By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 03, 2024
10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Gout
Herbal tinctures for gout are liquid extracts derived from plants, rich in bioactive compounds that alleviate symptoms of gout.
These natural remedies help reduce inflammation and relieve pain by modulating uric acid levels and improving kidney function. For example, devil's claw, celery seed, and nettle leaf tinctures have been shown to decrease joint swelling and alleviate morning stiffness.
By incorporating these herbal tinctures into their daily routine, individuals with gout can experience significant improvements in quality of life, including reduced frequency and severity of attacks, increased mobility, and enhanced overall well-being.
The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for gout, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Berberis vulgaris
- 2. Curcuma longa
- 3. Boswellia serrata
- 4. Hydrastis canadensis
- 5. Taraxacum officinale
- 6. Salix alba
- 7. Urtica dioica
- 8. Silybum marianum
- 9. Ginkgo biloba
- 10. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for gout?
- What ailments similar to gout are treated with herbal tinctures?
1. Berberis vulgaris
Barberry tinctures helps with gout because its active compound, berberine, has potent anti-inflammatory properties that effectively reduce joint swelling and pain.
Additionally, berberine also inhibits the production of uric acid, a key culprit in gout attacks.
By reducing inflammation and lowering uric acid levels, barberry tinctures can provide relief from gout symptoms, allowing individuals to manage their condition more effectively and enjoy a better quality of life.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Berberis vulgaris tinctures that help with gout.
- Berberine: Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and an inhibitor of uric acid production, thereby helping to alleviate gout symptoms.
- Vasaka alkaloids: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce the severity and frequency of gout attacks.
- Iridoid glycosides: Possesses diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to the reduction of uric acid levels and alleviation of gout symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of barberry used to make tinctures for gout.
- Roots: They contain berberine, a compound with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help alleviate gout symptoms.
- Fruits: Berberis vulgaris fruits, also known as barberries, contain berberine and other compounds that aid in reducing inflammation and pain associated with gout.
- Leaves: The leaves of the plant contain berberine and other alkaloids that help reduce uric acid levels and alleviate gout symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic barberry for gout.
- Harvest 50g of fresh barberry root bark and 50g of fresh barberry leaves from mature plants in late summer.
- Clean and dry the harvested plant material thoroughly to prevent contamination and spoilage within 48 hours.
- Combine the dried plant material in a clean glass jar with 500ml of 30% ethanol vodka and seal the jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily, to facilitate extraction.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle, discard the solids and store the tincture in a cool dark place.
2. Curcuma longa
Turmeric tinctures helps with gout because of its potent anti-inflammatory compounds, particularly curcumin, which has been shown to reduce joint pain and inflammation associated with this condition.
Additionally, turmeric's bioavailability is enhanced in tincture form, allowing for easier absorption into the bloodstream, where it can target affected joints and tissues more effectively.
This natural remedy helps alleviate gout symptoms, such as swelling, redness, and stiffness, offering a safe and effective alternative to conventional treatments.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa tinctures that help with gout.
- Curcumin: It helps with gout by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as COX-2 and lipoxygenase, which contribute to the inflammation and pain associated with gout.
- Demethoxycurcumin: It helps with gout by reducing uric acid production and promoting its excretion, thereby lowering the risk of gout attacks.
- Bis-demethoxycurcumin: It helps with gout by blocking the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a key protein that promotes inflammation and pain in gout.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of turmeric used to make tinctures for gout.
- Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are the most commonly used part of Curcuma longa due to their high content of curcumin, a bioactive compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help alleviate gout symptoms.
- Roots: Roots are another key part used in tincture production, as they contain a significant amount of curcumin and other bioactive compounds that contribute to their therapeutic effects against gout.
- Seeds: Although less commonly used, seeds are sometimes included in tinctures as they are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that complement the effects of curcumin in rhyzomes and roots.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic turmeric for gout.
- Harvest fresh roots of curcuma longa at the right time to ensure optimal potency and quality.
- Clean and dry the roots thoroughly using a food dehydrator at 40 degrees celsius for 24 hours.
- Chop the dried roots into fine pieces using a sharp knife and a cutting board.
- Steep the chopped roots in a solvent such as ethanol at a 1:5 ratio for 2 weeks in a dark place.
- Filter the tincture using a coffee filter and store it in a dark glass bottle at room temperature.
3. Boswellia serrata
Frankincense tinctures helps with gout because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and pain in affected joints.
The boswellic acids present in frankincense have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals, thereby reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms associated with gout.
Additionally, frankincense's antioxidant properties help protect against oxidative stress and cellular damage, further contributing to its therapeutic benefits for managing gout-related pain and discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Boswellia serrata tinctures that help with gout.
- Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid: AKBA helps with gout by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, which contribute to the development and progression of gout.
- Β-boswellic acids: β-Boswellic acids help with gout by blocking the activity of COX-2 enzymes, which are involved in the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins that contribute to gout pain and inflammation.
- Furofuran lignans: Furofuran lignans help with gout by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with gout.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of frankincense used to make tinctures for gout.
- Roots: The roots of Boswellia serrata are used to make tinctures for gout due to their high concentration of boswellic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic frankincense for gout.
- Harvest boswellia serrata resin from mature trees in late summer or early fall for optimal resin quality.
- Dry the harvested resin in a well-ventilated area at 50 degrees celsius for 24 hours to remove excess moisture.
- Combine 1 part dried boswellia serrata resin with 2 parts 95% ethanol or glycerin in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture at room temperature for 2-3 weeks shaking the jar daily to facilitate extraction.
- Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids.
4. Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenseal tinctures helps with gout because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can effectively reduce swelling and pain associated with acute attacks.
The tincture's berberine content also has natural uricosuric effects, helping to increase the excretion of uric acid from the body, thereby reducing levels that can lead to joint inflammation and discomfort. Additionally, goldenseal's antimicrobial properties may help combat any underlying infections that can exacerbate gout symptoms.
By addressing these underlying causes, herbal goldenseal tinctures provide a natural solution for managing gout attacks.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hydrastis canadensis tinctures that help with gout.
- Alkaloids: Alkaloids in Hydrastis canadensis, particularly berberine, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and inflammation associated with gout.
- Iridoid glycosides: Iridoid glycosides in Hydrastis canadensis have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help mitigate the oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to gout development.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids in Hydrastis canadensis, including caffeic acid and ferulic acid, have been found to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help alleviate the symptoms of gout by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of goldenseal used to make tinctures for gout.
- Roots: The roots are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of berberine, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for gout treatment.
- Leaves: The leaves of Hydrastis canadensis are often used in combination with the roots, as they contain similar compounds that help alleviate gout symptoms.
- Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes, or underground stems, of the plant are also used to make tinctures, as they contain berberine and other compounds that help reduce inflammation and pain associated with gout.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic goldenseal for gout.
- Gather 1 part of dried root of hydrastis canadensis and 2 parts of a solvent like 80 proof vodka or 95% ethanol.
- Combine the dried root of hydrastis canadensis with the solvent in a clean glass jar with a lid.
- Store the jar in a cool dark place and steep for 2 to 6 weeks shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container discarding the solids.
- Label the tincture and store it in a cool dark place and use within 2 years.
5. Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion tinctures helps with gout because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and pain in the affected joints.
The tannins present in dandelion root also help to decrease uric acid levels in the body, which is a primary cause of gout attacks. Additionally, the antioxidants in dandelion tincture help to neutralize free radicals that can exacerbate inflammation and joint damage.
By addressing these underlying factors, dandelion tinctures provide natural relief from gout symptoms and promote overall joint health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale tinctures that help with gout.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the swelling and pain associated with gout.
- Taraxasterols: These triterpenoid saponins have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing inflammation and alleviating gout symptoms.
- Polysaccharides: These complex carbohydrates have been found to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, helping to regulate the immune response and alleviate gout symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make tinctures for gout.
- Roots: The roots are used due to their high concentration of sesquiterpene lactones, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate gout symptoms.
- Leaves: The leaves are used because they contain flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with gout.
- Flowers: The flowers are used for their high content of sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids, which are thought to contribute to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in gout treatment.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for gout.
- Harvest 1 pound of fresh taraxacum officinale roots and leaves in the morning after dew has evaporated.
- Chop the harvested roots and leaves into small pieces to increase their surface area for extraction.
- Combine 1 pound of chopped plant material with 2 cups of 95% ethanol in a clean glass container.
- Store the container in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks to allow for extraction and infusion.
- Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle.
6. Salix alba
White willow tinctures helps with gout because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain in affected joints.
The salicin present in white willow bark is a natural alternative to synthetic NSAIDs, providing long-lasting relief from gout symptoms without the risk of stomach irritation or other adverse effects.
By reducing inflammation and pain, white willow tinctures can help to improve joint mobility and reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salix alba tinctures that help with gout.
- Salicin: A salicylic acid derivative that helps reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with gout.
- Flavonoids: A type of phenolic compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce uric acid levels and alleviate gout symptoms.
- Salicylic acid: A phenolic compound that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce swelling and pain in the joints affected by gout.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of white willow used to make tinctures for gout.
- Barks: The barks are used to make tinctures for gout due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and pain.
- Leaves: The leaves are used to make tinctures for gout due to their diuretic properties, which help to reduce fluid retention and alleviate symptoms.
- Buds: The buds are used to make tinctures for gout due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic white willow for gout.
- Harvest salix alba leaves and twigs in the morning after the dew has dried completely using scissors or pruning shears.
- Clean the harvested plant material by gently shaking it to remove dirt and debris for about 2 minutes.
- Combine 1 part of the cleaned plant material with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar for a ratio.
- Store the jar in a cool dark place and allow it to steep for at least 2 weeks with occasional shaking.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass container to separate the tincture from the solids.
7. Urtica dioica
Stinging nettle tinctures helps with gout because it is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that effectively reduce swelling and pain associated with this condition.
The tannins present in nettle root help to inhibit the production of inflammatory chemicals, thereby minimizing joint inflammation. Additionally, stinging nettle's ability to increase the body's natural antioxidant levels helps protect against oxidative stress and tissue damage caused by gout attacks.
By addressing these underlying mechanisms, herbal stinging nettle tinctures provide a natural and effective way to alleviate symptoms and manage gout.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica tinctures that help with gout.
- Flavonoids: These compounds, including quercetin, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with gout.
- Polysaccharides: Urtica dioica's polysaccharide content, particularly its urtic acid and arabinose components, may help modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, which could be beneficial in managing gout symptoms.
- Fatty acids: The plant's fatty acid content, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, may help reduce inflammation and promote the healing of damaged tissues, potentially alleviating gout symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make tinctures for gout.
- Leaves: The leaves of Urtica dioica are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, which help alleviate gout symptoms.
- Roots: The roots of Urtica dioica contain bioactive compounds that may help reduce uric acid levels and alleviate gout pain.
- Stems: The stems of Urtica dioica also contain anti-inflammatory compounds, which contribute to their use in treating gout.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for gout.
- Harvest a sufficient quantity of the plant's leaves and stems by cutting them at the base of the stem.
- Chop the plant material into small pieces using a sharp knife or herb cutter with a 1 part plant to 2 parts solvent ratio.
- Combine the chopped plant material and solvent in a clean glass jar and seal it with a lid leaving 1 inch of space at the top.
- Steep the mixture for 2 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place shaking the jar daily to facilitate extraction.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids and label the tincture.
8. Silybum marianum
Milk thistle tinctures helps with gout because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The silymarin compounds in milk thistle have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which can alleviate the symptoms of gout such as joint pain and swelling. Additionally, milk thistle's antioxidant properties help protect the liver from damage caused by uric acid buildup, which is a common cause of gout attacks.
By reducing inflammation and promoting liver health, milk thistle tinctures may provide relief from gout symptoms and prevent future occurrences.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Silybum marianum tinctures that help with gout.
- Silymarin: Silymarin, a mixture of flavonoids, helps with gout by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can contribute to the development and severity of gout attacks.
- Lignans: Lignans, a type of phenolic compound, aid in the management of gout by reducing uric acid levels in the blood and preventing its formation, which can help alleviate symptoms of the condition.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, such as isorhapontigenin and silybin, found in Silybum marianum, help to mitigate gout symptoms by inhibiting the activity of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for uric acid production, thereby reducing uric acid levels in the body.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of milk thistle used to make tinctures for gout.
- Seeds: They contain silymarin, a bioactive compound that is believed to help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with gout.
- Flowers: They contain flavonoids and terpenoids that may help reduce uric acid levels and provide anti-inflammatory effects.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids, terpenoids, and other compounds that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of gout.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic milk thistle for gout.
- Harvest the silybum marianum flowers and leaves in bulk to ensure sufficient quantity for the tincture.
- Chop the silybum marianum flowers and leaves finely using a sharp knife or herb cutter for efficient extraction.
- Combine one part silybum marianum with two parts high-proof vodka in a clean glass jar for optimal potency.
- Steep the silybum marianum mixture in the vodka for 2-3 weeks shaking the jar daily to enhance extraction.
- Strain the silybum marianum tincture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle for storage.
9. Ginkgo biloba
Maidenhair tree tinctures helps with gout because it has potent anti-inflammatory properties that effectively reduce swelling and alleviate pain associated with this condition.
The tannins present in the tincture help to decrease uric acid levels, a common culprit behind gout attacks. Additionally, the tincture's antioxidant properties help to combat oxidative stress, which can exacerbate gout symptoms.
By reducing inflammation, decreasing uric acid levels, and combating oxidative stress, maidenhair tree tinctures provide natural relief from gout discomfort, promoting overall health and wellbeing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba tinctures that help with gout.
- Flavonoids: Help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key contributors to gout pain and joint damage.
- Bilobalide: Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing swelling and pain in the affected joints, and may also help improve blood flow to promote healing.
- Ginkgolides: May help reduce the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints, which are responsible for gout pain, and also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties to alleviate symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make tinctures for gout.
- Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, which are believed to help reduce inflammation and alleviate gout symptoms.
- Barks: Used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help mitigate gout pain and swelling.
- Seeds: Known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce gout inflammation and promote overall well-being.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maidenhair tree for gout.
- Harvest fresh ginkgo biloba leaves in late spring or early summer when they are green and full of potency.
- Dry the ginkgo biloba leaves in a warm oven at 150°f for 2 hours to remove moisture.
- Combine 1 part of dried ginkgo biloba leaves with 2 parts of 80% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture for 2 weeks in a cool dark place allowing the plant to infuse into the solvent.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a separate container and discard the solids after 2 weeks of steeping.
10. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice tinctures helps with gout because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and pain associated with the condition.
The tincture's glycyrrhizin compound has been shown to inhibit the production of uric acid, a key contributor to gout attacks. Additionally, licorice root's flavonoids have antioxidant properties that help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals, which can exacerbate inflammation and worsen symptoms.
By targeting these underlying mechanisms, herbal licorice tinctures may provide relief from acute gout episodes and reduce the frequency of future occurrences.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures that help with gout.
- Glycyrrhizin: It helps with gout by inhibiting the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which is involved in the production of cortisol, a hormone that can contribute to gout symptoms.
- Liquiritin: It helps with gout by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key factors in the development and progression of gout.
- Liquorice flavonoids: They help with gout by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate gout symptoms and reduce the severity of attacks.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make tinctures for gout.
- Roots: Rich in glycyrrhizin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that helps alleviate gout symptoms.
- Barks: Contain various compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
- Leaves: Contain glycosides and other compounds that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with gout.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for gout.
- Harvest 100 grams of dried roots of glycyrrhiza glabra preferably from a sunny location at 10 am.
- Chop the roots into small pieces and steep them in 500 milliliters of 35 percent ethanol for 2 weeks.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth and discard the solids then filter the liquid again using a coffee filter.
- Transfer the liquid to a clean glass bottle and store it in a cool dark place for 2 months.
- Decant the tincture into smaller bottles and label them properly with the date and dosage recommendations of 20 to 30 drops.
What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for gout?
The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with gout is Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale).
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduce swelling and pain in the joints. Ginger has anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerol and shogaol that help to reduce inflammation and relax muscles.
The combination of these two tinctures may also help to reduce uric acid levels and promote overall kidney health, making it a valuable natural remedy for managing gout symptoms and preventing future attacks.
What ailments similar to gout are treated with herbal tinctures?
Ailments similar to gout/tinctures.html">gout/tinctures.html">gout that are treated with herbal tinctures are various forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
These herbal remedies include turmeric, ginger, and willow bark extracts, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Additionally, tinctures made from plants like devil's claw, ashwagandha, and cayenne pepper may help alleviate joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness associated with these conditions.