Gout is a condition wherein an accumulation of excess uric acid crystals in the joints leads to severe pain. The reason for this is inflammation in the joints, especially the feet.
Apart from medications, there are also some home remedies that you can follow to alleviate the pain. Take a look at these natural ingredients to take adequate care during a gout attack:
Mustard oil
Mustard oil has a compound called allyl isothiocyanate that is useful for reducing inflammation. Camphor is traditionally used in Chinese and Indian medicines and research suggests it soothes inflammation, redness, aches, and pains associated with arthritis.
Mustard oil is one of the ingredients you can use to make a home gout care remedy.
How the remedy works:
- Take 1 cup of mustard oil
- Add 10 grams of camphor in it
- Heat this mixture till the camphor melts
- Let the oil come down to a lukewarm temperature, and then mix this properly
- Use this mixture to rub on inflamed joints, and massage properly
- You can repeat this remedy until you find relief
Epsom salt bath
Epsom salt’s scientific name is magnesium sulfate. It has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years as a pain reliever and healing agent. The magnesium, when mixed with warm water, gets dissolved in the liquid easily. It is then absorbed through the skin, boosting the magnesium levels in our body. This increase is what helps reduce inflammation.
How the remedy works:
- Fill a tub with warm water until it’s deep enough to dip your feet completely
- Add half a cup of Epsom salt in this warm water
- Dip your feet in this and soak them for 30 minutes
- For a more relaxing session, you can try using some essential oils to enhance the experience. You can use this gout remedy to take care of yourself every time you experience pain.
Ginger root
Used as a medicinal herb in many Indian and Chinese traditions, ginger is a powerhouse of remedies. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can either be used topically or even internally.
How the remedy works:
- For topical use, you can make a ginger paste by boiling some water with 1 tbsp of grated fresh ginger root
- Grind this together, and make a paste
- Soak a clean washcloth in this mixture
- When the temperature is comfortable for you, place this ginger paste soaked washcloth on the area where you are experiencing pain
- Keep it on for 15 to 30 minutes
- If you feel any irritation on the skin, stop this remedy. You can instead consume ginger tea 2-3 times daily
You can also try the ice cube method. Take some ice cubes wrapped in a clean washcloth and keep it on the area where it hurts. This fights the inflammation temporarily and isn’t recommended as a long-term treatment to care for gout attacks.
Apart from these remedies, some basic diet tips to not trigger gout pain will help keep your uric acid in check. Drink enough water to flush out the excess amount. Cherries are known to help in gout, so including them in your diet daily will be of huge help to you in your gout care regime. Bananas too are recommended, as it converts the uric acid crystals into liquid and is then passed out of the body through urination.
