Gout Natural Remedies & Treatments
Gout is a specific type of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the joints. The two types include acute gout, which is a painful condition that usually only affects one particular joint, and chronic gout which usually involves more than one joint with repeated episodes of pain and inflammation.
Gout is indicated by high levels of uric acid in your body. That is to say, levels that are higher than normal. However, not everyone with high levels of uric acid has gout. It may be that your body is making too much uric acid, or possibly your body could be having a hard time eliminating it. If too much of this uric acid builds up in the fluid around the joints, crystals will form. It is these crystals that cause the joint to become inflamed.
While the exact cause of gout is not known, heredity may be a factor. Gout tends to be more common in men than in women. And there also seems to be a higher incidence in people who consume alcohol.
Post-menopausal women also seem to be at risk. Gout can develop in people with kidney disease, diabetes, leukemia, and obesity among other things.
Typical treatments for gout have included the taking of steroids, or anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen sodium or ibuprofen. These, however, usually only offer temporary relief. More natural approaches to curing gout include diet and lifestyle changes such as getting plenty of carbohydrates, avoiding fatty foods, avoiding alcohol, and limiting your intake of meats. There are also many naturally occurring anti-inflammatory properties in many of the herbs and spices that we eat. A multitude of books are available with information about the healing properties of herbs.
Also, if you need to lose weight, lose it slowly because rapid weight loss may cause the formation of uric acid kidney stones. And of course, consult with a physician before beginning any weight loss program. Making lifestyle changes such as these can allow people with gout to live a fairly normal life, and possibly eliminate it altogether.
Here are a few of the most popular herbs used in herbal therapies:
Echinacea: This has been claimed to boost the body's immune system to help fight off infections. It has been widely used to treat the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections
Goldenseal: This is typically used as an antibiotic. It is often used in conjunction with Echinacea to ward off the common cold or the flu.
Rose Hips: This is a good source of vitamin C.
Chamomile: This is often used for calming overly stressed nerves, relieving stomach pain, preventing ulcers, and fighting infection.
Garlic: This is known to be a potent natural antibiotic, with natural anti-viral properties. It aids in the reduction of cholesterol and prevents the formation of internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks.
Slippery Elm Bark: This is helpful for soothing sore throats, coughs, and stomach disorders.
Ginseng: This is used to help stimulate the immune system. It aids protecting of the liver from toxic things. And it has widely been used to increase stamina.
Dandelion: This is helpful in relieving premenstrual bloating.
Feverfew: This has been used to aid in the prevention of migraine headaches.
Raspberry Leaf: This is popular in the treatment of morning sickness and uterine infection. It has also been known to aid in the prevention of miscarriage.
Spearmint & Peppermint: These are typically used in the treatment of indigestion.
Comfrey: This is often used in the treatment of cuts or bruises.
Senna: This is a very powerful natural laxative.
Uva Ursi: This is used as a natural diuretic. It is also known for its urinary antiseptic effects.
Ginger: This has been used to help prevent motion sickness. Also used in the prevention of internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks.
Licorice: A digestive aid. Also good for soothing sore throats and treating ulcers.
Remember, before starting any kind of herbal therapy, learn as much as possible about any contraindications, or any allergies that you may have. And you may want to consult with a reputable herbalist to help with your individual needs.
Please continue browsing this site to discover a new world of simple, natural remedies and cures.