Herbal Remedies for Gout, Ayurvedic Treatment – Causes & Symptoms

Gout is a form of arthritis that usually affects the toe, knee or wrist joints. It is also known as feet disease. Gout is of two types- acute and chronic. In acute type of gout, only one joint is affected whereas in chronic type of gout, more than one joint is affected. Gout leads to inflammation and pain in the joints due to crystallization of uric acid around the joints.

Normally, breakdown of Purines produces Uric acid. The uric acid produced dissolves and goes through the urine via the kidneys. But if the body produces too much uric acid or if the body is not excreting enough uric acid, it starts accumulating in the body. This build up results in the formation of sharp, needle like crystals and leads to the formation of gout.

CAUSES

• Excessive alcohol intake
• Stress
• Due to dehydration
• Lack of exercise
• Due to skipping meals
• Due to intake of aspirin for a prolonged period of time
• Due to increase in the level of uric acid
• After menopause the chances of development of gout increases
• Can be hereditary
• People who are not active and lead a more sedentary life are more prone to develop gout
• Waking up late or sleeping during day time can also lead to the gout
• Overindulgence in physical excercises and sexual activity
• Suppressing the natural urges of the body contributes to the formation of vatarakta.

SYMPTOMS

• Sudden bouts of unbearable pain
• Inflammation and tenderness in the joints
• Affected joints become hot and swollen
• Affected joints are sensitive to touch
• Pain generally persists for 1-2 weeks
• Inability to bend fingers, toes and other affected joints

AYURVEDIC VIEW AND TREATMENT ACCORDING TO CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE

According to ayurveda, gout can be compared with Vatarakta. It is believed that Vatarakta is caused due to the vitiation of the vata dosha. Vata dosha is vitiated due to the intake of spicy, sour, alkaline and heavy diet. The vitiated vata dosha then affects the rakta dhatu and aggravates it. The aggravated vata and rakta dhatu then travel through the channels of the body and get accumulated in the smaller joints causing damage to the tissues and bones of the joint. Hence causing the development of vatarakta.

Ayurvedic formulations useful in case of vatarakta are:

• Kaishore Guggulu
• Panch Tikta Ghrit Guggulu
• Ashwagandha Churna
• Punarnava Mandoor

DIET AND LIFESTYLE

• Avoid taking animal rich diet as organs of animals aggravate the condition of gout.
• Avoid taking alcoholic beverages.
• Consume water containing squeezed juice of half a lemon is highly beneficial in controlling the occurrence of gout.
• Malic acid present in the apple neutralizes the uric acid. Therefore apple must be included in your diet.
• Apply cold compresses on the painful and inflamed joints. This provides a soothing effect over the joints.
• Drink two to three litres of water every day to help kidneys flush out the uric acid out of the body.
• Fruits such as cherries, strawberries, blueberries, grapes are highly beneficial.
• Light excercises are good for the patient. However heavy excercises should be avoided.
• Avoid taking fried, processed, canned foods and fatty substances.
• Sour items like curd should be avoided.
• Prefer taking vegetarian diet and at the same time avoid all meats, eggs and fish.
• Avoid damp and cold places and try to keep your body warm.

HERBAL REMEDIES

• Take one cup of mustard oil and add 10 grams of camphor to it. Heat this till camphor dissolves completely. Now massage with this lukewarm oil on the affected area.
• Apples have malic acid. Therefore, eating one apple after meal daily helps in neutralizing the uric acid and thus reducing the risk of developing gout.
• Add the juice of half a lime to one glass of water. Drink this two times a day. Citric acid present in the lime dissolves the uric acid.
• Wrap few ice cubes in a cloth. Place this on the affected area as this provides relief from the pain.
• Add half teaspoon of baking soda to around eight oz of water. Mix thoroughly and drink maximum eight glasses daily.
• Swallow 2-3 fresh garlic buds with water on an empty stomach in the morning.

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