the leaf. This in itself is a concentrated and healing medicine. Very bitter, this natural extract has surprisingly potent pain managing properties. Despite it’s nickname, it’s quite a bit different in biochemical structure as it interacts with the brain, then say opioids or anything you would get prescribed by a doctor. This tends to work with the brain in a way that gives endorphins more of a rest and makes them more effective in the brain, rather than leading more to simply being produced, which can have a long term depleting or addicting effect on these important and quality of- life- changing neurotransmitters.
• Prickly Ash: This anadine herb has shown helpful for the lymph system, so it’s no wonder it can be such a help for pain. This herb helps immensely with circulation. When applied topically, it can bring heat to an area which is often much needed given such widespread low metabolic functioning (in turn, low body temperature, and poor circulation). Interestingly, prickly ash was quoted as a helpful antidote for feelings of torture by an herbalist at the School of Evolutionary Herbalism (R).
• Meadowsweet: A natural anti- inflammatory that can kill pain similarly to aspirin and ibuprofen due to its active compound, salicylic acid. In fact, this active compound is precisely what was used to synthesize aspirin. Unfortunately, though, this manufactured and modified version is now known to kill tens of thousands a year and lead to severe damaging effects like ulcers and internal bleeding. Ironically, the natural form of this medicine, meadowsweet itself, is known to remedy these issues. This delightfully fragrant flower can be used for headaches, migraines, asthma rheumatism or joint pain, cramping, cervical dysplasia, as well as digestive discomfort and stagnation (R).
• Arnica: A homeopathic that can be taken in pellets under the tongue or applied to the body as a gel or cream where it hurts. This can stimulate lymphatic circulation and I can personally attest to it’s efficacy when, before learning about the full picture of health, nearly nothing I tried would work.
• Skullcap: A great herb for the nervous system, ideal for sleep if steeped in sub- boiling water as that will bring out its sedative- hypnotic effects. More cooling in nature, this can be used for neuropathy and as a muscle relaxant. Can also be used in tincture form for more pain- related issues. Chinese skullcap can be exceptional for retroviral infections, which may be at the root of many if not most serious illnesses according to Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt.
• Hops: Another nervous system- benefitting and relaxation- inducing for the musculoskeletal system, hops is a restorative tonic in many ways. Cooling in nature, this can help to soothe a system overwhelmed with heat.
• Sassafras: Great for the lymphatic system, kidneys, and liver when used in moderation, this can be helpful for pain in the form of aching joints, indigestion, or the effects of neurological inflammation like anxiety and depression.

Infection:
One of the most common sources of inflammation is chronic, low lying, long term infection that’s likely gone undetected for a good portion, if not all of one’s life. This can range from parasites, to candida or Lyme, to viral infection such as Epstein Barr or bacterial infection such as chronic staph or strep. These infections can set up shop anywhere in the body, from the lymphatic system, to the veins or even the brain. Contrary to what is common knowledge, this is where the root of many of our unexplained symptoms as a society lie.
One of the most common sources of pain, but underacknowledged and pathogens whose existence is even denied to the face of patients experiencing feelings of insurmountable pain as a result of, is Lyme. This disease is known as the great mimicker and can easily cause symptoms of other diseases and etymologies that people including highly degreed doctors seem to know nothing about.
Symptoms of Lyme: (R), (R)

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Chronic Fatigue
• Rashes
• Poor sleep, chronic fatigue and lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fibromyalgia
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Depression, Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Brain fog
• Digestive issues
• Neuropathy: feelings of stinging, numbing, stabbing, burning or poking with pins and needles
• Uncontrolled muscle contractions or spasms
• Traveling joint pain
• Arthritis
• Uncharacteristic behavior
• Multiple Sclerosis
• “Flu-like symptoms, especially shortly after being infected. These include a fever, trouble sleeping, neck pain, fatigue, chills, sweats and muscle aches”

Symptoms of Parasites include, but are certainly not limited to:

• Aching joints
• Fatigue
• Inability to sleep
• Itching
• Hair Loss
• Eye issues like twitching, conjunctivitis, blurry vision, etc.
• Fullness and/ or itching in the ears
• Rashes, recurrent skin irritations
• Ringing in the ears
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bloating
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Colitis diagnosis
• Random, unexplained pain
• Kidney issues
• Sinus issues
• Lymphatic congestion symptoms like ear, nose, throat infections, recurrent illnesses, acne, sluggish feeling, weight gain, cellulite
• Allergies
• Liver and gallbladder symptoms like bloating, constipation, right shoulder blade pain

Candida is another source of pain and inflammation worth noting, but is often the result of parasites or heavy metals, which ways of addressing have already been mentioned. In general though, avoid refined sugars and carbohydrates, enjoy warming spices and detox regularly while focusing on digestion to avoid and address candida. H- pylori is another source of inflammation and infection that can turn up, especially with parasites or candida. The thing to do here would be to address digestion on a fundamental level. Herbal interventions like mastic gum may be required, but healing the gut is a must using things like okra or slippery elm and marshmallow root as well as licorice.

Something that also needs to be considered in any case of prolonged, chronic inflammation is the concept of TH1 versus TH2 auto-immunity. This can also be effected by Lyme disease and parasites, as well as latent viruses. These all play on the immune system, leading to self- perpetuating mechanism properly addressed. Parasites seem to encourage TH1 immunity which is the side of the immune system that tends to “cool down” the over- inflammatory action, where as TH2, the more inflammatory mechanism, is more stimulated by Lyme. Viruses can play a part on either side. You can view the TH1 and TH2 sides of the immune system like sides of a teeter totter that need to be in balance. Various herbs can be used to help if you’re way out of balance after long- term chronic infection, toxic exposure or stress events leading to auto-immunity. The TH2 inflammatory mechanism is needed to facilitate white blood cells to come in and kill microbes via the lymphatic system. More important than stimulating one side or the other, is using supportive compounds known to modulate and optimize the entirety of the immune system. Substances that do this, in addition to Vitamin E, glutathione and superoxide dismutase that have already been mentioned, include Vitamin D, colostrum, Vitamin A, and Omega 3 fatty acids in the form of DHA and EPA. This was all discovered by Dr. Datis Kharrazian, whose work revolutionized the way we now get to view auto-immunity. Additionally, there is a different aspect of the immune system called IL- 1, which herbs that reduce can quell inflammation. These include turmeric, boswelia or frankincense, and  quercetin which can be found in virtually all red fruits and vegetables as well as abundantly in green tea, particularly matcha green tea which incorporates the entire leaf, leaving all of the bioactive plant compounds fully intact.

Essentially, what one needs to do in order to get pain and inflammation under control is to first address nutritional deficiencies, stress,  and infection. Ideally, if you’re digesting your nutrients properly and taking them in sufficient, bioavailable amounts, that will help negate the need for stress management as nutrients such as B vitamins, particularly niacin and B6, or lithium orotate act in a way that negates stress on their own. I like niacin because it’s required in the NAD cycle of the cell which is the basis of cellular energy which translates to your quality of life. Niacin also has a tryptophan- sparing mechanism which allows you to enjoy your reserves of this serotonin, feel- good component rather than it being broken down and converted to niacin which is required for 400 chemical reactions in the body. Dr. Mercola states that Niacin, because of it’s role in comprising the NAD that’s needed to aid in feeding the cell, as well as DNA repair, may have the propensity to even save someone in the event of a nuclear explosion. The main way radiation effects the body is by breaking DNA. This is what NDA, which niacin is a derivative of, goes in and repairs. This is an important nutrient to have in your toolbox for addressing the root cause, as well as symptoms, of illness.

As is always important, work to make sure you’re putting yourself in the right circumstances for you, your health, and even for your purpose. Try to avoid imbalanced relationships, and those who breach boundaries. Toxic relationships might be capable of weakening your energetic field, allowing pathogens that take advantage of these  discrepancies on a cellular level, leading to inflammation internally that matches one’s life circumstances. It’s also highly important to treat yourself well, without judging and to always be accepting of who you are. finally, if you get in touch with your discernment by listening to what feels right to you and listening to your intuition, you might  get a feel for when you’re doing something that’s a hindrance to your overall state of being and in turn causing inflammation and pain.

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