Symptoms:
Swelling, heat, pain, tenderness, fever, discharges, edema, and/or allergies.

Cause:
Inflammation can result from injury, strain, arthritis, bacterial infection, and cancer. A part of the body is reacting to trauma or infection. Any organ or tissue can become inflamed. When internal, it is often associated with bacteria.

Inflammation is a reaction of the body to defend and heal itself after something occurs (a bruise or injury, etc.). Heat, redness and swelling are generally present. When severe, a fever may accompany it. If not cared for promptly, infection could develop.

Treatment:
The treatment is similar to that for the other conditions discussed in this section on Infections.

• Bromelin, taken on an empty stomach and with a small amount of magnesium and L-cysteine, has anti-inflammatory activity. Calcium, kelp, and alfalfa are also important. Primarily eat raw foods, and avoid all junk food.

• Charcoal poultices or clay packs are helpful.

• Drink a tea of hyssop, chickweed, vervain, mint, and sage. Read again the section on the Common cold.

Place a compress of fenugreek or chamomile on the area.