Herbal Remedies For Gout Articles | Remedy

By: Richard Bleuze

Herbal remedies for gout have become very popular in recent years.  Two of the most asked about herbal remedies for gout are: vitamin C, and the cherry juice.  The main reasons for the popularity of natural/herbal remedies is that traditional gout medications are not very effective, and they have severe side effects.  Before going over natural remedies in more detail, lets first go over some basic information about gout.

In people with gout, the body does not have enough of the digestive enzyme uricase.  Thus, uric acid builds up and crystallizes.  Left uncontrolled, excessive excretion of uric acid in the urine can lead to the development of painful kidney stones, kidney disease, and even kidney failure.

Gout is associated with high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and uric acid kidney stones.

It is estimated that up to 2 million people have gout.   Between 75-90% of gout sufferers are middle-aged males.

A few suggested herbal remedies are:

1.  Alfalfa is a good source of minerals and other nutrients that help reduce serum uric acid.

2.  Bilberry is high in anthocyanosides and flavonoids, which are helpful in overcoming gout.

3.  Black cherry juice  Get some natural, concentrated black cherry juice and drink several tablespoons of the concentrate daily.

4.  Black cohash moderates blood acidity.

5.  Blueberries are high in anti-inflammatory compounds called anthocyanins, which help ease the pain of gout.

6.  Cayenne pepper Boil one tablespoon of pepper in 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water and dab onto the painful joint.

7.  Celery seeds are quite effective in relieving gout by eliminating uric acid from the body.   Note: This remedy is not to be used by pregnant women because of its diuretic effect and the fact that it can encourage uterine contractions, or those with kidney disease because of its potential diuretic effect and that the plant's oils can worsen kidney inflammation.

8.  Cherries If you are lucky enough to have fresh cherries, eating 6-8 cherries daily will relieve the symptoms of gout.  This remedy was reported in 1950 by Dr. Ludwig W. Blau who cured his own gout.  Frozen and canned cherries may also be used.  When you feel an attack coming on, eat 20-30 cherries immediately.  Cherries are rich in compounds that prevent the destruction of collagen, which the body uses to form connective tissue.  The connective tissue is damaged by gout.  Cherries also have an enzyme that neutralizes uric acid and are high in anthocyanins which have high antioxidant properties as well as anti-inflammatory action.

9.  Devil's claw reduces uric acid levels and is a natural cleansing agent for toxic impurities.

10.  Garlic Eat several cloves of raw garlic daily.  Mince the garlic and add it to black cherry juice for a potent remedy.

11.  Ginger Put 1/3 cup of ground ginger (buy in bulk to keep the cost down) in a bathtub of water and soak for 30 minutes. This will cause you to sweat (a good thing) which will help eliminate the uric acid from your tissues. When you are finished the bath be sure to rinse off thoroughly, as the ginger can cause skin irritation if it dries on your skin.

12.  Hawthorn is high in anthocyanosides and flavonoids, which are helpful in overcoming gout.

13.  Hydrangea is an anti-inflammatory.

14.  Mullein Soak mullein leaves and then place the leaves on the affected area.

15.  Nettle contains alkaloids which neutralize uric acid.

16.  Parsley acts as a natural diuretic.

17.  Quercetin The flavonoid quercetin inhibits uric acid production in a similar fashion to commonly prescribed drugs for gout.

18.  Red clover has traditionally been one of the standard remedies for gout, as well as removing toxins from the body, and treating psoriasis, eczema, and hot flashes.   Studies have shown that red clover may thin the blood, so it should not be used by patients who are also taking an anticoagulant medication. 

19.  Saffron neutralizes uric acid buildup.

20.  Spearmint Make a poultice of spearmint leaves and wrap the affected area.

21.  Strawberries Eating a cup of strawberries with each meal should bring quick relief. Strawberries will neutralize uric acid.

22.  Yarrow Make a tea by using equal parts of yarrow and stinging nettles; strain, cool and drink several cups a day.

Finally, although studies done are unclear, it has been found that vitamin C helps to reduce the uric acid in  blood.