Top 15 Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and Spices

Posted by Allison Day on February 13, 2017

The ingredients that add backbone, flavour and yes, spice, to our dishes are also holding a healthy secret: anti-inflammatory powers. Spice trend of the times, turmeric, isn’t the only pantry staple that comes with a variety of total-body benefits; common cloves, cinnamon and black pepper also hold the good stuff. From breakfast to dinner, these recipes will show you how easy it is to add anti-inflammatory ingredients to your everyday meals.

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Turmeric

The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, holds its anti-inflammatory benefits. Turmeric is what makes ballpark mustard yellow, and can be used as a natural dye in baked goods. The spice buddies up with Moroccan spices in these double-turmeric cauliflower bites, giving them an earthy, robust flavour and cheery hue. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/bright-bold-moroccan-spiced-cauliflower-bites/" target="_blank">Moroccan Spiced Cauliflower Bites</a>
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Cumin

Cumin’s pungency in the nose is echoed in its anti-inflammatory benefits. A key ingredient in Mexican and North African cuisine, a little bit goes a long way to add not only great taste, but health benefits, too. Enhance subtle scallops with cumin for an elegant, anti-inflammatory enhanced dinner. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cumin-grilled-sea-scallops-with-chickpea-salad-and-red-pepper-tahini-vinaigrette/18253/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay’s Cumin Grilled Sea Scallops with Chickpea Salad</a>
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Black Pepper

Salt's best buddy has anti-inflammatory properties that rounds out any dish’s flavour. Additionally, pairing black pepper with turmeric increases curcumin (the anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric) absorption. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-sugar-snap-peas-with-black-pepper/15036/" target="_blank">Rachael Ray's Roasted Sugar Snap Peas with Black Pepper</a>
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Thyme

Whether dried or fresh, thyme is one of the most crowd-pleasing, comfort food spices that delivers anti-inflammatory benefits. Thyme works well to boost flavour in any meal; dishes served for breakfast, lunch or dinner can all benefit from this hearty herb. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/light-tart-of-butternut-squash-and-kale/14890/" target="_blank">Light Tart of Butternut Squash and Kale</a>
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Cloves

One of the more potent spices, cloves, commonly used around the holidays in everything from mulled cider to roast pork, is also a prime anti-inflammatory spice. It’s also the “secret” ingredient in ketchup. Make a healthier homemade version of the classically-cloved condiment and taste the difference. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/home-fries-with-zaatar-red-chile-cilantro-lime-and-clove-scented-ketchup/19014/" target="_blank">Home Fries with Za'atar, Red Chile, Cilantro, Lime and Clove-Scented Ketchup</a>
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Cinnamon

Apple pie would not be complete without sweet cinnamon, a spice that not only provides anti-inflammatory benefits, but has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels. Work the comforting spice into your morning meal with this warming bowl of oatmeal, containing a few anti-inflammatory spices, on top of cozy cinnamon. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spiced-oatmeal-with-banana-mango-and-toasted-coconut-almonds/19056/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay’s Spiced Oatmeal with Banana, Mango and Toasted-Coconut Almonds</a>
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Oregano

Giving pizza sauce its unmistakable “pizza” flavour, oregano, both dried and fresh, most commonly infuses Italian and Greek dishes with fabulous flavour and anti-inflammatory benefits. Steeped in olive oil, another potent anti-inflammatory ingredient and used to dress this fresh, pasta salad creates a more delicate tang of oregano, as to not overpower the dish (something oregano can do quite easily). Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/artichoke-pasta-salad/16084/" target="_blank">Alton Brown’s Artichoke Pasta Salad</a>
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Allspice

Allspice may be thought of as a combination of spices, but it’s actually a single spice berry. Commonly used in Jamaican cuisine, it adds a touch of sweetness, along with many anti-inflammatory benefits, to hot jerk marinades. Allspice is also a key component in mulling spice mix, adding a rich, delicious flavour to your hot holiday beverages. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/mulled-cider/17401/" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Mulled Cider</a>
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Pumpkin Spice

You read that right: pumpkin spice is an anti-inflammatory flavour. Pumpkin spice is a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, allspice and nutmeg (and sometimes black pepper), all of which hold anti-inflammatory benefits. The spices team up for wholesome results, making everything from oatmeal to cookies to coffee, better for you. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/classic-pumpkin-spice-latte/19022/" target="_blank">Classic Pumpkin Spice Latte</a>
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Ginger

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory, digestive and antioxidant benefits to anything you add it to. The spicy, mildly sweet root can be used both dried or fresh, as both contain the nutritive benefits. Ginger is commonly used to add zip to Asian-inspired dishes, like this anti-inflammatory meal of salmon baked in parchment. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/salmon-in-parchment-with-ginger-soy-and-enoki-mushrooms/12819/" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Salmon in Parchment with Ginger, Soy and Enoki Mushrooms</a>
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Curry Powder

Prepared curry powder most often contains anti-inflammatory spices turmeric, fenugreek, cumin, coriander seed and chili, coming together in a sunshiny powder that adds depth to anything you add it to. Devilled eggs, chicken salad, soups and, of course, curries all get a lift from curry powder. Make your own or turn to a good quality prepared version, buying as fresh as possible for maximum taste and health benefits. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-wild-rice-stuffed-butternut-squash/19086/" target="_blank">Vegan Wild-Rice-Stuffed Butternut Squash</a>
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Cayenne

This anti-inflammatory spice is hot, hot, hot, adding extreme heat in just a pinch. However, even in small portions, cayenne (as well as other spicy dried peppers) offer anti-inflammatory benefits, increasing circulation in the body to warm you up and keep your heart in top shape. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/breakfast-fajitas/17827/" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Breakfast Fajitas</a>
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Apple Pie Spice

Much like pumpkin spice, apple pie spice, often containing cinnamon, cloves, allspice and nutmeg, all come to the table bringing anti-inflammatory benefits. This apple pie oatmeal is packed with all those delicious spices to warm you from the inside out. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/apple-pie-oatmeal/14929/" target="_blank">Apple Pie Oatmeal</a>
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Rosemary

Rosemary has long been used as a "medicinal" herb. With anti-inflammatory compounds present in each of the piney stems, along with a recognizable, evergreen aroma, the healthy herb pairs well with earthy flavours, like classic roast potatoes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/rosemary-roasted-potatoes/15063/" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Rosemary Roasted Potatoes</a>
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Paprika

Sweet, hot or smoked, paprika shows that it's more than just a pretty spice, adding anti-inflammatory benefits to your meals. Instead of bacon, try spiking your meals with smoked paprika for a healthier reprisal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-potato-pepper-and-olive-phyllo-cups/19383/" target="_blank">Vegan Potato, Pepper and Olive Phyllo Cups</a> Allison Day is a cookbook author, nutritionist (RHN) and the creator of the award-winning food blog <a href="http://yummybeet.com/" target="_blank">Yummy Beet</a>.
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