Natural Herbs for Gout

Gout, an acute form of arthritis signified by the sudden onset of intense pain, redness and swelling in one or more joints, is a result of high uric acid levels in the patient's blood. Although any joint in the body may develop gout, this painful condition usually strikes the extremities, frequently focusing on the large joint in the big toe. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, but you may also experience some relief from natural herbs. Consult your doctor for an initial gout diagnosis before starting on an herbal treatment program.

Leafy Herbs

Chiso, an invasive herb originally from Japan with mintlike qualities, may alleviate gout due to its ability to block xanthine oxidase (XO) , which then restricts the body's production of uric acid. Licorice root may also act as a mild XO inhibitor.
Turmeric, a Middle Eastern spice found in curry seasonings, may offer relief for the pain caused by a gout episode, and bark from the willow tree, when chewed or steeped as a tea, may reduce inflammation and act as a pain reliever. Willow is an herbal substitute for aspirin and it may also reduce uric acid levels.
The leaves from the cat's claw plant may be beneficial in reducing inflammation. Olive leaves and leaves from the oat plant act as diuretics in the body, reducing excess fluid that aggravates the pain of gout.

Berries

High in flavonoids, the substance that lowers uric acid levels, some berry plants may offer relief to patients when an episode of gout strikes. The "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" suggests hawthorn berries, elderberries, blackberries and cherries as beneficial sources of flavonoids.
Gout patients may choose capsules that contain the dried, ground berries, or they may drink commercially prepared juices or eat fresh or dried berries to reduce uric acid levels.

Kidney Protection

Gale reports that the high uric acid levels present during a gout flare-up may strain the kidneys. To protect kidney health, you may sip tea made from nettles or devil's claw.