Gout hurts. There are over 100 types of arthritis affecting Americans, according to Harvard Health Publications, including gout. The disease affects primarily the joints of the feet and hands, causing crippling pain, inflammation and swelling. Numerous alternative and natural products are available for treating gout. Celery seed is a natural, readily available and inexpensive herb that may help control gout attacks and reduce pain. Because celery seed may cause side effects, speak with your healthcare practitioner before using it medicinally.
Gout
Gout is caused by excessively high levels of uric acid in the blood that form urate kidney stones and uric acid crystals in the joints. The crystals are sharp, needle-shaped deposits that stab and irritate the tender tissues surrounding the joints. The joint of the big toe is especially prone to gout.
Causes
High uric acid levels are attributed to a variety of causes including obesity, kidney disease, genetics and nutrition. Uric acid is the by product of purine breakdown. Purines are substances that form as a result of the breakdown of animal proteins and fats. A diet high in these foods can often precede your first gout attack and continue to cause pain until you reduce eliminate the offending foods from your diet. You may be able to prevent a gout attack by reducing red meat, organ meats, shell fish, high-fat dairy products and alcohol from your diet.
Celery Seed
Preventing repeated gout attacks and managing your disease may involve several approaches along with changing your diet. Certain herbs are known to relieve gout symptoms, reduce swelling and lessen stiffness of the joints. Ayurvedic medicine has employed celery seed for the treatment of flu, colds, edema, indigestion and joint disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Celery seed is used as a diuretic and a urinary antiseptic, according to Mercer University, and is helpful in drawing off excess fluids that build up around swollen, edematous joints. It is also an excellent anti-inflammatory and some people find it helpful for reducing pain and stiffness in gout and other arthritic conditions. It helps lessen muscular spasms, calm the nerves, and relieve depression.
Precautions
Only use organic celery seeds made for medicinal purposes if you are taking them frequently to control gout. These are available at health food stores and apothecaries. Seeds made for culinary use or for gardening may have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals that can cause unknown health problems when taking in medicinal doses. Do not take celery seeds if you are pregnant because they can cause uterine contractions and bleeding. Some people become sensitive to the sun's rays and develop rashes and other skin allergies. If you develop problems with your skin, stop taking them and consult your healthcare practitioner.
References
- Mercer University: Celery Seed
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Celery Seed
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs with all their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- Harvard Health Publications-Harvard Medical School: Arthritis--Keeping Your Joints Healthy
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