| In Part 1 of this article, we looked at some natural | | | | beneficial for relieving pain and inflammation related to |
| gout remedies. Now, in part 2, I'll share some | | | | arthritis. It comes in capsules or as a tea. |
| common gout treatments that may be growing in | | | | Stinging nettle |
| your own front yard! | | | | Stinging nettle has been used since ancient times for |
| Dandelions | | | | medicinal purposes. I medieval Europe it was used in |
| The two main functions of using dandelion medicinally | | | | diuretics and remedies for joint pain. It has also been |
| are to promote the formation of bile and to remove | | | | used in some cultures in a whipping fashion to |
| excess water from the body. It is also considered to | | | | stimulate the organs and relieve the pain of sore |
| improve inflammatory and rheumatic conditions. Fresh, | | | | muscles. |
| young dandelion leaves have high vitamin A and C | | | | The nettle's stinging hairs contain the chemicals |
| content. When eaten raw in salads, they help turn | | | | histamine and formic acid, which irritate the skin on |
| the body repair damaged tissue. Dandelion wine is | | | | contact. But if the nettles contact an area already in |
| also considered to have therapeutic benefits for gout. | | | | pain, the chemicals can decrease it. In this process |
| If making dandelion wine sounds like a chore, a simple | | | | the nettle is a counter-irritant. |
| recipe is to mash one cup of flowers and add it to | | | | Some German researchers have shown that nettle |
| four cups of white wine. Let it sit for a month then | | | | can relieve the pain of gout. The study concluded |
| strain and sweeten to taste if necessary. | | | | that nettle may facilitate the movement of uric acid |
| Devil's Claw | | | | from the joints and help elimination through the |
| This edible herb (found in health food stores in dried, | | | | kidneys. Nettle root is also considered beneficial for |
| powder, or tablet form) provides pain relief similar to | | | | gout and is available at most health food stores. |
| cortisone as the root acts mainly as an | | | | Turmeric |
| anti-inflammatory. Clinical research indicates that devil's | | | | Turmeric, an essential ingredient in curry powder, is a |
| claw may be of benefit in the prevention of gout - in | | | | close relative of ginger. Because of its powerful |
| addition to relieving joint pain, it also reduces serum | | | | anti-inflammatory action it is used medicinally for |
| cholesterol and uric acid levels. | | | | inflammatory conditions like gout. As one teaspoon or |
| Gravel root | | | | more of the powdered spice, three times a day, |
| Gravel root stimulates the elimination of uric acid. It is | | | | would be needed to reap the health benefits, most |
| primarily used for kidney stones, urinary infections, | | | | people opt for capsules or liquid extracts. |
| rheumatism, and gout. To prepare the gravel root, | | | | Conclusion |
| add one teaspoon of the herb into a cup of water, | | | | Some people swear by natural remedies and others |
| bring to a boil, and simmer for ten minutes. It is | | | | believe they are of little or no value. Experimenting |
| recommended that you drink this three times a day | | | | yourself after discussing any potential side effects |
| for effectiveness. | | | | with your doctor will be the best way to determine |
| Juniper berry | | | | what works for you. |
| Juniper Berry is also known by the names juniper | | | | And remember, most cases of gout can be |
| bush and juniper bark. It is a diuretic herb that helps | | | | prevented completely by switching to a |
| reduce uric acid. The anti-inflammatory properties are | | | | predominantly whole-foods, plant-based diet. |