Taming the Fire: Ayurvedic Gout Treatment and Its Benefits

Ayurvedic gout treatment is an ancient and effective method of curing gout. It's one of the oldest medicines in existence, and it was used by thousands of years ago to treat many diseases. Today, it's still used for treating a variety of health issues. However, Ayurvedic gout treatment has proven itself over time to be very effective for people suffering from gout attacks. If you want to learn more about this ancient medicine, keep reading!

What is gout? Ever thought of this word? Gout is an arthritis condition in which more pain is experienced in joints. It is also associated with uric acid crystals in the big toe or other joints. It affects one joint at a time.

The term gout is derived from the Latin word “gutta” meaning drop. Gout term coined due to the belief that poison is falling drop by drop into the joints causes gout.

What is Gout?

Gout is a disorder of purine metabolism characterized by hyperuricemia, deposition of monosodium rate (MSU) crystals in the joints and periarticular tissues, and recurrent attacks of acute synovitis.

Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid. An elevated uric acid level is the result of increased production or decreased excretion of uric acid or the combination of two processes.

Hyperuricemia is considered when the serum rate concentration is more than 6.8mg/dl. The risk of developing gouty arthritis increases with higher rate levels.

Classification of Gout

Gout is classified into two types

1. Primary
2. Secondary

Primary gout is seen in 90% of the cases without any specific reason and the rest 10% of secondary gout occurs due to prolonged hyperuricemia.

Primary gout is due to the overproduction of uric acid due to metabolic error whereas secondary gout is due to various diseases that either cause increased production or decreased excretion of uric acid. Some of the diseases like various cancers, psoriasis, renal diseases, etc…

Symptoms of gout

Pain, redness, stiffness, tenderness, and warmth are some of the notable symptoms of gout. Gout attacks can also happen for a week or longer periods.

Who is at risk of developing Gout?

The causes of gout are multifactorial and people who have the following condition are at higher risk of developing gout.

• Hereditary
• Age
• Duration of hyperuricemia
• Obesity
• Hyperlipidemia
• Hypertension
• Alcoholism
• Drugs such as diuretics, cyclosporine
• Lead toxicity
• Rapid weight loss
• Recent surgery
• Infections

The most commonly affected joints in gout are

• First metatarsophalangeal {MTP) joints
• Dorsum of the foot
• Ankle
• Knee
• Joints of Upper extremity

Lab investigations in Gout

Lab investigations involved to diagnose gout are blood tests, X-ray, MRI scans, USG scans, etc. Fine needle aspiration cytology is sometimes used with needles to check the fluid from joints.

Criteria for diagnosis of Gout

Rome Criteria

• Serum urate concentration > 7mg/100 ml in males, > 6 mg/100 ml in females
• Painful joint swelling with abrupt onset, clearing in 1 -2 weeks initially.
• Presence of irate crystals in synovial fluid
• Presence of a tophus

New York criteria

• Chemical or microscopic demonstration of irate crystals in the synovial fluid or in the tissues
• The presence of two or more of the following
  1. Two attacks of painful limb joint swelling with abrupt onset, remitting in 1-2 weeks initially.
  2. A single such attack involving the greater toe
  3. Response to colchicine with a major decrease in inflammation in 48 hours
  4. Presence of a tophus.

[tophus = a deposit of crystalline uric acid and other substances at the surface of joints or in skin or cartilage, typically as a feature of gout]

Gout Treatment

Gout treatment begins with patient education. It is important to know that gout is a chronic disease.

As there is no cure for gout, dietary changes along with lifestyle modification with medications can help keep gout in remission.

Maintaining an ideal weight, stopping alcohol intake, purine-restricted diet, and intake of plenty of fluids are found to be beneficial in gout.

Did you know?

Hyperuricemia is associated with too much uric acid accumulation in the body. An increase of uric acid leads to the presence of uric acid crystals i.e., monosodium urate. This accumulates in joints, fluids, and tissues in the body.

Risk factors

Males, obesity, cardiac issues, high BP, metabolic diseases, and kidney problems. Alcohol intake and high fructose-rich fruit intake is associated more with gout.

Ayurvedic view – Vatarakta

Ayurvedic correlation Vatarakta encompasses painful joints often the big toe with burning sensation and redness. It is mainly caused due to improper and irregular diet causing the disturbance of Vata dosha. Different types of spicy, salty, food items, dry food, intake of curd, prolonged standing, etc. also, can contribute to this.

Principles of Ayurvedic management [Ayurvedic Gout Treatment]

In ancient Ayurvedic texts, both purificatory and pacifying therapy are mentioned in the treatment of Vatarakta. According to Acharya Charaka, when Rakta predominant  Vatarakta occurs, it has to be treated with, Virechana (therapeutic purgation), Ghrta Kshira Pana (intake of medicated ghee or milk), Seka (pouring of medicated decoctions over the body), Vasti (medicated enema) and Sita nirvapana (application of pastes for cooling).  Vasti is best in treating this condition.

In the case of Vatarakta, developed due to occlusion in the srotas of Rakta by morbid Kapha dosha and Medo dhatu, the line of treatment in the initial stage is different, Snehana karma is not recommended, the main purpose in this context is to remove the Avarana (occlusion) Vata and to clear the srotas (body channels) in order to correct the movement of Vata. 

Shodhana Chikitsa (purification treatment)

Shodhana treatment or panchakarma treatment includes Raktamoksana (bloodletting by leech or other methods), Langhana (methods for effecting leanness, reduction of body bulk or resulting in lightness), Vamana (therapeutic emesis), Virechana, Asthapana Vasti (decoction enema) and Sneha Pana (intake of medicated oils or ghee).

Shamana  Chikitsa (pacifying treatment)

External application

It includes various treatment modalities like Alepana (application of medicated pastes), Abhyanga (massage), Parisheka (pouring of medicated decoction over the body), and Upanaha (application of hot poultice).

Drugs used for external application

Drugs used are Triphala – (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory), Neem – (anti-inflammatory), and Turmeric – (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory). In short, you can apply a paste of these to your painful area for relief. Further, Ayurvedic treatises also give some really helpful combinations of herbs for curing this condition. Check out these interesting formulas.

• Application of the paste of Sigru (Moringa oleifera) and Varuna (Crataeva nurvala) with sour gruel removes pain in Vatarakta.
• Castor (Ricinus communis) seed pounded with milk, and applied over the affected part relieves pain in Vatarakta.
• Nimba leaves pounded with sour gruel can be applied externally in Vatarakta.
• Linseed (Linum usitatissimum ) and Castor seeds pounded with milk when applied to the affected part relieves pain.
• Oil cooked with Guduchi decoction and milk alleviates Vatarakta.
• Paste of barley powder Yava (Hordeum vulgare) with Yasti Madhu, milk, and ghee removes the pain and burning sensation of Vatarakta.
• Paste of linseed, castor seeds, and Satapuspa pounded with milk is applied externally to predominant in Vata.
• Paste of wheat powder mixed with goat’s milk and ghee when applied over the Vatarakta affected area reduces pain.
• Parched Tila (Sesamum indicum) pounded with milk is applied locally in Vatarakta.

Internal potions for Vatarakta 

• Milk cooked with Dasha Moola decoction alleviates pain immediately.
• Decoction of Chandana (Santalum album) sweetened with sugar and Honey is effective in Vatarakta.
• Decoction of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is useful in Vatarakta.
• Decoction of Guduchi taken after intake of three or five Haritaki fruits with Jaggery is effective in Vatarakta.
• Decoction of Guduchi, Castor and Decoction of Guduchi, Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), and Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum) alleviates Vatarakta, amavata (rheumatoid arthritis), and all types of kustha (skin disorders).
• Decoction of Haridra (Curcuma longa) and Guduchi mixed with honey is useful in Vatarakta predominant in Kapha. 
• Decoction of Haritaki fried with ghee is effective in Vatarakta.
• Decoction of Kokilaksha (Astercantha longifolia) as a vegetable diet alleviates Vatarakta.
• Decoction of Mustaka (Cyperus rotundus ), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), and Haridra was taken with honey alleviates Vatarakta associated with kapha.
• Decoction of Patola (Trichosanthes dioica) and Nimba (Azadirachta indica) leaves mixed with honey pacifies Vatarakta.
• Decoction of Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Guduchi, and Aragvadha (Cassia fistula) mixed with castor oil alleviates all types of Vatarakta .
• Decoction of the bark of Asvattha (Ficus religiosa Linn.) is useful in Vatarakta.
• Decoction of Trivrit (Operculina turpethum ) and Vidari (Pueraria tuberosa) cures Vatarakta.

Ayurvedic Tips to combat gout

• Have a good amount of water – to prevent dehydration and crystal formation.
• Reduce purine-containing foods – alcohol, shellfish, etc.
• Apply ice on painful joints to reduce the intensity of pain.
• Keep joints elevated at a higher level always.
• Have physical activities conducive to joints like walking, bicycling, swimming, etc.
• For prevention, reduce excess body weight too.

In modern medical science also, diet, lifestyle changes, and medications to reduce pain and inflammation are told.

Ayurveda has plenty of remedies with each herb, only your innate Prakriti can know what’s the best for you. Choose Ayurveda and remain healthy for a long long time.

The takeaway

The most common gout symptoms are joint pain, redness, and swelling. The most common type of gout is called hyperuricemia or high blood uric acid levels.

Gout is a condition that can be treated with diet, lifestyle changes, and medications. Gout treatment should start as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage from the disease.

Ayurvedic gout treatment is a natural way to treat gout. It uses herbs and spices that have traditionally been used in Ayurveda for centuries. It’s a low-risk, high-yield alternative to conventional medicine, so it’s worth giving a try.

NOTE:
“This article does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call or visit your doctor.”
For more information about Ayurvedic Treatment for gout, you can call us at +919945850945

Limited consultations per day with prior appointments only.

Reference :

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33977680/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes/syc-20372897#:~:text=Gout%20is%20a%20common%20and,often%20in%20the%20big%20toe.
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4755-gout
4. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/gout
5. https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/ss/slideshow-gout
6. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/gout.html
7. https://medlineplus.gov/gout.html
8. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/144827#types