Gout is a painful disease caused due to an increase in uric acid levels within the body. When the body is unable to excrete uric acid or perhaps produces too much uric acid, it causes the formation of sharp, needle-like crystals called urate crystals. When these crystals accumulate around the joints or surrounding tissues, it leads to the development of gout and causes pain and inflammation. Symptoms of gout include severe joint pain, inflammation and lingering discomfort after the pain has subsided. Men are a lot more susceptible to this disease as compared to women.
Gout Natural Herbal Treatments
The primary method of relieving pain caused due to gout is to control the levels of uric acid in the body. These days, herbal remedies for treating gout are gaining popularity. Not only are patients more inclined towards more cost effective means for alleviating pain and illness, they are also opting for herbal remedies due to their effectiveness and the low risk of side effects. There are many herbs for gout that have proven very effective in treating this disease. Herbal remedies for gout can be used along with other medications and therapies to ensure optimum effects.
Some Herbs for Gout:
Celery Seed: This herb helps the kidneys to dispose of the uric acid crystals as well as other unwanted waste. It also helps to neutralize acidity in the body.
Guaiacum: Guaiacum is a natural diuretic which helps speed up the elimination of excess uric acid and toxins, making it a beneficial herb for treating gout.
Cherries: Cherries are rich in flavonoids which help lower the levels of uric acid within the body, thus making them an excellent supplemental herb for treating gout.
Nettle: Nettle can be used taken orally or used topically. Nettle helps eliminate the excess uric acid from the tissue spaces. Nettle tea can be used as a hot compress over inflamed tissues and joints.
Parsley: This herb acts as a natural diuretic that helps the kidneys eliminate the excess uric acid.
Flaxseed: Flaxseed oil helps to lower the production of leukotrienes which are involved during the inflammatory reaction in an attack of gout. A decrease in leukotrienes helps reduce the severity of the inflammation caused due to gout.
Hawthorn: Hawthorn is amongst the herbs for gout that act like NSAIDs. Hawthorn is loaded with anthocyanosides which produce anti-inflammatory effects. This herb is also known to contain flavonoids that are helpful for treating the symptoms of gout.
Garlic: Garlic possesses natural healing properties for various illnesses and gout is one of them. Eating 3 to 5 garlic cloves a day can help improve the overall health, including reduction of the symptoms of gout.
Avocado: Avocado possesses natural antioxidant properties and essential vitamins that help to relieve the symptoms of gout.
Herbal Teas: Tea made using herbs like devil’s claw or cat’s claw has known to provide relief to patients suffering from gout. These herbs have proven very effective in managing the levels of uric acid and relieving symptoms of gout.
Herbs rich in Vitamin C: Uric acid from the tissues can be released through urine. Vitamin C substantially increases the rate of excretion from the kidney thus making it easier for the uric acid to be eliminated from the body.
Although these herbs help, allopathic medications like Zyloprim can also prove beneficial for the treatment of gout. Zyloprim belongs to a category of drugs known as xanthine oxidase inhibitors. Zyloprim functions by lowering the production of uric acid in the body which in turn helps treat gout. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using this medicine and any of the herbs mentioned above.
I have never used herbal remedies before and wanted to now if herbal remedies are as effective as allopathic medicines, and also if there were any side effects involved with the use of herbal remedies?
This article was interesting and very helpful. Herbs surely are nature’s gift to mankind. I have saved this article for reference and will check back for future updates posted here.
My uncle has been suffering with gout for a very long time now. I will tell him about the herbs mentioned in this article and hope that these herbal remedies work well for him. Thanks.