Gout occurs when there is an excess of uric acid in the body and the kidneys cannot get rid of it effectively. The acid crystallizes into tiny sharp deposits like miniature needles. These collect in joints in the toes or feet but sometimes elsewhere such as earlobes, causing intense pain and inflammation. The first sign of an attack may in fact be a feverish feeling, before the joint swells. People who suffer from gout are, understandably, extremely bad tempered and undoubtedly resent the sniggers it causes. Pleasant Soothing herbal teas, a light diet and any entertainment guaranteed to keep the blood pressure down are the best answers although there are alternatives.
Home remedies for Gout
Aromatherapy - In an acute attack it is definitely not appropriate to massage the affected area - there is too much inflammation, Instead, use oils in cool or cold compresses to reduce the discomfort. For a detoxifying effect, try Cypress Fennel, Juniper, Lemon or Pine oils. These may also be used in the bath. As the swelling and inflammation reduce, perhaps switch to oils such as Lavender or Rosemary for inducing local warmth and flushing toxins out of the joints.
Herbalism - Take Celery Seed 2 to 3 cupfuls a day for acute attacks of gout and to encourage strongly the excretion of uric acid.
Home Treatment for Gout
Uric acid may accumulate within the kidneys themselves, leading to kidney stones, which may have to be surgically removed. Generally speaking, all the advice for Arthritis will be applicable to gout.
An acute attack of gout is extremely painful and may require medical treatment. Try reducing food to a minimum but make sure to drink plenty of water, which will encourage removal of uric acid from the body.
Homeopathy - A couple of home remedies that often give some relief are -
Arnica: for repeated attacks of gout, especially affecting the big toe with hot, painful and very tender joints.
Rhus Tox: a versatile remedy for most rheumatic or arthritic problems.
Naturopathy - Use cold compresses to reduce the swelling, switching to hot/cold applications in the longer term to encourage better circulation around the joint. Increase vegetable intake, especially raw or juiced, for a more alkaline intake, and cut out cheese, red wine (in the short term all alcohol), red meats, coffee and strong tea. When the swelling and inflammation has subsided, increase exercise to maintain joint mobility.
Drink plenty of mineral or spring water to encourage kidney action. Pain can be eased with some of the herbs discussed above.
Treatment for Gout By Home Remedy
The best and most devious remedy for gout that I have heard of to date is that of advising the patient to get undressed in the early evening hours, swathe him or herself in blankets and sit in hot water up to the knees prior to retiring to bed before 10 o'clock.
Bran and vinegar poultice or tallow and garlic shared equal popularity with a thick covering of treacle or honey applied on a flannel cloth. However, the most highly prized infusion with which to bathe a gouty toe was made from meadow saffron which, in the language of flowers, means my best days are over - a message hardly conducive to improving the Gout patient's spirits.
