Gout: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Gout is a painful and inflammatory condition characterized by sudden, severe attacks of joint pain, typically affecting the big toe.

It occurs when excess uric acid in the blood forms sharp, needle-like crystals in the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Caused by consuming foods high in purines, such as red meat and seafood, and certain medical conditions, gout can lead to chronic pain, joint damage, and kidney stones. To relieve gout, herbal remedies like turmeric, ginger, and boswellia can be used to reduce inflammation and pain, while celery seed and juniper berries can help flush out uric acid.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of gout, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of gout?

The main causes of gout are primarily genetic, with a family history being a significant risk factor.

Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, also known as hyperuricemia, is the primary cause of gout, which can be caused by an imbalance between the body's production and excretion of uric acid. Other contributing factors include a diet high in purine-rich foods, such as organ meats and seafood, excessive alcohol consumption, particularly beer, and obesity. Medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure can also increase the risk of developing gout.

Additionally, certain medications, such as thiazide diuretics, can increase uric acid levels and contribute to the development of gout.

• High Uric Acid: High levels of uric acid in the blood, typically resulting from the breakdown of purines in the body, can lead to the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints, causing gout.
• Obesity: Being obese increases the risk of developing gout due to the release of inflammatory chemicals by excess body fat, which can trigger joint inflammation.
• Family History: Having a family history of gout significantly increases an individual's risk of developing the condition, as genetic factors can influence uric acid levels and kidney function.
• Old Age: Older adults are more likely to develop gout due to age-related declines in kidney function, which can lead to the accumulation of uric acid in the blood.
• Kidney Disease: Kidney disease or kidney damage can impair the kidneys' ability to remove uric acid from the blood, leading to the development of gout.
• Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are at increased risk of developing gout due to the potential for high blood sugar levels to damage kidney function and increase uric acid levels.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics and beta-blockers, can increase uric acid levels and lead to the development of gout.
• Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol, particularly beer, can increase uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks due to its ability to reduce the body's ability to remove uric acid.
• Diet: Consuming a diet high in purine-rich foods, such as organ meats and seafood, can lead to increased levels of uric acid in the blood, contributing to the development of gout.
• Low Fluid Intake: Not drinking enough fluids can lead to concentrated urine, which can increase the risk of uric acid crystals forming in the kidneys and causing gout.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for gout?

The main medicinal herbs used for gout are Urtica dioica, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Berberis vulgaris, Curcuma longa, Cinchona officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Arctium lappa, Juniperus communis, Tribulus terrestris, Vaccinium myrtillus.

Urtica dioica's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and pain associated with gout. Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, has been shown to inhibit the production of leukotrienes, which contribute to the inflammation of gout. Berberis vulgaris, or barberry, contains berberine, which has been found to reduce uric acid levels by inhibiting its production and enhancing its excretion.

Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that has been shown to reduce joint inflammation and alleviate symptoms of gout.

• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica, also known as Stinging Nettle, helps with gout due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce uric acid levels in the blood and alleviate joint pain and inflammation.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as Licorice Root, helps with gout by reducing inflammation and pain through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, such as glycyrrhizin, which also helps to lower uric acid levels.
• Berberis vulgaris: Berberis vulgaris, also known as Barberry, helps with gout by inhibiting the production of uric acid in the body and also by its antioxidant properties, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with gout.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as Turmeric, helps with gout by reducing inflammation and pain through its potent anti-inflammatory compound, curcumin, which also helps to lower uric acid levels and reduce oxidative stress.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, also known as Cinchona, helps with gout due to its quinine content, which helps to increase uric acid excretion in the urine and reduce its levels in the blood, thereby alleviating gout symptoms.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, also known as Aloe Vera, helps with gout by reducing inflammation and pain through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, which also help to lower uric acid levels and improve joint health.
• Arctium lappa: Arctium lappa, also known as Burdock, helps with gout by reducing inflammation and pain through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, which also help to lower uric acid levels and improve kidney function.
• Juniperus communis: Juniperus communis, also known as Juniper Berry, helps with gout by increasing uric acid excretion in the urine and reducing its levels in the blood, thereby alleviating gout symptoms, due to its diuretic properties.
• Tribulus terrestris: Tribulus terrestris, also known as Tribulus, helps with gout by reducing inflammation and pain through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, which also help to lower uric acid levels and improve kidney function.
• Vaccinium myrtillus: Vaccinium myrtillus, also known as Bilberry, helps with gout by reducing inflammation and pain through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, which also help to lower uric acid levels and improve blood flow to the joints.

What are the main herbal preparations used for gout?

The main herbal preparations used for gout are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Salve, Cream, Suppository, Gels, Ointments, Poultices, Extract.

Decoction is made from roots, barks, and other hard plant material, used to treat gout by reducing uric acid levels and inflammation, typically made with Burdock, Dandelion, and Cleavers roots. Tincture is a concentrated liquid used for pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly made with Ginger, Willow Bark, and Devil's Claw. Capsule, Salve, Cream, Suppository, Gels, Ointments, and Poultices are applied topically to reduce inflammation and pain, often made with Arnica, St. John's Wort, and Meadowsweet.

Extract is used to reduce uric acid levels and is typically made with Celery Seed, Juniper Berry, and Uva Ursi.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of Rheum palmatum and other anti-inflammatory herbs helps with gout by releasing bioactive compounds that reduce inflammation and pain in the joints.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of Coleus forskohlii helps with gout by increasing the levels of cAMP, a molecule that inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduces pain and inflammation in the joints.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the powdered root of Curcuma longa helps with gout by releasing curcumin, a bioactive compound that reduces inflammation and pain by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes.
• Salve: A salve made from the resin of Commiphora molmol helps with got by reducing inflammation and pain in the joints due to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of its bioactive compounds.
• Cream: A cream containing the extract of Berberis vulgaris helps with gout by reducing inflammation and pain in the joints due to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of its bioactive compounds, berberine and scopoletin.
• Suppository: A suppository containing the extract of Equisetum arvense helps with gout by reducing inflammation and pain in the joints due to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of its bioactive compounds, flavonoids and saponins.
• Gels: A gel made from the extract of Aloe barbadensis helps with gout by reducing inflammation and pain in the joints due to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of its bioactive compounds, aloin and aloe-emodin.
• Ointments: An ointment made from the extract of Calendula officinalis helps with gout by reducing inflammation and pain in the joints due to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of its bioactive compounds, flavonoids and triterpenes.
• Poultices: A poultice made from the leaves of Plantago major helps with gout by reducing inflammation and pain in the joints due to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of its bioactive compounds, flavonoids and saponins.
• Extract: An extract of the roots of Alisma plantago-aquatica helps with gout by reducing inflammation and pain in the joints due to the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of its bioactive compounds, iridoids and saponins.