A guide to home remedies for gout

Gout is the build-up of uric acid. When wastes are broken down, uric acid forms. If it isn’t dissolved and processed normally in the blood, it will build up and will crystallise in the joints. There are some build-ups that are so large they can be seen through the skin in patches. When this happens, they are called tophi. Typical flares last five to ten days and usually occurs in the big toe. Approximately 75% of people who experience gout will have their flares in their big toe. Gout relief is from having a pain remedy and reducing flare-ups.

Home remedies

Home remedies for gout include taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. This can lower the pain by reducing the swelling and inflammation of the joint. You will need to not put weight on the joint, keep the joint from moving, and keep it elevated as often as possible. Elevating the joint can lower the blood rush to the joint.

Food avoidance

Foods that have been reported to have a high amount of purines, the waste materials responsible for gout, include sardines, sweetbreads, smelt, yeast, herring, mussels, and hearts. Foods that are considered “moderately high” for purine levels include grouse, mutton, veal, bacon, anchovies, liver, salmon, turkey, trout, partridge, kidneys, turkey, goose haddock, pheasant, and scallops. Diet modification can help to decrease the frequency and the severity of gout flare-ups.

Herbal remedies

Herbal remedies for gout include the anti-inflammatory agents of ginger root, devil’s claw, and meadowsweet. There is a chemical in these herbs that is synthesised to create aspirin. They can keep inflammation reduced in the joints, which can reduce pain and tenderness. An herbalist may also prescribe cayenne, feverfew, frankincense, and licorice.

Natural remedies

Natural gout remedies can be in the form of mind and body medicine. Relaxing through breathing techniques is one way to help to reduce pain, as is meditation or other forms of relaxation techniques. Apple preserves and cherries can help. Apples may help in acid neutralisation and cherries can clean kidneys and remove toxins. The chicory spice is said to help relieve gout’s symptoms in old folklore remedy books. Other foods include mustard powder and thyme as gout relievers.