Natural remedies for gout – Part 1
For years, taste has been treated with powerful drugs. The downside of the drugs is the frequent and sometimes dangerous side effects. Some experts believe that the drugs may even worsen the condition in the long term. Because of this, many people choose alternative remedies and therapies to relieve gout symptoms.
The cherry theory There are a plethora of alternative supplements, remedies, and therapies for gout. One theory that has been widely discussed is the use of cherries to help eliminate symptoms. Experts who believe this theory recommend eating half a pound of cherries a day, whether they are canned, frozen, or fresh. Dark berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and cherries, are thought to contain chemicals that lower uric acid and reduce inflammation.
Muraleedharan Nair, principal investigator of the ‘cherry project’ at Michigan State University, explains: “Twenty cherries provide 25 milligrams of anthocyanins, which help shut down the enzymes that cause tissue inflammation in the first place so that the cherries can prevent and treat many kinds of bread”.
More research is being done to determine the true health benefits of cherries. At least it is an easy and appetizing consumption. Many gout sufferers opt for the RDA of cherries with cherry juice or concentrate. I can easily polish a half pound of frozen cherries into a smoothie with soy milk, or with a few cashews in the food processor as a parfait.
Natural Supplements
You may be wondering about natural supplements and creams that claim to provide instant pain relief. Of course ‘quick cures’ sound great for anyone with an acute attack of gout, but most of these products are useless and expensive. However, there are a few worth considering:
DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
These are natural remedies considered effective for the taste. DMSO is an industrial solvent and was discovered in the 1960s that it could penetrate human skin and was shown to relieve pain and swelling, relax muscles, relieve arthritis, improve blood supply, and slow the growth of bacteria. . It is widely used in sports medicine for obvious reasons.
MSM is a naturally occurring substance found in plants, dairy products, meats, fruits, and vegetables. It is a soluble, odorless and tasteless crystalline solid in its pure form.
Once DMSO or MSM (in capsule, powder, or cream form) is used, the pain is supposed to go away within minutes, although there have not been enough scientific studies to verify the benefits. DMSO should not be used during an acute attack of gout, as it can make the gout “quite angry.”
bee venom
Another supplement still under study is the use of bee venom to reduce inflammation and swelling. This form of treatment has been around for thousands of years, but at this time there is no substantial medical evidence that it helps arthritis conditions.
Natural medicine
Many natural remedies, often stemming from folk lore, have been attributed to relieving gout symptoms for various reasons. Below is a list of alternative home remedies, although in many cases there is no scientific proof of their effectiveness. Still, they are profitable and generally harmless. But before using these remedies, consult your doctor or a professional trained in the use of health supplements so that you understand the proper dosages and associated risks, such as drug interactions, etc.
Apple cider vinegar
While it certainly provides many health benefits, there are mixed opinions about the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar on flavor. The theory is that the vinegar changes the pH of the blood so that the crystals go into solution and are excreted. Two tablespoons a day are recommended. If you can’t digest it on your own, try adding the cider to a glass of water with a teaspoon of honey.
Blueberry
Cranberry contains compounds called anthocyanidins and flavonoids that are useful for gout, as these substances reduce uric acid levels and delay tissue destruction. Both the leaves and the berries can be taken in pill or tea form, or the berries can be chewed, stewed, or made into jam.
celery seeds
These seeds are mainly used as a diuretic to promote the excretion of urine. Laboratory studies have also found that compounds in celery seed and its essential oil may help reduce muscle spasms, calm nerves, and reduce inflammation. Some experts claim that the seeds relieve pain associated with the taste.
chinese tiger balm
This herbal topical preparation is used to decrease the pain of rheumatism. The preparation contains aromatic camphor, menthol, peppermint, clove, and cajeput (an East Indian oil) oils that increase blood flow to the skin’s surface. For relief, massage the sore area with Tiger Balm for up to fifteen minutes, three to four times a day.
In Part 2 of this article, you will learn about turmeric, nettle, juniper berry, gravel root, devil’s claw, and dandelion root as natural remedies for gout.
