How To Murder Smoldering Inflammation!

Last Updated on February 24, 2025 by Beverly Dix

Smoldering Inflammation: The Slow Burn.

Chronic inflammation is a common condition. It gives rise to cancer, obesity, diabetes, heart and blood vessel diseases, and osteoarthritis. Record numbers of Americans suffer from these ailments. Are you doing enough not to join them? Do not focus on treating disease. Instead, murder smoldering inflammation. Improving your diet and giving up behaviors that wreck health decreases risks for chronic inflammation. Also, adding medicinal herbs and/or nutritional supplements to your routine self-care helps lower levels of body-wide inflammation.

Three Powerful Supplements to Murder Smoldering Inflammation.

Do you suffer from obesity? High blood pressure or coronary artery disease? Prediabetes or diabetes? Arthritis? Or any chronic inflammatory condition? Long-term use of NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppresants, and biologics for chronic inflammation has dangerous side-effects. Fallout associated with their use includes stomach ulcers and bleeding. Heart attack and stroke. Weight gain, bone thinning, and mood swings. Increased risk for infections and cancer.

Consider multiple approaches to manage your health. Three powerful supplements help slay smoldering inflammation. Turmeric, ultra-refined fish oil, and black seed oil. These supplements have a valid role in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Take Turmeric & Calm Inflammation.

The recorded history of turmeric dates back at least 4000 years. The spice turmeric is the ground root of the Curcuma longa plant. It contains tiny amounts of chemicals with powerful medicinal properties. The yellow pigment giving turmeric, curry, and mustard their color is a chemical called curcumin. Turmeric is used in traditional and complementary medicine to treat inflammatory diseases.

Only in recent years has medical and scientific research evaluated the effect of turmeric on human health. For example, there are multiple peer-reviewed articles on turmeric in ScienceDirect. Investigations focus on turmeric’s interactions with the skeletal, endocrine, cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive systems. Consequently, studies demonstrate curcumin influences the development and progression of inflammation and cancer.

Benefits of Turmeric/Curcumin.

Free Radical Scavenger.

Turmeric helps your body maintain a healthy balance between damaging molecules called free radicals and antioxidants that counteract that damage. Also, curcumin suppresses the actions of proteins that trigger inflammation.

Improves Endothelial Function.

Curcumin may help reverse heart disease by improving endothelium function. A single layer of cells lining all your blood vessels, veins, and capillaries, the endothelium manages blood flow throughout the body. Like the rest of your organs, the endothelial lining receives and sends signals.

For example, the endothelium responds when signaled an injury has occurred. It instructs blood vessels to constrict, dilate, or become inflamed. In this way, the endothelium attempts repair and restoration of balance.

Impaired endothelium is at the root of heart disease. Consequently, this is the underlying cause of high blood pressure. Curcumin increases nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide controls blood vessel stiffness and relaxation.

Boosts BDNF.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein. BDNF is essential for forming and reorganizing connections in the brain that aid learning and memory. Curcumin boosts BDNF. Specifically, increased levels of BDNF are associated with improved brain function and lower risks of developing depression and Alzheimer disease.

Lowers LDL Cholesterol.

The power of curcumin to lower LDL equals the effects of exercise and the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin.

May Prevent Colorectal Cancer.

Studies report curcumin prevents colorectal cancer.

Lowers Blood Sugar.

Turmeric taken with meals decreases blood sugar spikes. Over time, turmeric improves insulin resistance. For this reason, anyone taking diabetic medication and turmeric is at risk for low blood sugar.

Reduces Joint Pain.

Turmeric reduces arthritis pain and improves joint function.

How to Get Maximum Benefit from Turmeric.

The health properties of turmeric are proven. However, getting the most benefit from turmeric is challenging for two reasons. 1) The liver and gallbladder quickly break down turmeric. As a result, only a tiny portion enters the bloodstream. 2) It is difficult for the body to absorb turmeric into blood and tissue.

Studies demonstrate the black pepper extract piperine when added to turmeric supplements increases curcumin absorption by 2000%. As well, taking turmeric with fatty meals increases absorption.

Takeaway.

Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the United States Food and Drug Administration, turmeric is an antioxidant. In addition, it has multiple anti-inflammatory effects. For example, turmeric protects your heart. It also elevates mood and lowers bad cholesterol. In addition, turmeric lowers the risk of cancer, reduces blood sugar, and helps decrease arthritis pain while improving joint function.

Decrease Inflammation & Joint Pain with Fish Oil.

Essential fatty acids are critical for our health, and the body cannot make them. They are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The term “polyunsaturated” refers to fatty acids with more than one double bond between carbon molecules.

Furthermore, some PUFAs have “long chains.” These are PUFAs with 18 or more double-bonded carbon molecules. Imagine 18 or more beads side-by-side and held together by a double strand of string.

Did you know the fats we eat affect our immune system and, consequently, levels of inflammation? Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which include omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, play an essential role in diabetes and chronic inflammatory diseases.

The primary omega-6 long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) you often hear about is linoleic acid. The three main omega-3 LCFAs frequently discussed are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Diet heavily influences the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in body tissues. Moreover, the omega-6 to omega-3 balance is directly associated with levels of inflammation in the body. Flooded by omega-6 PUFAs, the typical Western diet is poor in omega-3s.

The omega-6 to omega-3 imbalance in the average American diet is estimated to be as high as 20:1. This lopsided ratio is responsible for the chronic, smoldering inflammation many people experience.

Evidence for Anti-Inflammatory Effects of High-Dose Fish Oil.

Taking fish oil for a variety of inflammatory diseases has been investigated. In these studies, daily doses of long-chain omega-3s ranged from 2.7 gm or more. The anti-inflammatory effects of high-dose fish oil have been validated in the management of several diseases. However, mainstream medicine remains reluctant to recognize this fact.

For instance, one article cites the following. “There is a general belief among doctors, in part grounded in experience, that patients with arthritis need NSAIDs. Implicit in this view is that these patients require symptomatic relief provided by inhibition of downstream products of COX enzymes.”¹ However, based on various observations (see FDA black box warnings), the authors further state, the concept of safe NSAID use for long-term treatment of arthritis has collapsed.

Most importantly, fish oil contains a natural COX enzyme inhibitor. Therefore, regular, consistent use of fish oil decreases reliance on NSAIDs. Thus, risks of heart attack and stroke associated with long-term NSAID use are reduced. For this reason, fish oil should be considered when treating arthritis. Moreover, in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, it is well established that fish oil improves morning stiffness and joint tenderness. Despite this evidence, “A major barrier to the therapeutic use of fish oil in inflammatory diseases is ignorance of its mechanism, range of beneficial effects, safety profile, availability of suitable products, effective dose, latency of effects, and instructions for administration.”²

Dietary Sources of Long-Chain Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Long-chain omega-3 PUFAs are found in the flesh of all marine fish (including crustaceans and shellfish) and fish oil. Flaxseed, perilla, and (to a lesser extent) canola oils contain omega-3s in the form of alpha-linolenic acid. The main fatty acid in sunflower, cottonseed, safflower and soy oils, and the spreads manufactured from them is long-chain omega-6 as linoleic acid.

Effects of Diet.

Attention to dietary choices helps restore a more favorable omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid balance. Therefore, a proper diet reduces the signs and symptoms of chronic inflammation. As mentioned before, traditional Western diets are low in omega-3 LCFAs. Eating more vegetable sources of omega-3s results in minor changes in the amount of omega-3 LCFAs in most tissues. However, increases in tissue uptake of omega-3s are brought about by taking fish oil in anti-inflammatory doses. This amounts to doses of approximately 2.7 gm/day or more.

In addition, avoidance of omega-6 fatty acids in spreads, cooking oils, mayonnaise, and certain nuts can increase long-chain omega-3 levels achieved with a given dose of fish oil. Reduction in omega-6 PUFAs can be realized by choosing foods rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (olive oil or canola oil-based products) or abundant in omega-3 PUFAs (flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed). Avoid products labeled as containing polyunsaturated oils because they are usually rich in omega-6 oil.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a range of 8-10 ounces (about 295.74 ml) of fish per week. But to achieve anti-inflammatory doses of long-chain omega-3 PUFAs by eating fish means eating a whole lot of fish. This is not practical for most Americans. Nor is it desirable. As I have noted, a considerable increase in the amount of omega-3 LCFAs found in tissues is achieved by taking a fish oil supplement.

Benefits of Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Fish Oil.

Lower Risk Factors for Heart & Blood Vessel Diseases.

Many studies have evaluated the effects of omega-3s. Their primary focus has been on EPA and DHA. Of particular interest are risk factors for heart and blood vessel diseases. These include high blood pressure, elevated levels of fat in the blood, heart attack, and stroke. Of note, results from observational studies are consistent. Eating more fish and increasing dietary sources of omega-3s are associated with a lower risk of heart and blood vessel diseases.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 1-2 servings of seafood per week. Doing so reduces the risk of congestive heart failure, as well as blocked arteries from plaque buildup for people with existing heart disease. If you prefer taking supplements instead of eating fish, the AHA recommends 1 gm/day of combined EPA and DHA. However, as already stated, 1 gm/day of omega-3s is not high enough to produce an anti-inflammatory effect.

Manage Osteoarthritis/Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Consistent and regular use of high-dose (at least 2.7 gm) fish oil reduces symptoms of arthritis. These include morning stiffness, swelling, and joint pain.

Improve Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Studies document consistent and regular use of high-dose fish oil significantly improves ulcerative colitis and relapse rates in Crohn disease. These results apply to patients who do not have vitamin D deficiency and follow an anti-inflammatory diet.

Manage Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Depending on the amount taken, omega-3 fatty acids help symptoms of SLE. Also, improvements in endothelial function are demonstrated on testing, as are reduced measures of oxidative stress.

Lose Belly Fat & Boost Metabolism.

Because it increases resting metabolism, high-dose fish oil helps you lose belly fat. Continuing with an anti-inflammatory diet helps maintain weight loss.

Delayed Relief of Symptoms.

When first starting fish oil, symptom relief might take 2-3 months. Earlier improvement is possible with higher doses. Likely, this indicates levels of EPA and DHA must build in the body before relief occurs. To avoid frustration, understand there is the possibility of delay. As previously stated, benefits achieved from fish oil depend on its consistent and regular use, in addition to patience.

Takeaway.

The AHA recommends 1 gm/day of omega-3s derived from fish oil to reduce risks for diseases of the heart and blood vessels. However, using larger doses (at least 2.7 gm) of EPA with DHA on a regular and consistent basis is required to produce an anti-inflammatory effect.

Peer-reviewed research demonstrates omega-3 LCFAs are not simply “complementary medicine.” Specifically, fish oil has an anti-inflammatory effect. When taken in high enough doses, fish oil is an NSAID alternative. Because fish oil is a natural COX enzyme inhibitor, it reduces symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition, along with dietary strategies, ulcerative colitis and relapse rates in Crohn disease improve with anti-inflammatory doses of omega-3s. Also, fish oil improves symptom control in systemic lupus erythematosus and its associated risk factors for heart disease. Lastly, omega-3s aid weight loss in combination with anti-inflammatory diet strategies. 

Fight Smoldering Inflammation Using Black Seed Oil.

Black seed, Nigella sativa (NS), also called black cumin or kalonji, is a plant native to Southwest Asia, Southern Europe, and North Africa. For thousands of years, black seed has been used as a spice and prized for its medicinal properties. Furthermore, long before scientific experiments validated the health effects of black seed oil, folk medicine practitioners in Indian and Arabian civilizations became intuitively aware of its characteristics. For instance, they used black seed as a paste, powder, or oil to treat asthma and pain. Also, symptoms of diabetes, inflammation, rheumatism, infection, high blood pressure, skin disorders, and stomach ailments.

Based on modern science, we know black seed contains chemicals that benefit health. These chemicals are called bioactive compounds.

Beneficial Plant-Based Chemicals Found in Black Seed. 

Sterols.

Natural agents that lower cholesterol and help prevent heart and blood vessel diseases. 

Natural Antioxidants.

Substances that counteract the damage caused by free radicals and oxidants. Although byproducts of normal cell activity, free radicals and oxidants also are due to inflammation, mental stress, infection, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and immune system activation. An overabundance of free radicals creates oxidative stress, which contributes to the development of chronic inflammation.

Polyphenols.

In addition to neutralizing free radicals, polyphenols defend against certain cancers. Furthermore, they protect against diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as well as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Of note, the highest levels of polyphenols in black seed are quercetin and kaempferol.

Thymoquinone (TQ).

The most significant plant-based chemical in black seed oil is TQ. Extensive research proves TQ’s remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic effects. Because of its anti-inflammatory activity, TQ reduces joint pain and swelling in RA.

More intriguingly, TQ impacts the lifecycle of cancer cells and their ability to thrive. Furthermore, multiple studies show TQ improves the anti-cancer activity of chemotherapy drugs (Taxol, Cytoxan, and gemcitabine, for example). “…when combined with different conventional chemotherapeutic agents, it [NS]synergizes their effects resulting in reducing the dosage of concomitantly used drugs with optimized efficacy and least and/or no toxicity.” ³ Consequently, many mainstream cancer specialists use TQ with conventional chemotherapy drugs.

Benefits of Black Seed Oil.

Anti-Inflammatory.

Chronic inflammation improves with healthy lifestyle choices and regular use of black seed oil. Details of how black seed oil produces anti-inflammatory effects are not known. However, research demonstrates black seed oil lowers inflammation and scavenges free radicals. Specifically, reducing inflammation can lower high blood sugar. Bring down your weight. Decrease high blood pressure. And reverse high LDL cholesterol.

Reduces Blood Sugar.

Persistently high blood sugar promotes oxidative stress. Studies indicate NS decreases blood sugar in people with type-2 diabetes. NS’s ability to lower blood sugar is likely because of its antioxidant properties. Without a doubt, there is an association between antioxidants from plants and a decreased risk for type-2 diabetes.

Weight Loss Aid.

Taking black seed oil while practicing an anti-inflammatory lifestyle reduces inflammation. In addition, doing so increases resting metabolism and improves insulin sensitivity. For this reason, black seed oil aids in weight loss.

Lowers Blood Pressure.

Black seed oil has significantly lowered blood pressure in some study participants. “… oral daily administration of 5 mL for 8 weeks lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure without adverse side-effects.”⁴ Thus, stage-1 high blood pressure can be managed with black seed oil and appropriate lifestyle changes. What is more, treating advanced stages of high blood pressure with a combination of NS and reduced doses of conventional medicines is worth evaluating on a case-by-case basis.

Takeaway.

Black seed is rich in phytochemical compounds. Utilized to manage high blood sugar, obesity, and high blood pressure, black seed oil is a potent anti-inflammatory.

The prime ingredient in black seed oil is TQ. Studies illustrate TQ slows the progression of certain cancers. As well, TQ reduces toxicity associated with cancer drugs. It also enhances the anti-cancer effect of chemotherapy drugs. Due to these properties, some cancer specialists use TQ with conventional chemotherapy drugs to treat patients.

Summary.

Inflammation contributes to the onset and advancement of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, allergies, and cancer.

Long-term use of NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics carries the risk of severe side-effects. Complications these medicines cause include stomach ulcers and bleeding, heart attack, stroke, weight gain, bone thinning, mood swings, susceptibility to infections, and developing cancer.  

Medicinal herbs are a source of safe biological compounds. Compared to synthetic medicines, using medicinal herbs to treat chronic inflammation is associated with fewer side-effects, and worth considering. 

Works Cited. 

1. Cleland LG, James MJ, Proudman SM. Fish oil: what the prescriber needs to know. Arthritis Res Ther. 2006;8(1):202. doi: 10.1186/ar1876. Erratum in: Arthritis Res Ther. 2006;8(4):402. PMID: 16542466; PMCID: PMC1526555.
2. Ibid.
3. Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin): A Promising Natural Remedy for Wide Range of Illnesses. Ebrahim M. Yimer. 
4. Fallah Huseini H, Amini M, Mohtashami R, Ghamarchehre ME, Sadeqhi Z, Kianbakht S, Fallah Huseini A. Blood pressure lowering effect of Nigella sativa L. seed oil in healthy volunteers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2013 Dec;27(12):1849-53. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4944. Epub 2013 Feb 25. PMID: 23436437.