Nowadays, it is easy to find a huge selection of herbal teas at any given supermarket. Lined up in colourful packaging, often featuring their various ingredients, it can even be a challenge to decide which tea is right for you. But there is certainly an option for everyone - whether you enjoy a traditional ginger and lemon or a more exotic hibiscus and rosehip tea.
Many of the seemingly infinite options are said to be beneficial for various health concerns. But if you’re one of the unfortunate millions who suffer from gout attacks, you might wonder: Are herbal teas good for gout?
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes severe pain in the joints - particularly the big toe. It is most common in older men, though it can affect people at any age. The condition is associated with high uric acid levels in the blood.
Uric acid is a byproduct of purines - a natural compound that exists in the cells of all living things. While it is usually harmless at normal levels and is filtered out of the body through the kidneys, this is sometimes not achieved effectively. Over time, excess uric acid can begin to form sharp crystals in the joints, leading to gout.
Other factors that could put you at a higher risk of gout include:
- Drinking a lot of alcohol
- Being overweight
- Health issues such as having high cholesterol, kidney problems, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, or diabetes
- Taking certain medications, including diuretics
Herbal Teas for Gout
Herbal teas have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people strive for healthier hot drink alternatives, or simply an easy way to enjoy the potential health benefits of a wide array of herbs and plants. Such teas can be found featuring a single primary ingredient, such as chamomile or ginger, or a combination of several.
Herbal teas have been used in traditional medicine for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Many dieticians still recommend them to aid in the management of various health conditions. For example, the consumption of green tea has been linked to lower incidences of conditions associated with oxidative stress, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Regarding gout, some ingredients found in herbal teas may be beneficial for soothing symptoms. Many plants and herbs used to make herbal teas possess anti-inflammatory properties which may help to soothe swelling and inflammation associated with the condition. These may include:
- Green Tea: An excellent source of compounds called polyphenols, of which epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the strongest. EGCG has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Turmeric Tea: Turmeric can be found in many herbal teas, often combined with ginger and orange. Turmeric and curcumin (the active ingredient in the plant) are well-known for their health benefits, which include reducing inflammation (including that associated with arthritis).
- Ginger Tea: Another common ingredient in herbal teas, ginger contains over 50 antioxidants. Many of these compounds can reduce the production of cytokines, a pro-inflammatory substance found in the body.
- Rosehip Tea: Though not as common as other herbal teas, rosehip is backed with vitamins and antioxidants and may be beneficial in reducing pain and other symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Fennel: With a taste similar to liquorice, fennel is a popular ingredient in herbal teas. It contains several anti-inflammatory compounds. Some studies show that fennel may help reduce pain.
Drinking herbal teas can also help to keep your body hydrated - even more so than drinking water alone. A number of compounds found in teas, such as unfermented green tea, yellow tea, white tea, and oolong tea, can also reduce uric acid levels, potentially lowering the risk of gout attacks.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in the health and wellness effects of herbal teas for gout, there are plenty of options out there for you to try. Consuming herbal teas for gout alongside other management techniques, such as taking regular supplements or eating low-purine foods could be beneficial for soothing gout symptoms and even preventing an attack. Moreover, adding herbal teas to your gout-friendly diet will likely have a number of other benefits for your overall health.
However, it is important to note that some ingredients found in herbal teas can interact with some medications - particularly if consumed at high levels. If you are currently taking medication for a health condition, you should always speak to your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
