Gout, one of the most painful forms of arthritis, is found primarily in men. While we can't cure it, we do have several highly effective treatments to control it. The symptoms of gout are often centered in the big toe, causing it to become swollen and extremely painful; but any joint may be affected. Pain usually occurs when the body is unable to eliminate uric acid, a waste product normally in the blood. If your body produces too much uric acid, or your kidneys aren't working properly to excrete it, an acute gout attack can follow.

Celery seed extract cools
gouty inflammation

Through the ages gout was known as the "disease of kings" because it was believed that a rich (man's) diet caused the disease. This myth is partially true. Diets high in purines (organ meats, fish eggs, sardines, anchovies, beer, and wine) can aggravate gout -- but only in people who have trouble dealing with uric acid. Likewise, eliminating these foods may help reduce chances of an attack, but won't cure the underlying cause. Alcohol, too, can cause an attack or make one worse. Your diet and drinking habits should be fully discussed with your doctor when you begin treatment.

Herbs Used for Gout

Ashwagandha * Barberry, Common * Black Cohosh * Black Pepper * Blue Cohosh * Bogbean * Borage * Boswellia * Cajeput * Camphor * Cat's Claw * Cayenne Pepper * Centaury * Chicory * Devil's Claw * Eucalyptus * Fennel * Feverfew * Ginger * Hops * Juniper * Lavender * Mate * Meadowsweet * Parsley * Pineapple * Rehmannia * Rosemary * Soapwort * St. John's Wort * Thuja * Turmeric * Vervain * Watercress * White Willow * Wintergreen *

Birch tea For: Gout, kidneys
Profile	The leaves have a peculiar, aromatic, agreeable odor and a bitter taste, and have been employed in the form of infusion (Birch Tea) in gout, rheumatism and dropsy, and recommended as a reliable solvent of stone in the kidneys. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Celery seed For: Gout
Profile	Extract of celery seed has the ability to calm inflammation and neutralize the harmful effects of uric acid that often causes pain and inflammation in gout and arthritis Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Centaury For: Rheumatism
Profile	Research confirms the plant's potential for treating rheumatism and gout, for the alkaloid gentianine has exhibited strongly anti-inflammatory properties. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Chickory For: Gout and Rheumatism
Profile	Like dandelion, it also has diuretic properties and can be used for treating rheumatism and gout, because it eliminates uric acid from the body. Research has shown that an alcoholic extract of the whole plant has an anti-inflammatory activity Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Chicory For: Gout, jaundice
Profile	A decoction of 1 oz. of the root to a pint of boiling water, taken freely, has been found effective in jaundice, liver enlargements, gout and rheumatic complaints, and a decoction of the plant, freshly gathered, has been recommended for gravel. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Elder flowers For: Arthritis
Profile	Elderflowers have a mild laxative action and in Europe have a reputation for treating rheumatism and gout. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Gravel root For: Kidney stones, edema from gout
Profile	The herb is a diuretic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge. It may be used to ease urination in cases where kidney stones are present, and can help relieve edema associated with gout and rheumatism. . Learn Gravel Root. (), Moutain Rose Herbs

Juniper berry For: Neuralgia, Gout
Profile	External frictions (massage) of the diluted essential oil ease neuralgia, sciatica and rheumatic pains. Juniper essential oil promotes elimination of uric acid making it useful in treatment of gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Oil of benzoin For: Gout,rheumatoid arthritis.
Profile	Oil of benzoin is warming and soporific - very good as a fixative element in blends for cold conditions of the joints such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)

Soapwort For: Gout and Rheumatism
Profile	Soapworts use for gout and rheumatism is probably effective because of the anti-inflammatory property of its saponins Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

St. John's wort oil For: Rheumatism and gout
Profile	The original uses of this versatile plant, before it became popular as a natural anti-depressant however, were treating rheumatism and gout. Herbal oils infused with fresh St. John's wort are anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

Wormwood and Vinegar For: Gout, Bruises and Wounds
Profile	The famous Portland powder,(a combination of tonic and bitter herbs named for the Duke of Portland who made the remedy public) once noted for its efficacy in gout, has this drug as its principal ingredient. A decoction has ever been found a most excellent application for wounds, bruises, and sprains, relieving the pain nicely in most cases; every reader will recall 'wormwood and vinegar' in this connection. Latterly it has been found diuretic, discutient, and antispasmodic in epilepsy. The bitterness of the herb is communicated to the milk of cows who may browse upon it, and also to mothers' milk if the drug be taken. Charles F. Millspaugh, American Medicinal Plants (0000)

Gout Information

• Rheumatoid Arthritis :
  Rheumatoid arthritis has been passed down from mother to daughter for at least 5 generations. It seems I have always lived with the pain of arthritis. I used to just accept the fact that I was helpless to do anything about it. Not anymore.
• Fibromyalgia :
  

  Fibromyalgia A herbal approach to treatment will include herbs that address adrenal gland support, stress management, and pain relief, as well as emotional needs.

• Lupus :
  Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys.
• Osteoarthritis :
  Herbal treatments to prevent bone deterioration and improve bone and cartilage repair.