Gout is a form of arthritis distinguished by pain and inflammation of one joint at a time. Gout appears most commonly in the big toe, but can affect other joints in the limbs. Home remedies may be helpful for relieving pain and inflammation. A practitioner should be consulted before self-treating with home remedies, especially herbs, which may produce side effects.
Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherries provide relief from gout symptoms in the hands and elsewhere in the body, according to the University of Michigan Health System. The active ingredient in sour cherry juice is called anthocyanin, which also gives cherries their red color. Anthocyanins are high in nutrients and antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce pain, stiffness and swelling in gouty joints. UMICH recommends eating 8 oz. of tart cherries daily or drinking the same amount of cherry juice.
Black Bean Broth
Anthocyanins and additional nutrients found in black beans, also called turtle beans, have been found helpful in reducing pain and swelling for gout patients, according to the Gout Pal website. A broth can be made by rinsing 7 oz. of black beans in water to remove any debris. Add the beans to 2 1/2 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for about ninety minutes. After the beans are fully cooked, strain the broth and cool. Drink 2 cups a day for pain relief from gout. The beans may be used in other recipes.
Lemon Juice
Drinking fresh lemon juice may help reduce or prevent gout symptoms, according to the book" The pH Miracle." Lemons are high in potassium and alkalize the blood, dissolving urate crystals so the kidneys can excrete them. Use the juice of one lemon on salads or mixed into a drink with 8 oz. of water. Stevia may be added as sweetening, if desired.
Fruit Pectin and Grape Juice
The People's Pharmacy recommends drinking a 4-oz. glass of unsweetened, organic grape juice with 2 to 4 tsp. of fruit pectin to relieve gout pain and swelling of the hands. The website mentions that fruit pectin is high in potassium citrate and citric acid, which may relieve painful joints. Building up slowly to the full 4 tsp. of pectin is advised to avoid any discomfort or painful flare-ups. Organic grape juice is recommended because it is free of impurities and pesticides. Fruit pectin is available in grocery stores on the canning aisle near the jams and jellies under the name Certo. Fruit pectin can also be purchased in health food stores. Either can be used in this home remedy.
References
- "The pH Miracle"; Robert O. Young, Ph.D. and Shelley Redford Young; 2003
- University of Michigan Health System: Gout
- Gout Pal: Natural Remedy for Gout
- People's Pharmacy: Certo and Grape Juice Ease Joint Pain
