Alternative Medicine for Uric Acid

Increased uric acid in the blood stream is typical of a disease called gout. There are various medical treatments for gout, but if you prefer to use alternative medicine, there are various herbs and dietary guidelines you can follow to treat your gout.

Gout and Uric Acid

According to Medicinenet.com gout arises when the body produces an elevated amount of uric acid. Increased uric acid causes an accumulation of small crystals of urate in the body's tissues and joints. Gout is extremely common and can lead to painful arthritis in the joints. Lowering your uric acid levels in the body will help treat your gout and help alleviate the painful symptoms. Remedies that help reduce uric acid will also assist with reducing joint inflammation.

Herbal Remedies

According to Holisitconline.com, there are a variety of herbal teas that can assist with reducing the uric acid levels in your body. The website recommends that you consume a cup of stinging nettle or horsetail tea at least three times a day for three weeks. If you notice the joint inflammation returning, you may want to continue this treatment. Additionally, juices derived from celery or birch leaves help flush uric acid from the body.

You can also create a horseradish tea by boiling about a teaspoon of freshly grated horseradish in a cup of water. Allow the mixture to steep for about ten minutes. You should consume this mixture without any food in your stomach. Continue this treatment for ten days.

Topical Treatments

You can reduce inflammation in your joints by applying herbal compresses to the affected area. Combine about four tablespoons of honey with a teaspoon of comfrey tincture and heat in a double boiler. Apply the mixture to a cloth and apply the cloth to the inflamed areas of your body. You can create a similar compress with chamomile.

Dietary Guidelines

What you eat can help reduce uric acid in your system. According to Peacehealth.org, foods that are high in vitamin C help reduce uric acid and prevent gout. Foods like blueberries and cherries are particularly effective because they contain anthocyaniding, which has anti-inflammatory properties. You should avoid alcohol and foods that contain purines. Refined sugars should also be avoided.