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Home remedies and natural treatments for ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of joint inflammation (chronic inflammatory arthritis) that primarily affects the spine.

It usually starts in your lower back, typically where the spine joins the pelvis. Over time, the back movement gradually becomes limited as the bones of the spine (vertebrae) fuse together, and this progressive bony fusion is called ankylosis. It can spread up to your neck or damage joints in other parts of your body.

The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Men and women are equally affected; however, women are more likely than men to experience inflammation.

Signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis often appear gradually. Initial symptoms start with chronic dull pain in the lower back combined with the stiffness of the lower back. A very common symptom is pain and stiffness in the lower back that awakens them in the early morning hours from sleep.

12 Home Remedies and Natural treatments for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Cod Liver Oil

Fish oil is beneficial for various diseases. It is available in the form of capsules or oil. This oil is used for reducing high cholesterol levels.

This oil has benefits for many diseases like kidney problems, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. It is abundant in Vitamin D, so it has benefits for musculoskeletal diseases like spondylitis.

It is prescribed to patients with low vitamin D levels. It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in ankylosis and improves pain. It has also bone-strengthening effects.[1] Cod liver oil is known to improve overall health and is associated with better outcomes. It can be ingested as a capsule or oil. You can add oil to some foods.

Wild Yam

It is a plant that has many herbal uses. It is absorbed in the body and produces steroid hormones like estrogen and testosterone precursors. The active ingredient in Wild Yam is Diosgenin. This herb is used for treating ankylosing spondylitis due to its hormone-rich effects on the body. These hormones are essential for bone healing and strengthening the bones. They are required as steroid hormones have enhancing effects on mineral deposition on the bone surface, making it strong. It can also be used in osteoporosis treatment.

Wild Yam is rich in steroids. Steroids have always been known for anti-inflammatory uses. They can reduce inflammation and block the progression of diseases. It has been reported to be effective for osteoporosis. It increases body energy and reduces the effect of illness.

It is also beneficial for sexual dysfunction as it provides estrogen and testosterone to the body. Ankylosis can paralyze you and disturb work. This herb can help you in fighting disease symptoms.[2]

Nirgundi or Vitex Negundo

It is the herb that is richest in Vitamin C. This Vitamin C can be readily absorbed in the body to generate energy and for metabolic reactions. Vitamin C helps in reducing inflammation that can cease the progression of ankylosing spondylitis. The disease is caused and worsened by inflammation, and Nirgundi will help to control the symptoms of pain and stiffness by reducing inflammation.

It has other properties that are extremely useful in ankylosis. It has an analgesic effect. It is best for healing wounds. These features help in giving some comfort when the ankylosis pain is bothering you. It can provide quick relief by supplying energy. It is also known to increase mental functions and improve blood circulation.

It provides nutrition to the bone by increasing blood circulation. It stimulates every organ in the body leading to overall stability and improved function. This increases the sense of well-being. Most importantly, it is an immunity booster.[3]

Turmeric Milk

Turmeric has many healing properties. Most of its healing properties are due to its reduction of inflammatory markers in the body. It prevents the initiation of inflammation and is helpful in reducing pain. It can be taken with milk to achieve a soothing effect in the case of ankylosis pain. It can also cure infections.

Turmeric is also thought to heal bone fractures and disorders. The herb has a great role in the healing of bone abnormalities. These properties focus on the regeneration of bone tissue, by decreasing the inflammation around the bone (caused by ankylosing spondylitis), it promotes its healing. It is also a better painkiller, and other painkillers should be avoided because they may interfere with bone healing enzymes.[4]

Turmeric can be used in cooked food and in milk. It can also be applied to the skin in the form of a paste. It has a strengthening effect on the immune system that helps fight diseases.

Boswellia or Shallaki

Boswellia is drugged, which has numerous benefits. We will discuss its beneficial effects for ankylosing spondylitis.

Boswellia is known to increase health and well-being. The herb has been traditionally used in India for the herbal treatment of many diseases. This herb can cause ankylosis to heal and disease to minimize its manifestations. The herb has a mechanism of action that targets the tissues that are dividing and increasing inflammation around the bone tissue.

Boswellia stops the growth of these inflammatory tissues. It also impedes the destruction of connective and bone tissues carried out by inflammatory markers in the body.[5]

It has proven to be healthy for joints and cures joint diseases like ankylosis. It performs the healing by increasing the blood supply around the joint and boosting immune functions.

The good thing is that it has a natural way of curing diseases without any side effects. Instead, it has multiple health benefits that give it an advantage over other medications.

Guggul

This herb which is actually a resin, helps in fighting ankylosis through its anti-inflammatory effects. It contains substances that decrease the redness and swelling of inflamed tissues. It is an ancient drug that herbal experts keep using because of its incredible properties.[6]

It is also used in treating osteoarthritis and other bone diseases. It can reduce inflammation and help in gaining an active lifestyle in patients with ankylosis. This drug is taken by mouth and has a rapid effect on the affected tissues and bones in decreasing inflammation and pain.

Devil’s Claw

It is a herb that is being used and advised for bone pain like back pain and hip pain. It can reduce the severity of symptoms in arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. It has benefits in treating other bone and joint conditions like gout, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis.

It is natural and beneficial. It is always used for its anti-inflammatory properties[7], which are important in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. It lowers the pain associated with the disease. The effect of this herb has been studied and quantified. It showed a visible reduction of pain and discomfort caused by ankylosis. It has confirmed a role in reducing lower back pain in osteoarthritis, and research is thought to be initiated in finding its benefits in Ankylosis. The herbal experts suggest that it has a major role in ankylosing spondylitis treatment.

It also cures headaches and body sores.

It should not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Also, care must be taken if you have gallstone disease or heart disease.

Ginger Powder

Ginger powder has many uses, and it can be taken in food. The intake is easy, and large amounts can be consumed. Ginger powder is advised in ankylosis because of its anti-inflammatory effects.[8]

2-3 tablespoons should be mixed in water and boiled. Drink this water. It will reduce joint pain and help in relieving symptoms of ankylosis.

Also, it can be used in the form of a paste and applied to the backbone area for comfort and pain relief. By use of ginger powder, your activities will return to the normal level.

You will find it to be very useful for ankylosing spondylitis.

Willow Bark

Willow bark can also be used to treat ankylosing spondylitis pains and stiffness. This herb helps in relieving pain in acute episodes of pain and flares of disease. It is especially advised in people who complain of back pain.[9] The amounts of this drug should be strictly checked, and only use this drug upon advice by an herbal expert. This drug is also used in osteoarthritis and has shown benefits.

It is also helpful in treating fever, so it can help you when you have acute episodes of illness in ankylosis. In small amounts, it is a safe herb. It can cause stomach upset and problems with the digestive tract.

It is not to be taken when you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby.

Potassium Rich Foods

Potassium is known to decrease inflammation if it is present in the body in adequate amounts. Foods that contain potassium in high amounts are bananas, almonds, apricots, and broccoli.

Vitamin D

You must correct the vitamin D deficiency in your body if you are suffering from ankylosis. Bones need Vitamin D in greater amounts when they are affected by a disease.

The foods rich in vitamin D are fish, eggs, and beef liver. You can also consume cheese.

Ashwagandha

This herb is known to be of potential benefit in bone diseases like ankylosing spondylitis. It has several other benefits. It is also good for increasing energy. It cures ankylosis by limiting and reducing the stress on the body. It is a drug with benefits for all body systems. It decreases stress by acting on the mind and body. It can confront the disease stress of the musculoskeletal system and keep the body healthy. [10]

References:

[1] Rajakumar K. Vitamin D, cod-liver oil, sunlight, and rickets: a historical perspective. Pediatrics. 2003;112(2):e132-5.

[2] Wong KL, Lai YM, Li KW, et al. A novel, stable, estradiol-stimulating, osteogenic yam protein with potential for the treatment of menopausal syndrome. Scientific Reports. 2015;5:10179.

[3] Davis JL, Paris HL, Beals JW, et al. Liposomal-encapsulated ascorbic acid: Influence on Vitamin C bioavailability and capacity to protect against ischemia–reperfusion injury. Nutrition and Metabolic Insights. 2016;9:25–30.

[4] Daily JW, Yang M, Park S. Efficacy of turmeric extracts and curcumin for alleviating the symptoms of joint arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2016;19(8):717–29.

[5] Kimmatkar N, Thawani V, Hingorani L, Khiyani R. Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee–a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2003;10(1):3-7.

[6] Guggul reduces inflammation in arthritis. Retrieved from www.guggul.com/arthritis/guggul-reduces-inflammation-in-arthritis

[7] McGregor G, Fiebich B, Wartenberg A, et al. Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): An anti-inflammatory herb with therapeutic potential. Phytochemistry Reviews. 2005;4(1):47-53.

[8] Castro B. Ginger: An ancient panacea for modern times. California College of Ayurveda. Retrieved from www.ayurvedacollege.com/articles/students/Ginger

[9] Chrubasik S, Eisenberg E, Balan E, et al. Treatment of low back pain exacerbations with willow bark extract: a randomized double-blind study. The American Journal of Medicine. 2000;109(1):9-14.

[10] Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on ashwagandha: A Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines. 2011;8(5Suppl):208–13.

Hanan Marshal
Hanan Marshal
Hanan, a medical student (MBBS) having passion for writing and is very much interested in holistic living along with nature. He is very much interested in doing community service and watches anime and play PS4 during his free time. You can reach him through [email protected]

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