Gout is a type of acute arthritis that causes pain and inflammation in the joints, particularly the big toe. Certain foods can stimulate excess production of uric acid, which builds up in the blood and causes needle-like crystals to form around joints. Conventional treatment may include a low-protein, low-fat diet and limited alcohol, together with corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Herbs for gout, which are mentioned in ancient Roman texts, have a long history for treating this disorder. Consult a health care professional before starting herbal therapy.
Fever Vine
Fever vine, or Paederia scandens, is a deciduous climbing vine native to China, Japan and Korea. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, use the plant to treat rheumatism, gout, infertility, paralysis, stomach pain, arthritis, parasites and abscesses. The plant, which contains iridoids, flavonoids, sterols, triterpenes and essential oil, has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiviral and antioxidant actions.
A study by Haiyan Yan and colleagues published in the September 2008 issue of "Planta Medica" tested an extract of the aerial parts on animals with induced hyperuricemia, which is a condition marked by high levels of uric acid in the blood. After two weeks of orally administering the extract, the researchers found that it significantly reduced uric acid levels by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in the production of uric acid. This study supports the use of fever vine in TCM to treat gout. Consult a doctor before combining fever vine with other gout medicines.
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw, or Harpagophytum procumbens, is a creeping perennial native to Southern Africa. Traditional healers use the roots to treat pain, fever, poor appetite, rheumatism, arthritis, ulcers, and boils. It is also used as a general tonic. The active ingredients include iridoid glycosides such as harpagoside, harpagide and procumbide. The plant has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antirheumatic actions.
Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster recommend devil's claw for gout for both its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. They state that poor digestion of proteins can cause the buildup of uric acid and painful crystals. They recommend a standardized extract with at least 1.5 percent harpagoside. Devil's claw should not be used during pregnancy or by people with gastrointestinal or coronary disorders.
Gravel Root
Gravel root, or Eupatorium purpureum, is a perennial herb found in North American prairies. Also known as Joe-Pye weed, gravel root is traditionally used to treat kidney stones, urinary tract infections, rheumatism and gout. The plant contains volatile oil, flavonoids and resin and it has diuretic, antilithic and antirheumatic actions. Clinical herbalist David Hoffmann recommends a formula composed of a tincture of gravel root, couch grass, celery seed and guaiacum, taken together with a tea made from nettle. People with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should avoid this remedy.
References
- Planta Medica: The dual actions of Paederia scandens extract as a hypouricemic agent: xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity and uricosuric effect.
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
