Indian Ayurvedic medicines and home remedies for control of gout:
Uric acid crystals are very sticky and deposit in various internal organs like heart, kidneys, brain,liver and causes damage to these organs.Uric acid crystals first deposit in joint of thumb of feet thereafter deposited in various bone joints and organs
According to Dr Amarsingh Azad ,Allopathic drugs must be taken for short period of time Whereas Ayurvedic medicines and home remedies can be consumed for longer period.There is no permanent cure for Gout in Allopathy. He suggests lifestyle changes, dietary regulations, and medicines for reducing inflammation and pain. On the other hand, Ayurveda proposes effective medications for controlling uric acid. The breaking down of a chemical named Purine releases Uric acid.
Ayurvedic medicines for treatment of Gout:
Five herbs reduce uric acid:
5 herbs which can help in dissolving uric acid are as follows:
( i )Lemon herbs: Vitamin C rich lemon herbs can reduce inflammation in the body by increasing formation of calcium carbonate in the body.
(ii)Devil's claw.
(iii)Burdock root.
(iv)Sour black cherries.
(v)Alfalfa sprouts.
(1) Burdock root:
People take burdock to increase urine flow, kill germs, reduce fever, and “purify” their blood. It is also used to treat colds, cancer, anorexia nervosa, gastrointestinal (GI) complaints, joint pain (rheumatism), gout, bladder infections, complications of syphilis, and skin conditions including acne and psoriasis.
(2) Use of Kaishore guggul:
Kaishore guggulu, also spelled as kishore guggul, is an ayurvedic guggul formulation used for raised uric acid, mild to severe attacks of gouty arthritis, inflammatory diseases, wounds, abdominal diseases, constipation, indigestion, diabetic carbuncles etc.Kaishore guggul purifies your blood of toxins introduced from the polluted environment or an unhealthy diet. It helps your body balance the production of uric acid and controls gout. It is made from herbal extracts with natural anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective in soothing wounds and ulcers.
Divya Kaishore Guggul 20 g can be used.
Simhanada Guggul, also known as Vatari Guggul is an ayurvedic proprietary medication that is mainly used for the treatment and management of different types of joint pains, swelling, stiffness and inflammation associated with gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
(3) Neem: Neem paste is used for reducing inflammations on the uric acid accumulated area. Neem is often used in Ayurveda to reduce inflammation and soothe gout flare-ups. It can be made into a paste and applied to the area affected by gout. Neem comes in oil and capsule form too.
(4) Ginger: Ginger ( अदरक और सौंठ ) is a culinary food and herb prescribed for inflammatory conditions. Its ability to help gout is well-documented. One study found topical ginger reduced pain related to uric acid in gout. Ginger tea can be beneficial.The powerful anti-inflammatory effects of ginger reduce inflammation, swelling and lower the blood uric acid levels and confer respite to gout attacks. Take one inch of ginger, steep well in a cup of water for 5-10 minutes and drink this powerful concoction regularly to get relieved from joint pain.
(5) Giloy:The herb is also beneficial against Gout, a type of arthritis that causes sudden and severe pain in one or more joints. Research indicates that Giloy can lower the risk of gout by bringing down the levels of uric acid in the body.Giloy is a climber and its leaves are extensively used in Ayurvedic treatment. Drinking a glass of Giloy juice extracted from its stem daily not only treats inflammation of the joints but also brings down the levels of uric acid. Alternatively, one can also take supplements of Giloy.
(6) Patanjali Divya Vatari Churna: It contains Sounth, Vidhara, Kutki, Ashwagandha, Methi, and Suranjan as active ingredients.
Key benefits or uses of Divya Vatari Churna:
•Provides relief from arthritis
•Useful for pain in the joints and muscles and provides nutrients to the joints so it promotes their effective functioning
•Beneficial for old aged people who face difficulty in walking due to the weakness of the joints
• Also, beneficial for women with joint problems due to osteoporosis after the menopause
• Provides strength to the bones and muscles and make them strong for easy movement.
•Fights swelling of the joints in an effective manner and act as an anti-inflammatory.
(7)Triphala:
Triphala is promoted as a treatment for a number of common ailments and way to prevent chronic Triphala has anti-Inflammatory Properties.
Triphala may also help with symptoms of gout. Another review has found that it showed a “strong anti-inflammatory effect” against gout in animals. Authors of a study in mice reported that triphala could lower uric acid levels and inflammation, which may explain any effects on gout.
Triphala contains a number of antioxidants that perform protective functions in the body.It contains vitamin C, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins and saponins, along with other potent plant compounds .These compounds help fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which are molecules that can damage cells and contribute to chronic disease.Diets high in antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes and premature ageing.
What’s more, in animal studies, Triphala has been shown to reduce inflammation and damage caused by arthritis .
Studies have shown that supplementing with antioxidants may have some benefits as well, including protecting against heart disease, improving athletic performance and reducing inflammation.
Triphala, a well-recognized and highly efficacious polyherbal Ayurvedic medicine consisting of fruits of the plant species Emblica officinalis (Amalaki), Terminalia bellerica (Bibhitaki), and Terminalia chebula (Haritaki), is a cornerstone of gastrointestinal and rejuvenative treatment.
Triphala is composed of three kinds of herb, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Emblica officinalis.
(8) Guduchi: This is the main drug of action for uric acid.
It reduces the pitta amount. It helps balance pitta and vata dosha and decrease uric acid amount in blood. It also relieves pain and inflammation of the joints. Also, out of guduchi, amritadi gugul is made which works best for uric acid levels.
(9) Turmeric :
If you have gout, try turmeric as a home remedy. Its most active chemical, curcumin, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This may help ease gout-related inflammation and pain. When eaten in foods, turmeric is generally safe.If you have gout, try turmeric as a home remedy. Its most active chemical, curcumin, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This may help ease gout-related inflammation and pain. When eaten in foods, turmeric is generally safe.
Turmeric for Gout by controlling uric acid: Efficacy and How to Use It for Joint Inflammation:
The wonder spice turmeric works well in controlling the problem of high uric acid. If you consume a glass of turmeric milk it will be very beneficial for your health. Turmeric has the power to fight diseases. The curcumin in it helps to fight inflammation. This wonder spice helps control Hyperuricemia .
The best way to take turmeric for inflammation:
The Arthritis Foundation suggests taking turmeric capsules (400 to 600 mg) three times per day. Another option is to take a half to three grams of the root powder every day. Further studies revealed one gram of curcumin per day helped arthritis patients.
Indian Home remedies for gout:
(1) Water :
Drink more water, ideally 8-glasses (2 liter) of water each day, to eliminate excess uric acid. Drinking water can help flush out the uric acid crystals that cause gout out of your system. “A well hydrated patient should drink enough to urinate every two to three hours,” says Doctor.
Drink at least 8 glasses of nonalcoholic beverages a day – plain water is best. And if you're having a gout flare, increase your intake to 16 glasses a day. The water helps flush uric acid from your system.
Drinking water help to reduce gout.You can also help reduce the number of gout attacks you have by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, but you should avoid drinks sweetened by sugar (sugar beverages) or too much fruit juice as these can trigger an attack. Diet drinks are fine.
In summary, there is a strong association between low water consumption and hyperuricemia. These findings support the physiology of increased uric acid excretion with excess water intake.The lack of water increases the risk of gout.Gout runs in families, although not all family members will be affected. There are some lifestyle factors which may increase your risk of developing gout, including: drinking alcohol. dehydration (not drinking enough water).
(2) Hot water good for gout:
The key hypothesis is that these urate crystals dissolve on warming. Hence, by warming the joint concerned in hot water, and moving the joint around to encourage diffusion, the urate concentration is reduced and crystals no longer form, provided the treatment is continued.Drinking warm water in the morning can activate the body's metabolism, resulting in more fat burning throughout the day. Drinking hot water also helps cleanse the intestines and eliminate waste in the body that may cause flatulence and excess water in the body.
*Benefits of consuming Warm Water for the human body:
Hot water is a vasodilator, meaning it expands the blood vessels, improving circulation. This can help muscles relax and reduce pain. Although no studies have directly linked hot water to sustained improvements in circulation, even brief improvements in circulation can support better blood flow to muscles and organs.
According to experts, hot water consumption in the morning preps your gut for the rest of the day and may contribute to weight loss. Specifically, it clears the intestines, prevents bloating, and gets rid of excess water weight via contraction of the bowels.
(3) Lemon water or lemon juice:
Here are seven evidence based health benefits of lemons.
•Support Heart health. •Lemons are a good source of vitamin C.
•Help control weight.
•Prevent kidney stones.
•Protect against anemia.
•Reduce Cancer risk.
•Improve digestive health
Lime juice has a high substance of vitamin C. Not only that, it is acidic and soluble. These lime juice properties effectively control uric acid levels and keep them from going over the optimal level.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice lowers the blood uric acid in hyperuricemic patients. It was reported that Lemon water soluble extracts lower the blood uric acid level in hyperuricemic mice. There is no obvious side effects of consuming lemon juice in patients with hyperuricemia. A study has reported that lemon water or drinks high in vitamin C helps neutralize uric acid in the body.
Use:Squeezing two fresh lemons into two liters of water and consume it daily can help reduce uric acid levels in the body. Even orange juice can do wonders, but always have them in diabetic patients should avoid orange juice or should consume in small quantity.
Lemons are rich in citric acid which helps to fight with kidney stones by increasing the level of urine citrate. Taking regular lemon juice with honey reduces pain of kidney stones and dissolves kidney stones quickly.
The research shows that lemon juice still works to help treat gout when it's watered down. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to your water bottle or make a lemon “tea” with hot water. You can also flavor herbal or green tea with lemon juice.
Drinking lemon water reduces uric acid:
A 2015 study found that adding the juice of two freshly squeezed lemons to 2 liters of water each day reduced uric acid in people with gout. The researchers concluded that lemon water helps neutralize uric acid in the body, thus helping to reduce levels.
(4) Mint tea:
Mint has been long known as an herbal remedy, easing queasy stomachs, calming stress and anxiety, and promoting restful sleep. Peppermint tea has long been viewed as an excellent way to ease an upset stomach, calming the digestive tract and alleviating indigestion, gas, and cramps.Mint drink is beneficial to lower uric acid.
If your uric acid is increased then you can control high uric acid by consuming peppermint drink. Peppermint has many properties that are believed to be helpful in controlling uric acid. A patient with uric acid must take this desi drink made of mint. This mint drink will help you get rid of this problem.
There are many nutrients present in mint leaves that help in controlling uric acid in the body. Here is how to make this drink: Take 8-10 fresh mint leaves and wash them. In a blender, put these leaves and add one glass of water.
Boil 8-10 leaves of mint in one glass water. Cool and drink it in early morning.
(5) Green tea
:It is good for high uric acid.Green tea has been extensively investigated for several potential health benefits. Previous studies have suggested that green tea may lower serum uric acid level in human.
you can't drink black tea if you have gout.
You should seek medical treatment for gout, but also watch your diet and avoid certain foods and drinks. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, black tea is one thing you should avoid or at least reduce your consumption of if you have gout.
(6) Caraway seeds( अजवायन) water:
Caraway seeds are also a rich source of antioxidants. This spice contains a significant amount of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids that are linked to a reduction in dangerous free radicals.Several caraway compounds demonstrate strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While inflammation is a natural bodily response, chronic inflammation can lead to various ailments, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Caraway fruits are used for flavoring of rye bread and its infusion is a remedy for colic and digestive disorders, and to fight worms . Caraway fruits possess stimulant, expectorant and antispasmodic effects and is used for stomach aches, constipation, and nausea.
Use:Take one fourth teaspoon of seeds, boil in one glass of water. Cool and drink it in early morning.
(7) Chia seeds:
For individuals suffering from inflammatory conditions such as gout or arthritis, mix one to two tablespoons of chia seed in two ounces of organic, unsweetened cherry juice. I always let the chia sit for a while before drinking it down.Chia seeds helps in reduce uric acid.
Folic acid (a vitamin found in dark green leafy vegetables), bromelain, celery seed extract and omega-3 fatty acids (found in flax and chia seeds as well as in fish oils) have been used as well by gout sufferers with good results.
(8) Celery seeds:
Celery seeds are good for gout.Celery seed contains compounds that may be beneficial in the treatment of gout. Luteolin may reduce uric acid levels and reduce inflammatory nitric oxide production. 3-n-butylphthalide and beta-selinene both exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
(9) Fenugreek seeds(मेथी दाना):
Some research suggests that fenugreek that some benefits of Fenugreek seeds may be as follows:
•Reduce the risk of diabetes.
•Improve milk production and flow.
•Improve weight loss.
•Raise testosterone and boost sperm count.
•Reduce inflammation.
•Reduce the risk of heart and blood pressure conditions.
•Pain relief in gout
Use:Soak the Fenugreek seeds overnight in the water, next day in early morning drink the Fenugreek seeds water and chew the soaked seeds.Fenugreek water can be consumed daily. Drinking it regularly will help in improving overall health.
(10) Cumin seeds water:
Cumin contains compounds called flavonoids that work as antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants can help neutralize unstable particles called free radicals that cause cell damage. By neutralizing these particles, antioxidants can help prevent diseases like cancer, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Boil 15 gram that is one tablespoon of cumin in 250 ml water for few minutes.Cool.Drink as required.Cumin water is generally good for health and does not have any side effects, except when consumed in excess. Drinking too much cumin water in a day may lead to heartburn, heavy menstrual bleeding and low blood sugar. Consult your doctor before drinking cumin water for losing weight.Some research shows that black seed and black seed oil could decrease several markers of inflammation, which could help protect against chronic disease.Black cumin seeds oil Soothes aching joints.
(11)Oils:
Mix Caraway seeds oil(अजवायन तेल) with Rosemarie oil and olive oil and massage lightly on painful bone joints.
Olive oil contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds which are essential to treat gout pain. You must include cold-pressed olive oil in your diet as it contains healthy fats and also treats swelling in joints.
(12) Mixture of Oils: Alternatively mix Caraway seeds oil with mustard oil( सरसों तेल) and apply for massaging on painful bone joints.
(13)Lemon grass oil:
Lemongrass is commonly used in moisturizers and shampoos because of its light and pleasant scent. Studies on this essential oil suggest that a strong dose could reduce uric acid levels. In folk medicine lemongrass tea has been used to reduce pain and inflammation.
(14) Drinking coffee:
Some people believe drinking coffee may decrease the risk of experiencing gout.
A 2016 review and meta-analysis showed that those who drank more coffee were less likely to have gout. This may be because coffee can lower uric acid levels.
A further 2019 analysis reported that coffee consumption lowers gout risk, and may do this independently of lowering serum uric acid levels.
However, just because the study showed a correlation between higher coffee consumption and a lower risk of gout, this does not mean that coffee caused the lower risk.
(15) Applying ice to affected joints:
Applying a cloth-covered ice pack to the joint can help reduce gout-related inflammation.
Try applying an ice pack or other cold object wrapped in a thin towel for 20–30 minutes to help relieve pain
(16) Reducing stress
Heightened stress can worsen gout symptoms. While it is not always possible to eliminate all sources of stress, the following tips might help:
•exercising if the pain does not limit movement
•asking for time off from work
•journaling or reading a favorite book
•meditating
•Getting enough rest can also help a person feel less stressed .
(17) Elevating the affected joints
Gout can cause pain and swelling, especially in the feet, hands, knees, and ankles.One way to reduce swelling is by elevating the affected joints. This encourages blood and fluid to move away from the joint and back toward the heart.
A person can also use an ice pack with elevation to reduce their gout symptoms. These two remedies form part of the rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) method
(18) Preventing nighttime gout attacks
Treatment typically includes using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or another treatment device to increase oxygen intake while sleeping. Increased oxygen intake may lower uric acid production and reduce the risk of a gout attack..
Information compiled by: Dr Bhairavsinh Raol