Gout- A case of Ben Franklin’s Ailment and Herbal Remedies
Most of us are familiar with Benjamin Franklin, and a lot are aware that he struggled with Obesity as well as Gout the majority of his life. Ultimately, Silence Dogood, passed on from complications from Pleuritic attack in 1790. One of his more notable ailments that affected him physically, was Gout. His gout seemed to get worse as he grew old. So, what is gout? Is there any possible herbal remedies that could help?
Inflammation of the Metatarsals
Gout occurs when their is a chronic inflammation of arthritis in the joints. While the big toe, or podagra is usually affected, it can happen to any joint. Basically, when there is an abnormally high level of uric acid in the blood, it can crystalize and deposit itself into the joints.Commonly, Gout is found in men, but is not discriminatory.Generally, a diet high in organ meats, fish eggs, wine, and sardines can create an onset of Gout.Doctors usually prescribe a steroid, and this usually helps the inflammation decrease. While a healthy diet, full of important nutrients is always going to be the number one factor for healing in a lot of ailments, there are a few possible herbal remedies that could help alleviate the inflammation, and provide comfort to ailing joints, and help relieve pain.
Herbal Remedies
Bromelain is a common substance found in pineapple, and can help provide relief when a sudden Gout attack occurs.Teas made from Cat’s Claw or Devil’s Claw, have been proven to help the body eliminate excess uric acid. A salve made from Arnica, applied topically, can help soothe the achiness of joints, and reduce pain and swelling. Aside from being one of nature’s anti-biotics, Garlic can greatly improve the function of the body, and help restore it to good help. Adding three to five cloves of Garlic a day to your diet, has proven to be greatly beneficial. Hyssop and Juniper Berry are two other herbs that have been known to help neutralize the uric acid in the body, and have very little to no side effects. Other herbs that are diuretics, such as Parsley and Dandelion, can help move the toxins out of the body through elimination, and aiding in restoration of the kidneys. Bilberry has been used for many years in the treatment of Gout. When taken right before eating a meal, it can help aid the body’s digestive system, and can help prevent an excess build up of the uric acid.It can improve blood flow, so when a sudden attack of Gout occurs,it can promote blood flow to the affected area.Bilberry also is extremely rich in antioxidants and can even help prevent future attacks. Celery Seed Extract is also good, and because it is a food, there are almost no documentation of side effects. It works by absorbing the uric acid into the urine as opposed to the joints.Stinging Nettles are great for a lot of ailments, and if you’re looking for a general tonic and body booster, this is it. It has many vitamins and minerals that are essential to optimum health, so symptoms related to Gout are not exempt.One study suggests that Stinging Nettle can reduce the body’s uric acid by 50%. It is also fairly rich in Potassium, which is essential for Gout.Boosting the diet with Vitamins B,E, and A are greatly beneficial. It also helps with the uric acid in the body, and can serve as a pain reliever as well. Cinnamon is good for improving digestion, so adding this into your daily diet, can be greatly beneficial.Because of it’s anti-inflammatory properties, Ginger is also good for Gout. Many people turn to Ginger because there are little to no side effects and provides almost an instant relief.Boswellia is also an anti-inflammatory, and has been used for years for Gout. Tumeric is another anti-inflammatory, and can be easily added to many dishes.Alfalfa is contains many nutrients and vitamins, that can help improve the condition of your blood and aid in neutrilizing uric acid, too. Cayenne Pepper can help sooth the nerve endings associated with pain, and works positively on joint pain. Too much Cayenne Pepper, when applied topically, can trigger adverse reactions, so use sparingly.
Cautions and Side Effects
While most herbs and herbal remedies are considered safe, it is always important to be well researched on whatever herbs you plan on taking. Pregnant and nursing women, as well as children, practice extra caution. If you are concerned with any herb, please ask your doctor before taking.It is not common for herbs to interact with medications, but some instances of this has been known to occur. If you are taking any medications, please make sure to tell your doctor, as some adverse side effects are possible. Bilberry has been known to increase blood glucose levels, so if that is a factor, please take that into consideration.
Category: HERBAL REMEDIES
