Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when the blood and tissues contain a large amount of uric acid. The uric acid forms sharp, needle-like crystals that congregate in the joints. Attacks can appear suddenly and can last from a few hours to several days. Attacks are extremely painful. Attacks frequently affect the big toe, the ear, the heel of the hand, joints in the hand, ankles, knees, elbows, and wrists, causing inflammation, swelling and intense pain. The people most commonly affected by gout are men who are middle-aged and older.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gout may include rapid onset of severe pain in the big toe, tender, swollen and warm joints, red skin on the joints, an increased heartbeat, bursitis and sometimes fever or chills.
Causes
People who suffer from gout have a deficiency in a digestive enzyme called uricase, which breaks down uric acid. Uric acid comes from purines in certain foods like coffee, meat, shellfish and alcohol. Gout is associated with other ailments like high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, atherosclerosis and kidney stones. Heredity may play a factor in developing the ailment. Women don't usually become afflicted until after menopause. Other causes may include stress, surgery, injury, antibiotic use, Candida infections, vitamin deficiency, chemotherapy, hypothyroidism, kidney failure and other diseases like leukemia, myeloma and psoriasis. Some studies suggest that lead poisoning may also play a part.
Cautions
Untreated gout may lead to kidney stones and kidney disease. See a medical professional if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Lemon – drink the juice of one fresh lemon in a glass of lukewarm water after every meal. Lemon juice stimulates the formation of calcium carbonate in the body, which neutralizes acids in the body, including uric acid.
- Alfalfa – this herb is a good source of minerals and nutrients the body needs. This will help reduce uric acid from building up.
- Burdock - acts as a diuretic and helps to remove uric acid - take as decoction or in liquid extract form.
- Black cohosh – this herb will moderate the acidity of the blood, helping prevent attacks.
- Celery – this herb helps eliminate uric acid. Cook a tablespoon of seeds in 2 cups of water until they are softened. Strain the liquid and drink a half cup four times per day. This remedy should not be used by pregnant women.
- Devil's claw – this herb helps reduce uric acid and has anti-inflammatory properties. Take 400 mg of dried extract up to 3 times per day for as long as needed.
- Chicory and Cornsilk - both help ease inflammation, drink 2-3 cups a day.
- Oats - drink an infusion of 3-4grams of dried herb that has been steeped in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Drink 3 cups a day to relieve inflammation.
External Applications
- Castor – pour warmed castor oil on a piece of flannel, wring out the excess and place over painful joints. Cover with plastic wrap and apply a heating pad for 1 hour twice a day to relieve pain.
- Cayenne – boil 1 tablespoon of cayenne in 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water. Dab the mixture onto the affected joint for pain relief. Alternatively, you may mix cayenne with just enough wintergreen oil to make a paste and apply it to the sore joint.
- Ginger – add 1/3 cup of powdered ginger to your bath and soak in it for about half an hour. The ginger will stimulate sweating, which will help eliminate uric acid from your body. When finished, be sure to rinse off thoroughly to avoid skin irritation from the ginger drying on your skin.