Gout is a type of arthritis that is especially painful and often the onset of an attack is sudden. Fortunately, natural remedies for gout are quite effective and often fast acting. Home remedies for gout include apple cider vinegar, baking soda, cherries, dietary changes, foot baths, and herbs. Treatments for gout include internal remedies as well as external remedies. While often one remedy is effective enough to bring relief, sometimes two or three remedies are used at once.

Natural Remedies for Gout

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is commonly used for arthritis pain and it works for gout as well. Apple cider vinegar helps to alkalize the body, which then helps the body to work more effectively and expel the uric acid crystals. More details about this remedy can be found here.

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

It seems almost absurd that simple baking soda can cure gout, but this very inexpensive item found in most kitchens has the ability to alkalize an acidic body, which brings relief to gout.

Cherries

Cherries are a delicious way to bring relief to a gout sufferer. You will find a variety of forms of cherries that work for gout on this page.

Herbs and Vitamins for Gout

Alfalfa, Celery Seed, Cat's Claw are some herbs that have been used successfully for gout. These herbs are usually taken in capsules.

Garlic, a strong ant-inflammatory herb that is best taken raw. Adding it liberally to food is the easiest way to take it.

Vitamin C is an important vitamin for those with gout. Sodium ascorbate is the best form of vitamin C to take. It is less acidic than ascorbic acid and easier on the stomach. 500 - 1000 mg of vitamin C can be taken morning and evening.

External Treatments for Gout

Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil is a wonderfully healing, albeit humble seeming oil.  Soak a cloth in castor oil and carefully wrap the gouty area. Cover with plastic wrap and an ace bandage. If you can tolerate the pressure, use a heating pad or hot water bottle on the castor oil pack. This works well overnight. Do be careful to use old pajamas and keep a towel or two under the castor oil application because castor oil is greasy and can stain clothing.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be topically for gout. Find a detailed description of the process here.

Epsom Salt Baths

Epsom salt baths can be taken to bring relief to gout. Add 1-2 cups of Epsom salt to a tub of warm water and soak for 20 minutes. If this is not convenient, you can use a footbath for gout in the foot or toe with Epsom salt added.  Add 1/3 cup Epsom salt to a basin of warm water and soak for 30 minutes several times daily.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a free remedy that helps with pain and swelling. Warm and cool applications are alternated on the affected area. The warm applications bring blood flow for healing. The cool applications reduce inflammation and swelling. For a foot or toe you can use two basins of water, one warm and one cool and alternate. For an elbow or knee you can alternate cool and warm cloths.  Use each application for 30-60 seconds at a time before switching. Begin with cool and end with cool and change you applications 7 times.

Dietary Changes for Gout

Certain diets are linked to gout. Red meat, shell fish, foods high in purines, processed foods, sugar and alcohol should be limited or avoided if you suffer with gout. If you have been on a high protein/low carb diet for a while, you may be at increased risk for gout.

Choose foods that are not processed. Fresh fruits and vegetables, chicken, and whole grains are good choices. Cherries are especially wonderful for gout sufferers. Other types of berries are excellent choices as well, including strawberries and blueberries.

However, even vegetarians, vegans and people with seemingly amazing diets can get gout as well. You may have to do some detective work to figure out what food or drink may be triggering gout!

Don't forget about water. Water is critical to life and health. Modern diets full of soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks etc. keep people from drinking enough water. Water keeps you hydrated. Even mild dehydration can make pain feel worse. Make an effort to drink plenty of water daily. Herbal teas and water with apple cider vinegar count towards your water intake.

Cautions

If you think you have gout but have never had a diagnosis of gout, consult a health professional. Other conditions can mimic gout, like cellulitis, which can be very serious if appropriate treatment is delayed.

If you take medications, you should ask your health care professional before taking new herbs. Activated charcoal, one of the gout remedies, can decrease the effectiveness of many medications.

 Please let us know what you try to combat your gout or continue on to learn what our readers used to cure their gout!