Gout is a kind of arthritis that cause joint inflammation and it may affect one or more joints. Usually gout affects one joint initially and then extends to other joints and will be associated with the inflammatory signs in the joints.
Gout is caused mainly due to the deposition of uric acid on the joints. Uric acid is a metabolic product seen in the blood and is normally removed from the body by the kidneys through urine. But certain inherited abnormalities, obesity, high blood pressure, consumption of alcohol and certain medications stop the kidneys from eliminating the uric and resulting in the deposition of uric acid in the joints.
The initial gout attack may subside on its own without any treatment but subsequent attacks which may occur after months or years becomes severe and affecting multiple joints. There are many medications for treating gout but most of them cause damage to several internal organs if continued for a long term. Herbal remedies for gout helps to resolve this problem as they treat gout efficiently without causing any side effects.
Devil’s Claw
Devil’s claw also known as Harpagophytumprocumbens is widely used for the treatment of gout because of its immense ability to lower the concentration of uric acid in the blood and also to eliminate the toxins from the body. It also reduces the pain associated with gout inflammation because the active ingredient glycoside obtained from the roots of devil’s claw has good anti-inflammatory property.
As devil’s claw has actions similar to cortisone its long term usage is not appreciated by experts. People who are taking medication for high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular problems are also not recommended to use this herb as it complements the blood thinning effect of those medications. Drinking tea made out of the roots of devil’s claw or taking different formulations of devil’s claw such as capsule, liquid tinctures, tablets etc are useful for treating gout.
Nettle Root
Nettle root also known as stinging nettle helps to reduce the level of uric acid in the blood. Nettle contains vitamin C which helps to reduce the uric acid level up to 50 percent if taken consistently. The potassium present in nettle converts the uric acid in to another form that can be easily eliminated by the body.
Nettle is also found to have antihistamine properties and hence is useful in reducing the swelling. Above all nettle is a good diuretic and helps the kidneys to eliminate excess uric acid and thus alleviate the gout symptoms and pain of gout. Hence the patients who take nettle root should drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Nettle can be taken as infusion teas, along with soups or as extracts. While adds to the soups the heat reduces the stinging ability of nettle.
Cherry
Cherry juice or canned or fresh cherries works best by lowering the gout symptoms. Unsweetened juice taken from blue berries or dark red berries are beneficial for reducing the inflammation of the joints and also improves the blood circulation which is necessary for eliminating the uric acid deposits in the synovial joints.
Blueberry and bilberry are also ideal for the treatment of gout as these contains antioxidants and anthocyanin that increase the blood flow and reduce the gout attacks by lowering the uric acid level in the body.
Similarly bromelain, green tea, cranberry, turmeric etc are also used as gout remedies but before taking any of these herbs or herbal supplements better consult with your health care provider and take them at appropriate dosage to get maximum benefits.
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