Herbal Remedies for Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis and is caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the body. The most common location for gout, at least in the beginning, is the big toe. Gout can also cause kidney stones. This condition is quite painful and leads to swelling, redness and extreme discomfort. Other common locations for gout to occur are other parts of the foot, the knees, elbows and wrists. This condition occurs in attacks which last for days then may get better on their own. Some people go months in between attacks. There are some herbal remedies for gout which may prove beneficial for some who suffer from this problem.
There are a variety of herbs and other natural remedies which can reduce the severity and duration of gout and may even prevent attacks from occurring. Alfalfa, for example, helps reduce the level of uric acid in the body and is packed with nutrients. Black cohosh is a multipurpose herb which helps those with gout regulate the acidity of the blood. Cayenne pepper is another potentially beneficial herb. Although some take cayenne pepper internally, especially for heart problems, cayenne pepper makes a good external treatment when mixed with vinegar and applied to the affected area. If you like, you can also try an application of plain apple cider vinegar to the area several times daily.
Crushed garlic mixed with black cherry juice and ingested daily is thought to be a good remedy for gout. Garlic has received plenty of media attention lately and is being studied for its medicinal, antibacterial and cholesterol reducing properties. Nettle may be helpful in neutralizing uric acid in the body thanks to its alkaloids. One of the most celebrated remedies for gout is red clover. Red clover is rich in isoflavones, helps detoxify the body and has a blood thinning effect. Therefore it should not be used by anyone taking anticoagulants.
Before trying any herbal remedies for gout, talk to your doctor. Many herbs can interact with OTC and prescription medications. Some individuals should avoid certain herbs because of their properties or effect on the body. To find the most effective herbal treatment course for your particular needs, you may want to consult a specialist like a naturopath or herbalist who has education and experience using herbs for medicinal purposes.
