Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that is caused by a buildup or piling up of uric acid in the blood. It leads to the formation of needle-like crystals in the joints. It can result in sudden and severe pain. It also results in swelling. The ailment leads to tenderness in the big toe and severe pain.
What happens during gout formation?
Uric acid and purines
Gout tends to develop when the human body has too much uric acid in the blood. It goes through a condition called Hyperuricemia. Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down
What causes gout?
Following are the triggers that lead to gout-
1.High uric acid levels.
The uric acid dissolves in the blood. The acid is excreted via the kidneys and in gout either too much uric acid is produced or not enough is excreted. It leads to the formation of crystal deposits in the joints. Some of the triggers for a gout attack are as follows-
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High-purine foods.
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Stress.
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Fructose-sweetened drinks.
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Alcohol.
2.Crystal formation
When uric acid levels are way too high, the excess can crystallize and deposit in joints. These needle-like crystals tend to trigger an inflammatory response from the immune system. It can cause the characteristic symptom of a gout attack.
3.Gout attacks
Gout attacks are sudden episodes of intense pain, redness and swelling in the affected joint. These attacks can last for several days or weeks. The pain can be debilitating.
4.Chronic gout
Repeated gout attacks can lead to chronic gout where the inflammation and damage to the joints become persistent.
5.Risk factors
Gout is more common in men and it tends to occur more frequently with age. The factors such as diet, alcohol and consumption increase the risk of developing gout. Gout can be treated with medications to reduce uric acid levels, inflammation and relieve pain. Certain kinds of lifestyle changes such as dietary modifications and weight management also play a significant role in managing gout.
Ayurveda and gout
Choosing Ayurveda for gout offers a root-cause-based approach and this approach goes beyond simply managing pain and inflammation. In modern medicine, gout is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and uric-acid lowering agents. These can be effective. However, they come with side effects. Ayurveda uses herbs and Ama-pachana to cleanse the system. It also restores uric acid metabolism through improved liver and kidney function. Ayurveda tailors treatment based on your prakriti and your dosha imbalance. It also prevents flare-ups by correcting internal imbalance. While undergoing an ayurvedic treatment, one should avoid triggers such as heavy foods, alcohol and red meat.
Following are some of the ayurvedic medicines for gout-
| Ayurvedic Remedy | Main Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kaishore Guggulu | Detoxifies blood, reduces inflammation and uric acid | Recurrent gout, joint pain with swelling and stiffness |
| Punarnava | Diuretic, reduces swelling, removes excess uric acid | Gout with fluid retention or puffiness |
| Sudarshan Churna | Pitta-pacifying, clears liver toxins, improves metabolism | Burning joint pain, sluggish liver or low-grade fever |
| Chopchini | Anti-inflammatory, detoxifies rakta, improves mobility | Chronic gout, skin eruptions, limited movement |
| Amritadi Guggulu | Clears inflammation, purifies blood, eases stiffness | Chronic vatarakta and long-standing joint inflammation |
1.Kaishore Guggulu
It is one of the most effective ayurvedic formulations for managing Gout. The drug works by detoxifying the blood. It also reduces inflammation and balances aggravated Vata and Pitta. It also helps eliminate uric acid naturally through the metabolic channels of the body. Following are the ingredients in the drug-
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Guggulu- It is anti-inflammatory.
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Guduchi- It is acid-lowering.
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Triphala- It is a bowel regulator.
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Trikatu- It is a digestion booster.
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Nishoth- It is a mild purgative.
When should you use the drug?
The drug should be used when-
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One has painful, inflamed joints.
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High uric acid levels.
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Recurrent gout attacks or chronic symptoms.
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Joint stiffness and heaviness after eating.
2.Punarnava
It is a powerful and widely used Ayurvedic herb. It excels in reducing inflammation and swelling. It also promotes uric acid elimination owing to its diuretic and detoxifying properties. The drug is best suited for swollen and painful joints. It has high uric acid levels. It is also used in gout complicated by fluid retention.
The drug is generally safe for long-term use. It is monitored in cases of low blood pressure. It is used cautiously in pregnancy. One should avoid using the drug if they are prone to dehydration. It also helps flush out excess fluids and uric acid through urine. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is one of the best ayurvedic medicines for gout.
3.Sudarshan churna
It is a classical ayurvedic herbal powder known for its Pitta-pacifying and detoxifying actions. It is traditionally used for fevers and liver issues. However, it can be highly beneficial in Gout. It is Pitta-shamak which means it reduces heat, redness and burning sensation in joints. It also digests metabolic waste that contributes to uric acid buildup. It also clears vitiated Rakta and balances the root of Vatarakta. The herb also improves metabolism and detox through the liver. It is of the most use if gout is accompanied by low-grade fever or infection. The drug contains ingredients such as Chirayata, Kutki, Trikatu, Neem, Guduchi, Vasa and Haridra.
When to use Sudarshan Churna in Gout?
The churna should be used when-
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One experiences burning or hot joint pain.
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There is a toxic feeling in the body.
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Gout is associated with liver sluggishness.
4.Chopchini
Also known as Smilax China, Chopchini is a powerful ayurvedic herb valued for its anti-inflammatory and scraping properties. It is the most effective in chronic gout and joint stiffness. It helps digest and eliminate metabolic waste. It relieves joint pain and burning. It also helps treat chronic Rakta dushti. The drug reduces swelling and joint tenderness. It is an ayurvedic herb known for its therapeutic properties and it also helps in managing joint pain.
When to use Chopchini in gout?
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When there are recurrent flares despite other medications.
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When gout is associated with skin disorders or dermal eruptions.
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When there is a restricted movement because of gout.
5.Amritadi Guggulu
It is a classical ayurvedic formulation used for treating chronic inflammatory conditions. It is used in the ones that involve the joints, blood and metabolism. It is highly beneficial for gout. It also combines the detoxifying power of Guggulu with anti-inflammatory properties. It also clears vitiated blood, which is central in gout. It also reduces pain and burning sensation. The drug also eases joint pain and stiffness.
Reference Links
Ayurvedic Medicines for Gout
1. Kaishore Guggulu
Detoxifies blood, balances Vata-Pitta, and eliminates uric acid.
Ideal for: Painful, swollen joints, recurrent attacks.
2. Punarnava
Powerful diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Clears fluid retention and uric acid.
Ideal for: Puffiness, inflammation, or water retention with gout.
3. Sudarshan Churna
Liver-friendly, detoxifying, reduces burning and fever-like sensations.
Ideal for: Burning gout pain, liver sluggishness, body heat.
4. Chopchini (Smilax china)
Scrapes Ama, improves digestion, clears chronic inflammation.
Ideal for: Chronic gout, joint stiffness, limited flexibility.
5. Amritadi Guggulu
Blood purifier and anti-inflammatory. Reduces joint pain and supports metabolism.
Ideal for: Chronic joint inflammation and high uric acid conditions.