The treatments of gout are available in various ways of medical science. In alternative medicines gout can be cured in various ways that include Naturopathy, Dietary balance, Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Yoga.
The treatment of gout in Naturopathy involves the patients to maintain a balanced diet that should contain lots of organic fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and a very important dietary addition is wheat grass. Fruits, vegetables and juices assist the excretion of uric acid, and foods that neutralize uric acid are strawberries, cherries, and celery juice, also drink lots of filtered water. The addition of cherry juice to the diet prevents further gout attacks. Foods that are rich in uric acid are not advisable in gout and foods that are rich in Vitamin C and cherries are advisable to eat to lower the uric acid level. Herbal teas, juices, tinctures, compresses and baths help eliminate uric acid and ease pain of gout. Celery, birch leaf and parsley juice are very effective in combating and flushing out uric acid from the tissues.
Moreover, dark red or blue berries are an effective remedy against gout as they contain anthocyanidin which is flavonoids. These components called flavonoids have potent anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to prevent collagen destruction and neutralize excess acidity, including uric acid. Cherries, blueberries and hawthorn berries are rich in anthocyanidins and should be consumed in large amounts to stave off gout. In case of unavailability of cherries alternatives such as hawthorn berries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries can be taken.
Water therapy can prove effective as a treatment of gout. Water therapy can be done in different ways that include internal water therapy and external water therapy. In Internal water therapy, it is advised to drink plenty of water to treat gout and prevent future attacks. This helps to lubricate joints, flush excessive uric acid out of the body, prevent kidney stones, pass small kidney stones and lose weight that are major factors to increase the severity of gout. External water therapy includes two different processes like Contrast hydrotherapy and Standard Hydrotherapy. Contrast hydrotherapy dissolves urate crystals in joints during a gout attack by applying hot and cold compresses. This form of hydrotherapy also helps to alleviate inflammation and reduce pain. It should be used during a gout flare up.
Contrast hydrotherapy involves applying a hot compress to an affected joint for 3 minutes. After removing this compress a cold compress should be applied immediately for 30 seconds. It should be noted that both the cold and hot water are needed to switch from one temperature to the other. Standard hydrotherapy necessitates submerging all or part of the body in water. As water provides a feeling of weightlessness creating a relaxing sensation, it relieves stress from joints. The buoyancy in combination with warm water is what helps to ease pain and decrease muscle spasm. Adding to that the combination of hot water and massage triggers the body to release endorphins (natural painkillers). This helps to relieve pain and ease sore joints.
Dietary changes are necessary for the treatment of gout. High intake of alcohol may cause gout and even make it more severe. So changes in life style and diet are necessary to get rid of this painful disease. It is also important to avoid purine-rich foods like shellfish, liver, brain, kidneys, sweetbreads, beer and liquor which can increase uric acid levels in the blood.
Ayurveda has existed since antiquity and it has been considered as a well researched and effective remedial for diseases for all times and used hugely in the treatment of gout. The practitioners of Ayurveda suggest taking of Arthcare Oil and Capsules to get relief from pain and strengthen bone and muscular tissues. It is also a powerful antioxidant and helps increase the energy level of the body, and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Shallaki capsule are prescribed to reduce swelling and pain in joints. It speeds up cartiledge formation, and improves blood supply to the joints. Ashwagandha is also considered as a medicine that helps in reducing muscle inflammation. Medicines like Kaishor-Guggulu, Yograj-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Vish-Tinduk-Vati, Sameerpannag-Ras, Malla-Sindur, Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina) and Khurasani ova (Hyoscyamus niger) are taken to control the pain, inflammation and tenderness in the joints. Other medicines like Kamdudha-Ras, Chandrakala-Ras, Praval-Bhasma, Chandanasav and Praval-Panchamrut are used to control inflammation and fever in gout. Local application on the affected joint is made of an ointment containing medicines like Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Chandan (Santalum album) and Usheer (Vetiveria zizanioidis) are used to relieve gout. Panch-Tikta-Ghrut, Shata-Dhout-Ghrut, Ksheer-Bala-Oil and Chandan-Bala-Laxadi oil are also applied to alleviate the pain of gout. Severe pain in the affected joint can be controlled quickly by blood-letting with the application of leeches.
After the pain is subsided the medicines are changed to reduce the uric acid levels in the blood and prevent recurrence of attacks. Medicines are recommended for these stages are Gokshuradi-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Chandraprabha-Vati, Punarnavadi-Qadha, Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha and Saarivasav. The herbal medicine, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), is considered the mainstay of treatment for this disease. Therefore, medicinal products containing this medicine like Guduchi-Satwa, Guduchyadi-Qadha, Samshamani-Vati, Amrutadi-Ghrut, Amruta-Guggulu and Amrutadi-Qadha are used on a long-term basis. Kokilaksha (Asteracantha longifolia) and Suranjaan (Colchicum luteum) are also considered very important in the treatment of this condition. Though these medicines have curative effects in gout, they should be taken with proper guidance from the doctor.
Since ancient age, people have been counting on herbal remedies for curative effects in the treatment of gout. Herbal medicines play a vital role in curing gout. This remedial offers proper consumption of a few herbal medicines like Devil`s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) to relieve pain, Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), Gravelroot (Eupatorium pu1pureum) and Celery (Apium graveolens) seed to stimulate elimination of uric acid, Juniper berry for reducing uric acid, Nettle root to increase the excretion of uric acid from the kidneys, Pine-bark and grape-seed extracts to lessen inflammation. Most commonly found herbs that have immense herbal properties are turmeric and ginger which alleviate the pain in gout. Ginger produces prostoglandins and leukrotrienes which are facilitatory in eliminating pain and inflammation of the muscles.
The long trusted medicinal practice, Homeopathy, has a plenty to offer in treating gout as well. Homeopathy has many remedies for treating gout, even curing it completely. Commonly used homeopathic medicines for gout are- Benzoic acid, Colchicum, Ledum, Lithium carb, Urtica Urens, Uricum acidum etc.
Apart from these medicines, treatment of gout involves some exercises, yoga, pranayam, relaxation techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises and meditation, may prove helpful to decrease the pain of gout. Proper guidance of the trainer should be taken to avoid unnecessary hazard caused from the exercises. According to the healthcare professionals, importance of integrating psychological support into the standard treatment regime should be taken for consideration as they may help to precede the treatment further in the proper way.
Treatment of gout has different ways to offer as the disease has been tormenting the human beings since a long age. Apart from the traditional and effective ways of treatment, the modern science has discovered different medicines to decrease the acuity of the disease and inflammation as well.