 Bromelain, or pineapple enzyme, is a very effective treatment for severe bruises and hematomas and is generally available in capsules at health-food stores. It is especially useful for swelling, pain, and bruising after an injury, and also for arthritis, bunions, bursitis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, gout, and sinusitis. Bromelain is easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is able to promote healing of tissue injuries. The optimum dose is 200 to 400 milligrams three times a day, taken on an empty stomach at least ninety minutes before (or three hours after) eating. Occasionally, individuals may develop an allergic rash from bromelain; discontinue it if you develop any itching. Bromelain is a plant-enzyme, so it isn't essential to human health, and there is no such thing as a bromelain deficiency. Personally, I prefer getting bromelain by eating fresh, ripe pineapple -- but taking it as a supplement is fine.
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