If you are worried that the gout medications you are taking can be detrimental to your health in the long term, why not try looking into herbal remedies for gout as an alternative? A lot of gout sufferers choose to control gout attacks with herbal medications; a decision that has provided them with excellent results. Combined with a low purine diet, and a generally health lifestyle, herbal remedies can be as good as or even better than prescription medications in terms of reducing gout episodes. Several natural alternatives to gout medications can be used. Some are used to manage acute attacks while others work towards prevention. Three of the gout herbal remedies you can try are devil’s claw, bilberry and nettle root.
Devil’s Claw
Scientifically known as Harpagophytum procumbens, devil’s claw comes with centuries of use as a herbal treatment behind it. It is sometimes referred to as unicorn plant owing to the shape of its seed. Found in Western Texas as well as in parts of Nevada, this plant is most abundant in Africa. According to studies, devil’s claw is a great gout remedy because it lowers uric acid levels in the bloodstream and flushes out toxins from the body. Research reveals that it helps decrease the pain of gout in test participants. Recommended dosages vary as there are different studies made on the plant as to its efficacy as gout herbal remedies. Also useful in the treatment of chronic lower back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and arthritis, devil’s claw popular a viable herbal option to gout pain medications.
Bilberry
Like devil’s claw, bilberry has been used for centuries as a remedy for various ailments. Also known as European blueberry, bilberries contain anthocyanins which enhances blood flow to the joints, thereby reducing the swelling that accompanies a gout attack. Although larger in size, blueberries contain lesser anthocyanins than bilberries but the former provide more anti-oxidants. As herbal gout remedies, bilberries can be taken as an oral supplement or as an herbal tea.
There are some things to be considered when taking bilberry as a gout remedy. Known to decrease blood sugar levels, a diabetic should take bilberry’s capability to induce hypoglycemia. A person with a bleeding disorder should be wary of the effects of bilberry, too, as it can thin the blood. Those who are taking blood thinning medications like warfarin or Coumadin, aspirin, Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs, heparin and others can increase one’s risk for bleeding. Before deciding on taking bilberry, it would be best to seek medical advice.
Nettle Root
It is called “noedl” in Germany and is an herbal remedy frequently used to treat gout. it is also referred to as stinging nettle but this inhospitable plant is known to help decrease uric acid levels. Rich in Vitamin C and potassium, nettle root offers benefits by reducing uric acid levels. According to studies, Vitamin C lowers down uric acid in the bloodstream while potassium facilitates its excretion. A natural diuretic, those who take it as a gout remedy must guard against dehydration. Gout sufferers are particularly advised to take plenty of water even when not using nettle as an alternative remedy. Nettle also has antihistamine effects which reduce swelling. It can be used in soups, teas or as extracts.
As with other herbal remedies, nettle should be taken with caution. Consult your physician before starting the treatment. If you are taking other medications for other conditions, get your doctor’s opinion before taking nettle.
Devil’s claw, bilberries and nettle all have the potential to reduce the pain and trouble that gout often brings. It should however, be considered that they may be contraindicated with the other medications you are currently taking. Ensure safety by taking to your physician before starting on herbal gout remedies regimen. Though natural, taking these remedies offer some risks as they combine with the other medications you are currently taking.