ഗൌട്ട്-Gout (also known as podagra when it involves the big toe)

Symptoms include:

a. Inflammationb. Swellingc. Tenderness in the affected jointd. Touching or moving the joint is extremely painfule. Unbearable pain (as if cutting the joint)

f. Burning sensation

Ayurveda tips to prevent gout

1. Consume wheat, green gram, raisins, ginger and milk2. Avoid horse raiding, or other sports which involves lot of joint movements.3. Avoid afternoon sleep, roaming in hot sun,4. Do not consume alcohol, fish, urad dhal, horse gram, curds, radish

Ayurveda treatment for gout

Ayurvedic treatments for gout vary depending on the condition of the patient and the severity of the disease. Ayurvedic treatments for gout consist of Pancha karma, oral medicines and diet regulations. Snehanam-(oilation), virechanam- (purgation), abhyanga-(massage), pradeha, pralepa-(medicated packs) and basthi-(enema) are the suggested treatments for gout

Abhyanga (oil massage)

It increases the metabolism, which leads to better tissue respiration and circulation, causing the body to flush out its waste products more efficiently. It helps in alleviating rheumatic disorders. It provides comfort to the eyes, sound sleep, and tones upthe body, improves flexibility, softness and firmness of the skin and for long life. It is the most ancient method used to remove muscular fatigue and pain.

Pizhichil (oil bath)

In pizhichil, lukewarm medicated herbal oil is poured all over the body. This treatment is very effective in rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, spondlitis, hemiplegia, Gout, nervous weakness and nervous disorders. This treatment is prescribed not only forrheumatic ailments (vatic disorders) but also for many other diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, fits, convulsions etc.

Home remedies for gout

a. Apples are good for goutb. 3 ml of lemon juice mixed in 100 ml of water, thrice daily helps the kidney to detoxifyc. 30 ml French bean juice said to be effective in gout. It has to be taken for at least 30 days as one coursed. Cherries play a vital role in improving the anti oxidants in the system. Some naturopaths recommend 10 fresh cherries a day to keep the gout in control.e. Carrot juice mixed with the juices of beet and cucumber acts as diuretic hence it is recommended for gout.f. A charcoal bath is a good home remedy for gout. Mix in old basin one half cup of charcoal powder with water until a paste is made. Place affected foot into the basin and add water until the foot is enclosed. Steep your foot in the charcoal bath for thirty to sixty minutes.

This is a painful metabolic disease resulting in the inflammation and chalky deposit in the joints due to disturbance of purine metabolism in the body. In ayurveda, this is known as vatarakta.

Treatment

Since the disease is caused by vata, to correct it in the beginning, Pancatikta Ghrita is given to thepatient in a dose of two teaspoonfuls twice daily on empty stomach mixed with warm water. This shouldbe continued for about 15 days. For external application, guducyadi taila is to be given. The importantingredient of this medicated oil is guduchi(Tinospora cordifolia).

Kaisore guggulu is the drug of choice for the treatment of this condition. It is given in a dose of twotablets three times a day (6 tablets per day). This should be followed by two ounce of decoction ofmanjistha (Rubia cordifolia). Bowels of the patient should be kept clear and if required powder ofharitaki (Terminalia chebula) should be given to the patient in a dose of two teaspoonfuls at bed timewith warm water.

The root bark of asvattha tree (Ficus religiosa) is useful in this condition. In a decoction form it is given ina dose of two ounces daily.

Diet

Freshly harvested rice and wheat should not be given to the patient. Old rice, wheat, mung dal, meatsoup, garlic, onion, bitter gourd, papaya and green banana can be taken by the patient. Curd, any otherform of sour food, heavy food and fried things are prohibited.

Other regimens

The patient should not perform any violent exercise. He should not sit idle either. Exposure to cols windand rain and cold bath are strictly contraindicated.

Gout:

• Gout is a form of arthritis

• It is also known as toe or feet disease

• The condition usually affects the toe, knee or wrist joints

• More than one joint can be affected at one time

Symptoms to look for:

• Sudden bouts of unbearable pain

• Inflammation, tenderness in the joints

• Gout attacks usually occur at midnight or early in morning

• Affected joint becomes hot and swollen and is very sensitive to touch

• Pain and swelling generally goes away after 1-2 weeks

• The pain reoccurs after sometime in the same or some other joint

Causes:

• High level of uric acid in the body

• Excessive alcohol intake

• Stress

• Lack of exercise

• Skipping meals

• Dehydration

• High aspirin intake

• Menopause

Natural home remedy using mustard oil and camphor:

1. Take 1 cup of mustard oil

2. Add 10 gm of camphor

3. Heat till camphor dissolves completely

4. Massage the affected area with lukewarm oil

Natural home remedy using apples:

1. Eat 1 apple after every meal

2. Apples have malic acid, which neutralises uric acid

Natural home remedy using lime:

1. Add the juice of half a lime to 1 glass of water

2. Drink 2 times a day

3. Citric acid in lime dissolves uric acid

Natural home remedy using ice:

1. Wrap ice cubes in cloth

2. Place on the affected area

3. This provides only temporary pain relief

Tips:

• Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. It washes out the uric acid deposits

• Have 15-20 cherries every day

• Anti-oxidants in cherries help relieve inflammation

• It reduces the frequency of gout flare-ups

These remedies are based on the principles of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of healing, and are completely natural, non-invasive, and can be prepared at home. Consult your doctor if the symptoms persist. Refer to the terms of use.

Gout

Gout is a painful condition of the joints. Initially the small joints of the body are involved, such as those of the toes and fingers. The problem is due to impaired uric acid excretion. In Ayurveda, gout is known as vatrakt, as the main dosha involved is vata and it affects rakt dhatu.

Home Remedies:

• Swallow 2-3 fresh, peeled garlic buds with water on an empty stomach in the morning.
• Boil 10 rose petals in 4 tablespoons of vinegar until an ointment develops. Apply this ointment 3-4 times a day on the affected joint.
• Prepare a mixture of equal amounts of fenugreek seeds powder, turmeric powder, and dried ginger root powder. Have 1 teaspoon of this powder with lukewarm water twice a day.

Diet and Lifestyle:Avoid all sour, pungent, and fried foods; red meat; alcohol; and tobacco. Take light and easily digestible food like steamed or boiled vegetables or vegetable broth. Use wholegrain bread and cereals, and increase intake of seasonal fruits except banana. Increase the use of garlic, ginger, cumin, fennel, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon in cooking. Avoid dairy products, especially yogurt. Take light and gentle exercise, as the joints should not be kept immobile. Massage the joints gently with lukewarm oil for 20-30 minutes every day and then have a warm bath. This will relax and relieve the joint pain. Avoid damp and cold places, and keep the body warm.