Ease the discomfort of Gout with simple remedies

June 2012 By Jonathan Evans Herbal Information Specialist/Business Representative for the Herbarium Special to PRIME DEAR JONATHAN: I have a really bad case of gout and the medicine the doctor gave me makes me sick. I can't walk and I am getting really miserable. Is there any natural stuff that can get rid of this? —David DEAR DAVID: Fortunately there are many things to be done. Gout is a particular form of arthritis usually affecting the big toe but other joints can be affected as well. Uric acid builds up and crystallizes around the joint, causing swelling, inflammation and extreme sensitivity. Diet is a very important factor; cleaning up your food selections is strongly recommended. I am sure you know to avoid white flour, caffeine, fried foods, alcohol and the rest of the usual suspects. During an attack eat raw fruits and vegetables, black cherries or any dark blue or red berries and drink juices. Cherry juice is effective due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. Boswellia, bromelain, turmeric and celery seed, yucca, devil's claw and alfalfa are all traditional herbs used to treat gout. Nutraceutical has a blend called Total Cleanse/Uric acid that has been used with good results. Many years ago, my dad discovered Herbarium (before I even met Kathy) and tried her ARTH-GOUT tea with great success. It has been a staple here at the shop for 30 plus years. Homeopathic remedies such as Belladonna, Arnica, and Rhus tox or formulas containing the combination can help with swelling and pain without negatively reacting with other medicines. I have had attacks in the past and really pay attention to my diet. At the first tingle in the toe, I am on my herbs to stop it before it starts. Good luck. DEAR JONATHAN: I have had kidney stones in the past and it seems to run in my family. I have passed some small stones before and am not looking forward to any new stones. I know my diet has to change, but I seem to produce the darned things no matter how good I eat. Do you have any suggestions? —Karen DEAR KAREN: I will not go over the diet suggestions with you, as I am sure this has been covered with your doctor. Eighty percent of kidney stones are calcium oxalate. Calcium stones tend to run in families. I do not know if heredity, dietary habits, or both cause stones. In any event, people who have Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Crohn's disease have a higher incidence of stones. People on acid blockers or antacid products also seem more prone to developing stones. The most common treatments for pain relief are drinking plenty of water with the juice of half a lemon squeezed in. Aloe vera juice consumed regularly can help avoid stone formation, increasing intake of vitamin A rich foods helps, and of course, Magnesium. B complex vitamins and magnesium reduces oxalates in the system, and vitamin C helps to acidify the urine. HERB PHARM makes a compound called Stone Breaker, which contains hydrangea, celery seed, burdock and Chanca Piedra. This product has worked amazingly well. Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx: Jonathan Evans via email at info@theherbarium.com, or by regular mail to: The Herbarium, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee, MA 01013. If requesting additional information from Jonathan, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.