ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

It is estimated that approx. 0.2-0.3 percent of the world population is affected by ankylosing spondylitis. The incidence is higher in northern Norway and the Sami population, and slightly lower in the rest of Europe, and almost do not occur in Africa. As there is no report that tells how many people are affected by ankylosing spondylitis every year, the number of patients varies in different regions and geographical areas.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS?

The disease appears in mostly young people under 40 years of age. Most of those who have ankylosing spondylitis are men. Recent studies have shown that the disease affects more women than previously thought. Children and young people are also affected by ankylosing spondylitis that is called Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis.

The cause of the disease is not known, but there is a strong association between ankylosing spondylitis and tissue type HLA-B27, in addition to environmental factors. The disease occurs most commonly in the areas where the prevalence of HLA-B27 is higher. Approx. 95 percent of ankylosing spondylitis patients has HLA-B27, but it is also 8-10 percent of the general population who has this heredity factor without occurrence of the disease.

Despite of this clear connection, it is not true that ankylosing spondylitis inherited, but instead there is inherited predisposition to develop the disease. In recent years, there have been some theories that intestinal bacteria may be a precipitating cause of ankylosing spondylitis, but this is still a theory and not any certain evidence.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS?

The common symptoms involve morning stiffness, sleep problems, fatigue, back pain, hip pain, chest pain and neck pain.

One can get pain in chest back when coughing, when getting up from a chair so you get pain in your back, it can be difficult to get out of bed when you wake up in the morning. Sleep problems include that you feel exhausted but cannot sleep.

HOW CAN AYURVEDA HELP IN CASE OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS?

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that makes use of herbs existing in the nature and formulates herbal remedies using the inherent power present in these herbs. We in Ayurveda believe that herbal remedies bring to you the richness of the herbs in a natural, unadulterated form. These combinations help improve immunity and provide strength, endurance and will.
Ayurveda uses the inherent power of natural herbs to bring about wonderful results on the human body. The herbs are natural and 100% safe. Ayurveda helps to strengthen the body muscles and bones, making them strong even to withstand any external pressures. The herbs in Ayurveda for bone and arthritic diseases help complete the body deficiency in a natural, herbal way.

HERBS IN AYURVEDA THAT HELP IN CASE OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

EMBLICA OFFICINALIS (Amalaki)

The herb is known for its rejuvenating properties. It is a natural antioxidant that removes free radicals from the body and helps in regeneration of cells. Amla helps in increasing the body vitality and strengthening immunity. It helps in developing healthy, glowing skin and preventing premature aging. Anemia and blood related disorders are helped in a natural way. It helps in maintaining proper functioning of the liver. It aids digestion by soothing hyperacidity. This wonderful herb helps in improving immunity and boosting metabolism. The herb helps gain youthful skin and beauty. Amla has aphrodisiac, antipyretic, cardio-tonic, anti-diabetic, cerebral and gastrointestinal properties. It prevents premature greying of hair, hair loss and promotes hair and nail growth. It enhances eye sight, keeps the mouth clean, and nourishes bones and teeth. It helps to keep the intestine clean and also controls blood sugar. Amla is used to prepare Yograj Guggul.

COMMIPHORA MUKUL (GUGGUL)

Guggul has highly potent rejuvenating properties. It revitalizes cells and therefore rejuvenates them. Its purifying properties as well as lipid- regulating properties make it a wonderful herb for many health tonics. It is useful for people who have low haemoglobin and are anemic. It is useful in many heath conditions as it has proved its versatility in several conditions. The effect it has on cholesterol and triglyceride levels indirectly protects the heart from atherosclerosis. The herb also boosts the levels of HDL cholesterol. This herb also has been proved to have antioxidant properties. The herb is beneficial for hypothyroidism related disorders. The herb promotes the metabolism and therefore aids in weight loss. It is also beneficial for conditions like arthritis, pre-menstrual syndrome, bloating and many more. Guggul is used in the preparation of Yograj GUGGUL and Joint aid capsules.

CURCUMA LONGA (CURCUMIN)

Owing to its rich medicinal properties, Curcumin is a widely used herb in case of cancer. Many malignant cancers have found their management in Curcumin. Anti-oxidants present in the herb reduce the free- radicals from the body thereby improving the health and immunity. Curcumin herb has rich anti-diabetic properties that make it a wonderful herb to use for diabetic patients. It is a famous Chinese medicine to relieve digestive and liver related diseases. Its anti- inflammatory properties make it a strong herb for various allergies, infections and inflammations. The herb has the power to fight against toxins and infections owing to its rich anti-biotic properties. It is used in many cosmetics due to its beneficial actions on the skin. We use Curcuma longa to prepare Curcumin capsules.

TERMINALIA CHEBULA (HARITAKI)

Haritaki is an important constituent of Triphala that has wonderful health benefits. It acts well in gastrointestinal ailments, in cases of spleenomegaly, hepatomegaly, tumors, ascites, and anemias. Its powder, when mixed with honey and ghee, is an effective remedy for anemia. The herb improves memory and is salutary in dysuria and urinary stones. Haritaki helps in improving appetite and helps in the digestion. In anemia of any origin, Haritaki herb is highly beneficial. It helps anemia due to haemoglobin deficiency, anemia due to red blood cell deficiency, and anemias of abnormal form origin. Haritaki is used in Yograj Guggul.

WITHANIA SOMNIFERA (ASHWAGANDHA)

The ancient Ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha is a multiple benefit herb. It was beneficial effects over the complete human body in a natural way. Ashwagandha helps in cases impotency, stress, constipation, rheumatism and many more chronic ailments. A look at these disorders tells us that they are all related to our life style. The increase in stress and manifold decrease in a healthy diet and lifestyle leads to stress induced disorders including many neurological disorders. People usually complain of stress, fatigue, memory and bodily weakness. Most of us face issues of low stamina and endurance power.
Ashwagandha herb plays a vital role in such cases. It is a great antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to promote overall well-being of the body and nourishes it with strength and immunity. Apart from these, the herbal product has potential powers to nourish the brain to make the functioning of the brain quicker and sharper. It has dynamic results on the male sexual system as it facilitates quicker and longer lasting erections. Ashwagandha herb is an indispensable part of many of our formulations owing to its benefits. You will find it in Aamvatantak churna.

TERMINALIA BELERICA (VIBHITAKI)

A very important herb in the Ayurvedic world, Vibhitaki is famous for its wonderful use in the formation of Triphala. It has numerous health benefits on the human body. Its action on the heart makes it an excellent heart tonic. It helps in purifying blood, thinning of blood, and removing toxins. It is used in cases of low RBC count and low haemoglobin. Vibhitaki helps cases of anemia of any origin and help regain healthy haemoglobin count and form. Our product Yograj Guggul has Vibhitaki.

PLANET AYURVEDA HERBAL PRODUCTS, WHICH ARE HELPFUL IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS