Gout occurs when excessive amounts of uric acid in the blood, urine and tissues crystallize in the joints. Gout is a type of arthritis in which people are unable to break down and excrete uric acid, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. It usually comes on suddenly and lasts several hours to days, causing severe foot and toe pain. Herbal remedies can be helpful in treating gout because they are readily available and do not have the deleterious side-effects that traditional medication sometimes has.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is an herb used in medieval Europe as a diuretic and to treat joint pain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Today it is used to treat arthritis, eczema, muscle and joint pain, anemia and gout. It is available in dried leaf form, as a freeze-dried leaf, extract, root tincture and in capsule form. Stinging nettle can be prepared as a tea by pouring hot water over 2 to 3 tsp. of dried leaves and steeping them for a few minutes to help with fluid retention in gout patients. It is also available as a cream that can be rubbed on the foot affected by gout to reduce pain and swelling.
Ginger Root
Ginger has been used to treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea and heart conditions. This herb is useful in treating gout because it reduces inflammation. It is available as fresh ginger root, in capsule and tablet form, and as extracts and tinctures. To relieve pain, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests drinking tea made from ginger juice or extract three times per day (2 to 3g total).
Red Clover
Red clover is an herb that contains isoflavones, which are plant-based chemicals that produce estrogen-like effects. It also acts as a diuretic and helps to improve circulation. Red clover is available in teas, powders, extracts and in creams. For gout symptoms, drink two to three cups of red clover tea. You can also use a topical cream made with red clover and apply it to the affected gout areas to improve circulation.
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw is a herb used for degenerative joint diseases, such as arthritis, and for low back pain. It is a good herb for gout because of its ability to reduce inflammation and pain. It contains glycosoides, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Devil's claw is available in capsules, tablets, extracts and in topical creams. You can take 250mg capsules or tablets three times daily to help with the pain and inflammation of gout. Topical creams containing devil's claw can also be applied to the affected gout areas.
Celery Seed
Celery seed is a herb that was used in ancient times in Ayurvedic medicine to treat water-retention, flu, colds and arthritis. Today, it is successfully used as a diuretic and has been used in treating arthritis and gout. Celery seed is available as dried or fresh seeds, in tablets, celery seed oil capsules, and as an extract. If taking in oil capsule form, you can take one to two capsules per day to help with gout symptoms and reduce swelling. Fresh or dried celery seeds can be made as a tea by pouring hot water over 2g of crushed seeds, steeping for 10 to 20 minutes before drinking.
