Traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, includes acupuncture, Chinese herbs and other lesser-known modalities to treat numerous diseases. TCM is thousands of years old and a well-respected form of medicine worldwide. Although additional research is needed, certain Chinese herbs have shown efficacy for the treatment of gouty arthritis. Due to the possibility of side effects, supervision by a doctor of Chinese medicine is advised for people who wish to use these treatments for gout.
Burdock Root
Burdock root has been used in TCM, according to Medline Plus, to relive gout by reducing inflammation in the tissues. Although more research is needed, it is indicated for use as a natural diuretic and may reduce edema in swollen tissues around joints. It can be made into a tea or used as a topical application. There have been reports of adverse reactions when used topically, reports Urban Herbs. Some people break out in rashes or contact dermatitis. Discontinue the application and contact a health practitioner if a reaction occurs.
Dandelion
Another herb used to treat gout in traditional Chinese medicine and in Western herbal medicine is dandelion, or taraxacum officinale. Herbalists use dandelion for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can be made into a tea or a poultice for a topical application in gout. Dandelion is also used by herbalists as a diuretic and can aid in reducing swelling associated with edema around joints; and stimulate urine excretion of uric acid in gouty arthritis, reports Medline Plus. Additional research is needed to verify these claims.
Ermiao Wan
A study reported in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2004 found that the Chinese herb Ermiao wan is effective in reducing edema and is being used in gout patients and those with hyperuricemia, or elevated uric acid levels, in China to treat the disease. This herb is available from Chinese herbal stores and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified OMD.
Blood-Letting Cupping
The treatment of blood-letting cupping is being used in China to treat gouty arthritis, reports the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine in March of 2010. A study was made using the technique of blood-letting cupping combined with Chinese herbs with 34 participants suffering from cases of acute gout. The results indicated that 21 of the 34 cases improved with this therapeutic method, and the study concluded that it is considered a satisfactory treatment for gouty arthritis. This method of treatment is not meant for self-treatment, and a trained practitioner should be consulted before initiating any blood-letting cupping for gout.
References
- Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, pp. 18-20; Treatment of acute gouty arthritis by blood-letting cupping plus herbal medicine; SJ Zjang; March 2010
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 93; A Chinese herbal medicine Ermiao wan reduces serum uric acid level and inhibits liver xanthine dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase in mice; LD Kong; Aug 2004
- MedLine Plus: Burdock (Arctium lappa)
- Urban Herbs: Medicinal Plants at Georgetown University: Burdock (Burdock Root)
- MedLine Plus: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
