Gout is a condition that is often thought of as acute arthritis. Essentially gout refers to the sudden and intense onset of arthritis like symptoms. These symptoms include pain, tenderness, redness and swelling in the joints, and the joint in the big toe is one that is very commonly affected. Gout is more likely to occur in men and post menopausal women, however it can affect anyone and at any time.
The most common form of treatment for gout is the use of medications. NSAIDS (Non steroidal anti-inflammatory) medications are amongst the most prevalent forms of treatment for gout. Corticosteroids like prednisone may also be used, although less frequently. Because attacks of gout can occur numerous times over any given year in some people and are highly unpredictable, preventing gout recurrences in order to prevent related complications is very important. Different types of medications are used in this regard and they are used in relation to the body’s manufacture of uric acid and kidney function.
There are two ways in which gout recurrences can possibly be staved off. Drugs that can reduce the body’s production of uric acid, which can contribute to gout risk, is one method. Additionally, medications that boost the ability of the kidneys to remove uric acid are another. This secondary form of prevention is where alternative remedies and herbal tea recipes can be particularly useful in providing natural ways to combat and prevent gout.
Natural compounds that can be harnessed in tea for gout prevention can help give the kidneys a helping hand in their quest to remove excess uric acid from the body. Uric acid in high levels can lead to the formation of crystals that over time can build up in the joints. When the levels of these sharp and pointy crystals reach the point that they can adversely affect the tissue surrounding the joints, the intense pain and sudden discomfort gout can bring about can occur.
There are numerous herbs that are found in nature that can help to increase the amount of uric acid that they kidneys can remove from the body. This reduction in uric acid can inhibit the growth and formation of urate crystals and hence reduce the risk of gout and its complications. Herbal tea for gout provide a natural and soothing way to help the kidneys do their job, and as a preventative measure that may boast fewer side effects than some medications, herbal remedies are worth considering, and we have picked out the best five for you to evaluate.
1. Couch Grass
Couch grass is an herbal remedy that is purported to increase the amount of urine produced by the body thanks to a natural diuretic effect. In addition to its urine producing abilities, couch grass makes a good herb to include in tea for gout prevention because it also boasts antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe and comfort a urinary tract that is irritated and inflamed and is known in alternative medicine for kidney cleansing properties.
2. Horsetail
Natural diuretic properties that lead to increased urine production are what make horsetail an ideal addition in tea for gout. An increase output of urine can help flush the kidneys and rid the body of toxins, and the additional antibiotic effects further its medicinal benefits. Horsetail has been regarded as a useful herb for gout prevention and as such it makes its way regularly into herbal tea recipes for this purpose. It is important to note however that horsetail should not be used in people with past or current conditions related to kidney disease or kidney function.
3. Parsley
Parsley is a mild and nearly side effect free herbal remedy for a whole wide range of medical conditions. Although best known as an herb used in the kitchen, parsley started out as a potent medicinal miracle and is still highly regarded in the alternative healing community today. Parsley is a potent diuretic, which is why its inclusion in teas for gout relief and prevention is so logical. But, in addition to this urine volumizing effect, parsley also boasts astringent and tissue repair properties.
4. Stinging Nettle
Vitamins A, B2, C and E along with nutrients like potassium, iron and calcium make nettle a nutritious pick for beneficial relief from gout and prevention of its recurrence. Its antibacterial agents are thought to be effective against common bacteria like staphylococci and it has been used in the treatment of rheumatic conditions. Nettle is one of few herbs whose use is supported with some evidence to actually amplify the elimination of gout causing uric acid, making it an almost essential addition to tea for gout.
5. Uva Ursi
Uva ursi is a common herbal component to many remedies for conditions that affect the urinary tract and processes. A lot of holistic professionals consider it an effective in the treatment of conditions like urethritis and cystitis. It has antibacterial properties that may help the kidney and can be used in tea for gout prevention due to a purported ability to cleanse the kidneys and enhance their function.
