Gout

What you need to know

Although gout is one of more than 200 types of arthritis, its causes are very different from many of the others. Most of the natural remedy and complementary advice is similar, but there are significant differences in dietary guidelines for this condition.

The most useful Supplements:

Other supplements which might bring relief include:

• Bromelain,
• Flaxseed oil 
• Vitamin B6
• Zinc

The most useful Herbs:

Many anti-inflammatory herbs are known to be effective in reducing the pain of this condition.

Other herbs that could help:

• Birch
• Black Cohosh
• Boswellia
• Curcumin (Turmeric)
• Meadowsweet
• Poplar

Homoeopathy

The following homoeopathic remedies can help, but it is advisable to seek professional guidance to assess your individual needs. 

• Belladonna
• Byronia
• Guaiacum
• Rhododendron
• Sulphur

Aromatherapy

For killing the pain the following Aromatherapy oils can be used either directly in the bath, or a foot or hand bath, or having a relaxing professional massage:

• Eucalyptus
• Ginger
• Juniper
• Lavender
• Roman chamomile

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

People suffering from need to avoid ALL:

Instead, you should eat lots of all the cherries and berries for antioxidants which protect the joints. These are most important as they help get rid of uric acid, which is a factor in gout.

• Drink at least 2 litres of water every day to help keep the joints well hydrated and to assist in flushing uric acid out of the body. 
• Ginger is also worth trying in your cooking. There’s now significant scientific evidence to show that it works and many naturopaths recommend not only the medicinal extract of Chinese Ginger, but also the use of Ginger in cooking and as Ginger teas.

Traditional remedies

Another, rather unusual treatment, which many people find instantly soothing is cabbage poultices. Take one or two large outer cabbage leaves from a green cabbage, bruise them with a wooden spoon or rolling pin, heat in a micro-wave, steamer, over or on a radiator, wait until they’re still warm but comfortable to handle, then wrap them around the painful joint and keep in place with a towel or long bandage.

Other useful advice

If your joints are very painful, it’s tempting and understandable that you’ll just want to rest them. That’s the worst thing you can do. Exercise keeps the supportive muscles healthy, which helps the joints become more supple. You need exercise, which is non weight-bearing - which means you’re not on your feet putting pressure on your painful joints. Swimming is ideal as the water bears the weight for you.

Several complementary therapies will also keep you mobile if you have a severe attack of gout.

They include:

• Alexander Technique
• Naturopathy - for full diet advice and hydrotherapy
• Reflexology
• Yoga

If you are already taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids, it is important to know that some may cause you to loose certain nutrients. A general multivitamin and mineral supplement will help to offset these loses. 

It may also be useful to take either Cayenne or DGL Liquorice to help protect stomach lining from the damaging effects of certain types of these drugs, especially aspirin. slippery elm or marshmallow is also protective to the digestive system.

The herb, Milk thistle will also protect the liver from the burden of certain medicines, in particular  paracetemol.

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This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.