Many natural supplements may be helpful in treating your ankylosing spondylitis. According to MayoClinic.com, ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes pain and inflammation primarily in your spinal and pelvis joints. Treatments for this condition usually focus on the relief of your symptoms, including pain and inflammation. Before taking natural supplements to help treat your ankylosing spondylitis, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw, also called Harpagophytum procumbens, is an herb and natural dietary supplement that may be helpful in treating your ankylosing spondylitis. According to MedlinePlus, devil's claw, a member of the pedaliaceae family, is a plant native to Africa that has been used to help treat numerous health conditions, including muscle pain and back pain. Devil's claw has a bitter taste. The storage roots of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that devil's claw is an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic and analgesic that has been used to help treat back pain, arthritis and tendinitis. If you are pregnant or have stomach ulcers or acute gallbladder disease, you should avoid taking this herb. Meet with your doctor to discuss appropriate dosage, potential side effects and possible drug interactions before taking devil's claw to help treat your ankylosing spondylitis.
Bromelain
Bromelain is a natural dietary supplement that may be beneficial in treating your ankylosing spondylitis. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, states that bromelain is a combination of proteolytic, or protein-digesting, enzymes that are found in pineapple, also known as Ananas comosus. According to the UMMC, pineapple has been used for hundreds of years in Central and South American countries to help reduce inflammation. Although bromelain is found naturally in pineapples, the dose is not sufficient to produce a medicinal effect. A concentrated dose of this nutraceutical is usually taken in capsule form to help reduce inflammation, including inflammation associated with ankylosing spondylitis. The UMMC states that bromelain may be just as effective at treating inflammatory conditions as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Consult with your physician about proper dosage, possible side effects and potential drug interactions before taking bromelain to help treat your ankylosing spondylitis.
Willow Bark
Willow bark, also known as Salix alba, is a natural herbal supplement that may be effective in treating your ankylosing spondylitis symptoms. According to Botanical.com, the willow tree is native to North America, northern Asia and certain parts of Africa. Willow, a low-growing deciduous tree and member of the salicaceae family, has a bitter, astringent taste and possesses cooling and drying tendencies. The bark of the tree is used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including ankylosing spondylitis and back pain. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that willow bark is an astringent, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, or a substance that helps relieve pain, including the pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Before taking willow bark to help treat your ankylosing spondylitis, talk with your physician about appropriate dosage, potential side effects and possible drug interactions.
