Gout is a form of proactive arthritis, a condition which affects the joints, caused by the build-up of uric acid crystals, as told by Dr. Minakshi Sharma, an Ayurveda consultant at Vedic Vision Health Care Centre. Uric acid is a substance which is formed when the body breaks down purines (important substances which are regarded as the building blocks of DNA, as well as impacting blood circulation, digestion and absorption of nutrients); blood transports the uric acid to the kidney and stamps it out in urine. The condition in which excess uric acid is formed in the body causes gout, also called hyperuricemia.
To diagnose gout, doctors conduct a uric acid test to know the level of uric acid in the body. It is also observed that the people with high level of uric acid do not always experience gout whereas some people may notice the symptoms without having the high uric acid level.
It is often suggested to go for natural ways to cure any disease rather than depending completely on medicines. Here are some home remedies for curing gout:
1. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek is a herb with light green leaves and small white flowers. Dr. Sharma says, “Consumption of fenugreek seeds can help cure gout as it helps in reducing internal as well as external inflammation of the body.”
2. Garlic
Garlic is an incredible cure for gout. It helps in removing the excess uric acid from the body.
3. Carom Seeds (Ajwain) and Ginger
Both carom seeds and ginger work towards making you sweat, which help in removing the uric acid from the body. Moreover, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, which relieve pain and swelling.
4. Castor Oil
It will help in breaking down the toxic deposit and relieving redness and pain.
5. Coriander
Coriander helps in improving the gastrointestinal tract with its antioxidant properties, thus decreasing uric acid level. Drinking adequate amounts of water too can work wonders in stabilizing uric acid levels in the body.
6. Turmeric
Belonging to the ginger family, turmeric is believed to have lots of potential medicinal value. Turmeric suppresses chronic inflammation, which reduces the activity of Xanthine oxidase (an enzyme which produces uric acid).
7. Herries
A study conducted by Boston University found that patients with gout who consumed cherries over a two-day period showed a 35 percent lower risk of gout attacks, as compared to those who did not eat the fruit.