Treat Gout at Home:
Top 6 Natural Remedies for Gout

Gout - also called gouty arthritis - is inflammatory arthritis that affects the joint. Gout mainly occurs in the toes but can cause pain and discomfort to ankles, knees, heels, and wrists.

Gout occurs due to a high build-up of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is produced by the metabolism of purines (building blocks of DNA, important for blood circulation, digestion, and nutrient absorption). This uric acid is then transferred to the kidney by the blood to get out of the body. When the uric acid level is unusually high, it causes gout pain (hyperuricemia).

When gout causes extreme pain suddenly, it is called a gout attack or gout flare. Typically, it affects one joint at a time but can trigger other joints too. Gout causes pain, swelling, redness, and joint tenderness in the ankle, knees, and toes.

In 2017, there were around 34.5 million gout patients worldwide. This number is expected to increase to 38.5 million per year by 2026. The incidence of gout is increasing year by year, particularly in males.

There is no cure for gout. Dietary changes (to reduce purine in the diet), medications, and natural remedies work best to tone down a gout flare. Here is a list of natural remedies that you can use to treat gout:

1. Cherries:

Cherries are one of the most effective natural remedies for gout. They contain high amounts of an anti-inflammatory compound called anthocyanins. Thus, they help reduce pain and swelling associated with gout attacks.

According to a study published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatology, three servings of cherries (one serving to contain half a cup of cherries) over 2 days decrease up to 35% risk of a gout flare.

You can consume cherries in any form: black, red, sweet, sour, raw, juice, or extract supplements.

2. Fenugreek:

Fenugreek has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it helps in treating gout pain and swelling. It reduces internal and external inflammation of the body.

Consuming fenugreek seeds daily also reduces uric acid levels in the body. Soak a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and drink it in the morning. Chew the soaked seeds.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar:

There are countless health benefits of apple cider vinegar. Thus, it has been used anecdotally for several problems and diseases. While there’s no extensive research, some preliminary findings suggest it is a good remedy for gout.

Acetic acid- the key ingredient of ACV- reduces several risk factors for gout, such as inflammation, cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. As per an animal study, mice received high doses of ACV containing 4% acetic acid. It resulted in reduced fat deposit, inflammation, and body weight.

The drink containing lemon, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar for gout is the perfect remedy. Add juice from half a lemon into warm water. Put in two teaspoons of turmeric and a teaspoon of vinegar. Drink it 2-3 times a day.

4. Turmeric:

Turmeric - the golden herb - is a perfect natural remedy for gout.

It contains an anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. According to a study, curcumin blocks a protein called Nuclear Factor-kappa B. This protein plays out different inflammatory conditions, including gout.

Turmeric also reduces the activity of Xanthine oxidase, an enzyme that produces uric acid. Moreover, turmeric has pain-relieving properties. It reduces the pain and swelling in the joints affected by gout. Drink turmeric milk or make a turmeric-vinegar-lemon drink for regular use.

5. Ginger:

Ginger has research-backed benefits for treating gout. It removes uric acid from the body, reduces inflammation, and subsides pain.

As per a study, serum uric acid levels of the subjects decreased with the use of ginger. The topical application of ginger also provides pain relief from a gout flare.

Ginger Compress: boil a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger with water. Soak a washcloth in the mixture and apply it to the affected area. Do it for 15-30 minutes regularly for pain relief.

Ginger Extract: boil water and steep two teaspoons of ginger for 10 minutes. Drink it 2-3 times a day for better results.

6. Castor Oil:

Massage therapy also works well for treating joint pain due to gout. You can use castor oil topically in massage therapy for gout flares. It breaks down toxins at the affected site and provides pain relief.

Castor oil also has anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it relieves inflammation, swelling, and sore joints. Massage the affected joint with castor oil followed by a hot water pack. Use this therapy for a week for better results.

Takeaway!

All these natural remedies have little to no side effects. However, ask your doctor before utilizing any of it. Also, do not replace your targeted gout treatment with natural alternatives. At least not without consulting your doctor.

There are a few other ways to prevent gouts, such as a healthy diet and exercise. Avoid foods that trigger a gout flare, including sugar and seafood. Moreover, drink plenty of water, get enough rest, and avoid alcohol to cure gouty arthritis.