Gout is an arthritic disorder that usually attacks the joint of your big toe. Gout results from high serum uric acid levels that create needle-like urate crystals around your joints, causing pain and inflammation. Diet, certain medications, and disorders like hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes can put you at risk for gout attacks. Conventional treatments may include NSAIDs and steroids, but these can have serious side effects. Herbs have a long history of relieving its symptoms. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal therapy for gout.
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw, or Harpagophytum procumbens, is a creeping perennial with violet trumpet-like flowers native to southern Africa. Traditional healers use an infusion of the roots to treat digestive problems and inflammatory disorders. The active ingredients include iridoid glycosides, which have potent anti-inflammatory action. Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal herb specialist Steven Foster recommend devil's claw for gout because it may reduce pain and inflammation and control uric acid levels by facilitating the proper digestion of proteins. Do not use devil's claw if you are pregnant, or have heart problems, gastric ulcers or duodenal ulcers.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa, or Medicago sativa, is a perennial with tiny clusters of blue-violet flowers. It is better known as fodder for grazing animals, but traditional healers use the stems, leaves and seeds as a general tonic and to treat high cholesterol. Alfalfa, which is rich in amino acids, flavonoids, saponins and steroids, has anti-inflammatory properties. According to Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, alfalfa contains the proteins and minerals needed to aid digestion and reduce uric acid. They recommend taking daily capsules of 2000 to 3000mg. Do not use alfalfa if you are pregnant, diabetic, have an estrogen-based disorder, are using blood thinners, or have cancer or lupus. Children, the elderly, or people with a compromised immune system should be careful when eating alfalfa sprouts, as they could be contaminated with bacteria. Excessive doses of alfalfa seeds or sprouts may lead to autoimmune disorders.
Pseudocinnamomum
Pseudocinnamomum, or Cinnamomum osmophloeum, is an evergreen tree native to Taiwan. Traditional healers use the essential oil from the leaves and bark to treat fungal and bacterial infections, scabies, diabetes and inflammatory disorders. The main ingredient in the oil is cinnamaldehyde, which has antimicrobial and anticancer properties. A study by S. Y. Wang and colleagues, published in the August 2008 issue of "Phytomedicine," tested a leaf extract rich in cinnamaldehyde on animals with induced high uric acid levels. The study found that cinnamaldehyde inhibited xanthine oxidase, an enzyme that creates uric acid. Before using pseudocinnamomum essential oil for gout, consult your doctor for proper dosage.
References
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing": Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
- "Phytomedicine": Essential oil from leaves of Cinnamomum osmophloeum acts as a xanthine oxidase inhibitor and reduces the serum uric acid levels in oxonate-induced mice.
