Gout is an extremely painful form of arthritis that can affect both men and women. This common disorder is the result of excess uric acid in the body forming crystals that settle into the joints. This will produce inflammation and swelling of the joint. There are various medications you can take to help alleviate this joint pain and swelling. However, these medications carry some risk for side effects. If you want to reduce your risk of side effects, you can consider exploring natural home remedies for Gout. Keep reading to uncover a few of these natural remedies.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an alkalizing agent. It can help alleviate the symptoms of Gout by making the blood more alkaline. This will keep the uric acid from crystallizing. This is important in Gout because it is the crystals that produce the Gout symptoms. This is a cheap and effective natural home remedy for Gout. To take baking soda for Gout, you simply mix one half teaspoon of baking soda into eight ounces of water. Make sure the baking soda dissolves completely before you drink this solution. Take this baking soda mixture four times a day with last glass being right before bedtime. There are some precautions to this mixture you need to be aware of:
- Do not take this remedy if you suffer from liver, heart or kidney disease.
- Cut down on salt intake when taking baking soda.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
- Keep an eye on your blood pressure while taking baking soda because too much salt in your system can raise your blood pressure.
Many individuals that have used this natural Gout remedy have claimed relief in as little as 24 hours. Baking soda should only be used for a short period of time.
Nettle Tea
Nettle tea is a home remedy that has been used for centuries to cure all types of ailments and disease. The nettle plant contains high levels of beta carotene, vitamins and minerals and a host of other antioxidants that can help alleviate pain and inflammation. This tea works by enhancing the kidneys’ ability to process uric acid. When the uric acid is excreted by the body the Gout symptoms will subside.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has been proven to help with Gout symptoms. You can buy this over the counter at your pharmacy or even in your local health food store. This remedy works by lowering the uric acid levels in your blood.
Simply mix half teaspoon of activated charcoal into a glass of water. Take this drink with you first wake up in the morning, again in mid-afternoon and again at night prior to bed.
Charcoal Poultice
A poultice is a soft mass that has the consistency of cooked porridge. This soft mass is spread onto a cloth, and then it is applied to the wound or inflamed area of the body. A charcoal poultice is one of the many Gout home remedies that could provide relief from your Gout symptoms. Just mix approximately one half cup of activated charcoal with a few tablespoons of ground flaxseed. This will provide consistency. Mix the charcoal and flaxseed with a little bit of warm water and then spread it over the affected joint. Cover the area with bandages and leave in place for about four hours or you can leave it on overnight. Just be careful because charcoal will stain clothing and linens.
Cherries
Of all the Gout home remedies, cherries seem to provide the best results. There have been several studies about the effectiveness of this fruit. Cherries contain vitamins and antioxidants that can fight off the effect of free radicals. They also contain anthocyanins, which are great for reducing the uric acid in your blood and for getting rid of inflammation. Eating fresh cherries daily is the best way to get the benefits of this natural remedy. You can also drink fresh cherry juice. Just make sure it is made from all natural ingredients and not with sugars and artificial flavors.
When you have Gout you have alternatives to treatment. Try one of the above home remedies for Gout and you can get quick relief from the misery that Gout can cause.
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