Which herbs have strong anti-inflammatory properties

The herbs with strong anti-inflammatory ability mainly include honeysuckle, Scutellaria baicalensis, dandelion, Isatis root, Forsythia suspensa, etc. These herbs are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine clinical practice to treat inflammation related diseases such as heat toxin stagnation, sores, abscesses, swelling, and pain, and should be used under the guidance of a physician for syndrome differentiation.

1. Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle has a cold nature and a sweet taste. It belongs to the lung, heart, and stomach meridians and has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, and dispersing wind and heat. The components it contains, such as chlorogenic acid and verbascoside, can inhibit various pathogenic bacteria and have significant effects on inflammation such as acute tonsillitis and skin suppurative infections. Commonly used formulations in clinical practice include honeysuckle extract and honeysuckle granules, but caution should be taken for those with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold.

2. Scutellaria baicalensis

Scutellaria baicalensis is bitter cold and settles, mainly entering the lung, gallbladder, spleen, stomach, and large intestine meridians. The baicalin it contains has broad-spectrum antibacterial effects. It has good therapeutic effects on respiratory tract infections, liver and gallbladder inflammation, and intestinal damp heat diarrhea. When using preparations such as Huangqin Su tablets and Huangqin oral liquid, attention should be paid to the possibility of causing mild gastrointestinal reactions.

3. Dandelion

Dandelion can be used as medicine, with a sweet, bitter, and cold taste, and belongs to the liver and stomach meridian. Its anti-inflammatory effect is mainly reflected in diseases such as mastitis and urinary tract infections, and the dandelion sterols it contains can reduce tissue edema. Rubbing fresh products can treat ulcers, swelling, and toxins, but it is not advisable to use them alone in large quantities for those with yang deficiency and external cold.

4. Banlangen

Banlangen is cold in nature and bitter in taste. It is good at cooling blood and clearing the throat, and has outstanding effects on sore throat caused by viral colds. Modern research has confirmed that its extract can inhibit the proliferation of influenza virus. Banlangen granules, Banlangen injection, etc. should be avoided from being used together with cold drugs.

5. Forsythia suspensa

Forsythia suspensa is a holy herb for sores, with a bitter and slightly pungent taste, and belongs to the lung, heart, and small intestine meridians. Forsythia suspensa glycoside and other ingredients have strong inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus and are commonly used to treat purulent inflammations such as lymphadenitis and erysipelas. Pregnant women should use Lianqiao Baidu Pill and other preparations with caution.

When using anti-inflammatory herbs, attention should be paid to the differentiation of constitution, and those with deficiency and cold constitution should be combined with warming and tonifying drugs. During the acute phase of inflammation, acupressure such as Hegu and Quchi can be combined to enhance the therapeutic effect. Daily diet should be light, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods, and maintaining a regular schedule can help with inflammation recovery. If severe symptoms such as persistent fever and suppuration occur, timely medical attention should be sought for comprehensive treatment.