In the ancient times, all diseases were cured using natural remedies. One such disease which can be completely cured through natural remedies and diet control alone is Gout. It is an excruciatingly painful condition that affects thousands of people annually. Gout is generally characterized by pain and inflammation in the joint regions-mainly the feet, thumbs, knees as well as the heels. It occurs due to uncontrolled uric acid levels in the blood that crystallize into sharp needle like crystals which cause intense pain in the joints.
Following are some effective natural home remedies for gout that are proven to really work.
1. Eat a low purine diet
Purine foods are foods that get converted into uric acid. High purine foods include organ meats, shellfish, yeast, sardines, anchovies and seafood. Medium purine foods include legumes, spinach, asparagus, mushrooms and poultry. Gout sufferers must stay away from tomatoes, oranges and orange juice. One must also eat a low to moderate protein diet. Eat plenty of cherries, grapes, blueberries and pineapples and consume at least half pound of fresh fruits daily. Apple is particularly beneficial against gout-so eat one apple daily.
2. Avoid refined sugars and alcoholic beverages
Other dietary considerations to prevent gout attacks include staying away from alcohol, caffeine and sugary items such as honey, molasses, maple syrup, refined sugars, corn syrup etc.
3. Supplements
Many supplements can be taken as a part of natural home remedies for gout.
- Bromelain– This is naturally found in pineapples and is naturally anti-inflammatory.
- Folic acid– Take 10-40 mg daily.
- Linseed or flaxseed oil– Do ensure buying the best quality of such oils and take up to 1 tablespoon per day. The best quality oil is available in ultraviolet resistant containers.
4. Ginger
There are many uses of ginger for gout. You can take it internally or apply ginger paste topically to affected painful areas. Add grated ginger root to tea, soups, salads etc. Alternatively, take ginger root extracts, tinctures or pills.
5. Apple cider vinegar- a powerful gout remedy
ACV is a powerful gout remedy. Take 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered organic AVC in a glass of water first thing each morning to reduce gout attacks.
6. Baking soda
Baking soda neutralizes the uric acid to prevent gout pain. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink the mixture 4 times daily. Avoid this gout home remedy if you have high blood pressure.
7. Lime and lemon juice
The citric acid in lime and lemon juice can counter the uric acid which aggravates gout pain. Patients suffering from chronic attacks must drink a glass of lemon or lime juice daily after meals to reduce pain.
8. Mustard powder
Mustard is a popular spice used for flavoring many dishes but it is also a natural remedy for reducing uric acid and subsequent gout pain. Mix equal quantities of mustard powder and wheat flour with little water to make a plaster. Apply this paste to the painful heel, knee, thumb or foot. (First apply some lard or petroleum jelly on the affected area before applying the mustard poultice). Leave the paste overnight by covering with a light bandage.Use this home remedy for gout for several weeks to see significant reduction in pain.
9. Activated charcoal powder
Activated charcoal powder can throw out toxins from the body which helps reduce gout pain. Mix half a cup of activated charcoal with some water to make a thick paste and add this paste to a tub bath filled to half its capacity with hot water. Soak in this bath to get immediate relief from gout arthritis. Take this bath three times a day as part of natural home remedies for gout that work. You can even orally consume activated charcoal pills but do consult a doctor before doing so.
10. Water
Drink plenty of water every day. Water flushes out the toxic waste including uric acid to prevent all kinds of diseases.
11. Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is an important natural remedy for gout pain in the foot, knee or heels. Soak in hot water tub bath daily. Hot water soothes aching muscles and relieves pain.
12. Juniper essential oil
The oil of Juniper can be applied to relieve pain in thumb or knees.
13. Safflower
Safflower oil is a powerful natural remedy to counter arthritic pain in joints. You can use the oil for cooking or take a daily capsule containing safflower oil.
14. Elm leaf tea
Elm leaf tea can give instant relief from all kinds of aches and pains.
15. Juice of French beans
Make a juice of French beans and drink this daily for a month as part of ayurvedic home remedies for gout.
16. Carrot beetroot and cucumber juice
Make a juice of carrots, beetroot and cucumber with little water. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Drink this daily for a month to see relief in painful arthritis.
17. Castor oil poultice
Take some warm castor oil and apply it on painful thumb, heel or foot. This is an effective remedy that really works.
18. Homeopathic remedies for gout
Many homeopathic gout remedies work slowly but surely to treat gout pain.
- Aconite: For pain in the feet
- Colchicum– This is effective for pain accompanied by redness.
- Belladonna– This homeopathic remedy can counter pain, swelling of joints and redness of the skin.
- Ledum– This is one of the powerful homeopathic remedies for pain in the feet accompanied by coldness.
Other homeopathic gout remedies that work include Bryonia, Rhododendron, Sulfur and Rhus toxicodendron.
Apart from these home remedies for gout, drink plenty of water, exercise moderately and avoid taking diuretic medicines. These lifestyle changes will certainly help prevent painful chronic attacks.