The 5 Best Natural Products for Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s response to trauma — it’s a chemical reaction from our body triggering an immune response to injury or infection. White blood cells are considered the “first responders,” alerting the rest of the body of the problem by emitting waves of chemicals that accelerate the healing process whether it’s killing germs, battling a virus, or repairing tissue. The symptoms of these chemical waves are what we call inflammation. After a procedure, patients often experience increased inflammation at the incision sites and inside the body as they heal. Quelling these symptoms during the healing period is an excellent way to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery. Beyond that, unnecessary inflammatory responses can lead to joint pain, facial swelling, digestive issues, and other ailments. Barrett Recovery offers five amazing natural products designed to reduce inflammation after healing and during day-to-day life. 

Red Light Panel

While the research behind the benefits of red light therapy actually began as a way to allow astronauts to grow plants in space, scientists noticed the benefits of red light on their hands as they worked under the lamps. Further research proved the amazing anti-inflammatory benefits. Our compact panel allows you to reap the benefits of red light at home; at 19.7" x 11.8" x 2.6, it’s the perfect size for at-home use and powerful enough for full-body treatments. 

How does it work?

Barrett Recovery’s Red Light Panel utilizes the power of near-infrared (NIR), red, blue, and amber/yellow light to target various skin concerns with unparalleled precision. Research suggests that exposing the body to low-wavelength red light can rejuvenate cells, improve collagen production, assist in healing, and help with pain management. 

How does it treat inflammation?

Red light therapy stimulates antioxidant production in cells, lowers inflammatory markers, and assists with blood circulation. It also allows mitochondria to work more efficiently, allowing the body’s cells to create more healing anti-inflammatories. One experiment from 2018 found that patients found red light therapy especially helpful post-surgery for both pain and swelling. 

Other benefits include:

• Improved stretch marks
• Increased collagen production
• Treats burns and combats sun damage
• Assisted muscle repair and alleviates joint pain
• Stimulated hair growth
• Improved skin texture and tone and also treats specific skin conditions like acne, scars, eczema, and psoriasis

Fish Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids are mostly known for being one of the healthy fats our bodies need, but they also have major anti-inflammatory properties. One study found that people taking fish oil supplements experienced an increase in anti-inflammatory molecules for up to 24 hours. Not only are fish oil supplements incredibly effective, they’re safer than over-the-counter options like ibuprofen. 

How does it work? 

Barrett Recovery’s Living Fuel Blend is an excellent daily capsule to add to any wellness routine. Containing a combination of fish oils with the highest quality omega-3 fats, full-spectrum vitamin E, and vitamins A and D, Living Fuel SuperEssentials aids immune and brain function, supports healthy bones, and optimizes healing. 

How does it treat inflammation?

 The American Heart Association journal published a study that found that fish oils successfully increased the concentration of “special molecule mediators” that regulate components in the blood to support white blood cells and quell inflammation.

Fish oil is linked to a slew of other benefits including:

• Improved circulation
• Boosted performance
• Improved heart health
• Enhanced mood

CALMg

Magnesium is one of the most important minerals our bodies need to stay healthy as it plays a part in over 600 bodily functions. Magnesium deficiency is linked to higher levels of inflammation, especially in older adults or those suffering from chronic inflammation. CALMg incorporates seven different types of magnesium to capture the mineral's comprehensive benefits, making it stand out from other supplements on the market. 

How does it work?

CALMg is a daily capsule created with post-op patients in mind. Magnesium is vital for protein formation, muscle and nerve function, and blood pressure regulation, all things necessary for a smooth recovery process. Plus, magnesium has mood-enhancing properties as it promotes relaxation, helping patients sleep and rest as they heal. 

How does it treat inflammation? 

There are two different proteins that are a marker for inflammation: interleukin 6 and CRP. Numerous studies show that magnesium supplements effectively decrease levels of both proteins, thus treating inflammation. Additionally, some research links magnesium deficiency to oxidative stress, which can also cause inflammation. 

Other benefits include:

• Enhanced muscle relaxation
• Improved sleep quality
• Relieved muscle tightening and cramping

Arnica+

Plastic surgeons often recommend products with arnica as a safe pre- and post-operative “secret weapon” supplement. Arnica is a perennial herb with restorative healing properties in the same family as dandelions and sunflowers. Many people turn to the herb as a homeopathic remedy for bruises and minor cuts, as it strengthens the skin’s natural defense system against inflammation. 

How does it work?

Barrett Recovery’s ARNICA+ contains an optimal blend of arnica, turmeric, bromelain, vitamin C, grape seed extract, citrus bioflavonoids, and other powerful antioxidants to create the perfect post-procedure supplement to treat bruising and swelling. 

How does it treat inflammation?

In 2007, a clinical study presented scientific evidence suggesting that the active ingredients in homeopathic arnica products may work just as well for hand osteoarthritis as topical NSAIDs. More studies in 2021 came to the same conclusion. The natural compounds found in the herb work similarly to ibuprofen, thus offering a slew of benefits, including:

• Burn treatment
• Reduced blood clots 
• Soothes PMS symptoms
• Improves bruising
• Increased wound healing
• Calms insect bites

Natural Relief Oil

Using topical oils is a great way to alleviate swelling and bruising before surgery, and with the right blend of ingredients, there are plant-based solutions that can also aid in relieving anxiety. Barrett Recovery’s specially formulated Natural Relief Oil contains all the necessary ingredients to prepare the skin for a cosmetic procedure.

How does it work?

This oil tincture is excellent for anxiety relief before an operation as well as reducing the need for narcotic medication during recovery. With ingredients like organic vegan coconut oil, cinnamon, myrcene, and a full spectrum herbal extract distillate, it’s a 100% organic, plant-based product. 

How does it treat inflammation? 

This specific combination of natural ingredients contains numerous anti-oxidative properties that directly suppress the formation of molecules that lead to inflammation. Instead, they encourage the formation of anti-inflammatory compounds, further supporting the body. 

Other benefits include:

• Aids sleep 
• Treats pain
• Calms and relaxes
  

Free methods to reduce inflammation:

While inflammation is a natural, and necessary, human function, it’s important to save this type of bodily reaction for when your body truly needs it. These products are a great way to optimize any wellness routine and curb inflammation both in recovery and beyond, but here are some excellent everyday practices that can help as well:

• Make healthy lifestyle choices: Things like smoking and alcohol also cause chronic inflammation so prioritizing wellness is key. 
• Get quality sleep: Sleep deprivation increases inflammatory markers. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Stay active daily: Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week. Exercise helps regulate immune function and reduces inflammatory markers in the body.
  
• Avoid foods that cause inflammation: Diets heavy in refined carbohydrates, processed meats, and sugar can cause negative reactions in the body. Stop eating seed oils. Refer to the hateful 8 seed oils. 
  • Leafy greens, nuts, and berries are all superb anti-inflammatory choices.