American ginseng and Korean ginseng are from the same plant family and both contain the same constituents, although in Korean ginseng, they may be stronger. Although neither form of ginseng is directly related to gout, the herb may reduce blood sugar levels, which may in turn have an effect on the disorder. Gout is a painful condition, and herbal remedies cannot replace professional medical advice. In addition, ginseng may cause side effects. See your doctor if you suffer from gout flare-ups and use ginseng only as part of a doctor-recommended treatment program.
Gout Basics
Gout is a form of arthritis that focuses on the joints, usually the big toe, but it may occur in any joint. When uric acid levels are high in your body, urate crystals can develop in the joint region, resulting in intense pain, redness and swelling.
In his book "Prescription for Natural Cures," James Balch, M.D., reports that uric acid is a byproduct of protein breakdown. Purines, a type of protein, are components produced in the body, but when the body cannot break down the purines quickly, uric acid levels can increase. Balch explains that this situation may be related to a diet high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats that raises blood sugar levels.
Ginseng
Both types of ginseng contain ginsenosides and saponins glycosides, which can decrease blood sugar through a process called glucose metabolism. Ginseng may also stimulate the body's production of insulin, which also lowers blood glucose levels. At reduced blood sugar levels, the risk of developing excess uric acid is also lower. Ginseng, however, is not a common treatment for gout, and there is no clinical evidence that it is effective.
Potential Benefits and Method
The "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" suggests making a tea from fresh ginseng root by slicing the root thinly and simmering it in water for at least 45 minutes to extract the constituents. Ginseng is also available in health food stores in tea form, or in tablets, capsules and tinctures. Follow the package dosage instructions, or contact your doctor for specific dosing advice.
Considerations
Gout may redevelop, especially if you have a family history of it, or if you drink alcohol frequently. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels and arteriosclerosis are also contributing factors. Men are more likely than women are to develop gout.
Ginseng may cause side effects in some, which increase with higher-than-recommended dosages. Korean ginseng, being stronger, is more likely than American ginseng to cause side effects, which may include breast soreness and vaginal bleeding in women, insomnia, nervousness, dizziness, headache, visual disturbances and abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Consult your doctor if you have symptoms of gout before taking ginseng.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Gout Causes
- "Prescription for Natural Cures"; James F. Balch, MD, 2004
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
