Herbal Remedies for Gout

Herbal Gout Remedies that Help Get Rid of Gout

There are quite a few excellent herbal remedies you can use to help you get rid of gout. The main factors we are looking at from herbs to help us with gout are herbs that reduce swelling, improve kidney function, and lower uric acid levels.

Herbal Remedies for Gout that Reduce Swelling

Celery seed is a very effective herbal gout treatment. It is an excellent choice because it works on several fronts to help get rid of this painful condition. First of all, it helps to reduce inflammation in your affected joint. Second, celery seed helps your kidneys excrete uric acid more efficiently and helps to alkalize your blood. This important herbal therapy helps you get rid of uric acid because it is a diuretic.

Because this potent herb is a diuretic, you need to make sure you are adequately hydrated. Water is extremely important in maintaining kidney health and function, so make sure you are drinking enough water or eating enough water dense foods.

Celery seed can either be taken as a spice in a food or as an extract. Do not eat the seeds by themselves as they are bitter and hard to ingest.

While celery seed is one of the best herbal remedies for gout, it should be used with **caution**. Although it is rare, there is a very small percentage of people who are allergic to celery. Celery seeds contain oils that can be highly lethal if you have that allergy. This condition is known as anaphylaxis and is similar to those who have allergies to peanuts. While it is unlikely you will have this problem, I feel it is important that you are aware of this potential problem. DO NOT use celery seed or it's extract if you are allergic to celery. It can be deadly!

While mostly men have gout, women can suffer from this painful disease, too. If you are one of these women and you are pregnant, do not use celery seed during your pregnancy. The seeds are able to stimulate the uterus, which raises the possibility of miscarriage or premature birth. If you do not have these two conditions, celery seed should be very helpful for you. It is recommended that you take 35-75mg per day and some naturopaths have suggested as much as 150mg.

Turmeric is another herb you can use to help you treat gout. This works because tumeric helps reduce inflammation. I have used turmeric with decent success. This herb is a member of the ginger family and has many medicinal properties. It has been seen in studies to reduce swelling and inhibit pain receptors, thus lowering your gout pain. The way this works is it is believed that turmeric acts on the adrenal glands. The adrenal gland then makes more cortisol which works on reducing the swelling.

Grape seed extract is an excellent overall herbal therapy and another of these herbal remedies for gout you can use to reduce swelling. It contains bioflavonols which are known to reduce swelling. Grape seed extract is considered safe as a dietary item and is used in Europe for many many diseases because of it's anti-inflammatory effects.

Bilberry is another anti-inflammatory herbal therapy you can use to help get rid of gout. It works because of the anthocyanins which help it reduce swelling in your joints. It can be used as an extract, tea, or dietary supplement. You should use with caution if you are a diabetic as it can lower your blood sugar.

All of these herbal remedies for gout should be used in conjunction with your physician. Especially if you are taking prescription medications. This is to avoid any possible interactions with medications.