Gout is a common type of arthritis that affects the joints, causing often severe pain and discomfort. Living with gout can be a challenge, not only due to the associated pain, but also because it can cause severe debilitation during flare-ups. It is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood which leads to the formation of sharp crystals in the joints. These crystals can cause inflammation and swelling that are characteristic of gout.
What factors can trigger gout?
A number of factors can lead to heightened levels of uric acid in the blood and increase the chance of experiencing gout; these include:
- Purine rich foods (such as red meat, shellfish, and alcohol)
- Foods that are high in fructose (such as fizzy drinks)
- Certain medications (such as diuretics)
- Obesity
- Certain health conditions (including hypertension, poor kidney function, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance)
While the condition has a relatively high prevalence, there is currently no known cure for gout. Instead, treatments focus on symptom management and prevention of flare-ups. Common treatments for gout attacks include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and, in more persistent cases, steroid tablets or injections.
A larger aspect of gout treatment is arguably that of prevention. This is most often achieved by adopting practices that lower uric acid in the blood. For example, many people with gout will change their diet to limit the levels of purines (a natural compound that can raise uric acid levels), as well as taking regular medications or supplements designed to lower uric acid levels.
Despite many patients with gout experiencing success with a combination of these therapies, some people may remain unsatisfied with the management of their condition. In such cases, they may choose to explore alternative therapies such as homeopathy. With this in mind, we're taking a look at some of the best homeopathic remedies that may help with the relief of symptoms and the prevention of gout flare-ups.
But first, let's get a better understanding of what homeopathy is.
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a type of complementary or alternative medicine that is often based on the use of highly diluted substances thought to remove the symptoms of a certain condition. The theory is based on ideas first developed by a German doctor called Samuel Hahnemann in the 1790s. As such, it is the longest established complementary and alternative medicine to have risen to popularity in Europe.
Hahnemann's theory originated when he discovered that taking regular doses of quinine - a substance found in the bark of the Cinchona tree - produced all the symptoms of malaria - albeit to a lesser degree. This discovery led to Hahnemann publishing his 1796 Essay on a New Principle for Ascertaining the Curative Power of Drugs and later The Organon of the Healing Art.
In these works, Hahnemann theorised that a patient's illness could be cured by giving them a medicine that, if given to a healthy person, would produce similar symptoms to the illness. This idea was soon summed up into Hahnemann's now-famous saying, "like cures like". The relative simplicity of homeopathy when compared with orthodox medicine made it extremely popular in the following decades.
Most homeopathic practitioners today centres on the use of highly diluted substances that can supposedly cure the symptoms of the condition being treated. Homeopaths also take into account the wider lifestyle and constitution of the person being treatment before determining the treatment. So, let's take a look at some of the homeopathic remedies that are most commonly used in the treatment of gout.
Homeopathic Remedies for Gout
Colchicum - a toxic member of the lily family, when used in the small amounts in homeopathy, colchicum is believed to be effective at reducing pain and swelling. In gout, it is said that this can help reduce inflammation around the affected joints.
Antimonium Crudum - derived from black sulphide of antimony (a metal), this substance is thought to affect the skin, gastric system, and joints, among other parts of the body.
Belladonna - a type of plant (Atropa belladonna) that grows from western Europe to the Himilayas and parts of North America, all parts of belladonna are considered poisonous. In diluted doses used in homeopathy, the substance is thought to help with pain and hot joints.
Benzoic Acid - commonly sourced from the bark of trees from the Styrax genus, this is the simplest benzene-based carboxylic acid. In homeopathy, it is often recommended for treating gout.
Rhus toxicodendron - Also known as poison ivy, this substance has been studied for its effects in arthritis treatment. It is thought to be beneficial for swollen joints.
Could Homeopathic Remedies Really Work?
Few studies have examined the potential and effectiveness of homeopathy in the treatment of gout. Despite this, homeopathy remedies such as those highlighted in this article are still widely used to treat a wide range of conditions, including physical ailments such as gout and psychological conditions, including depression.
Some reports indicate that homeopathy is no more effective than placebo in the treatment of various conditions. Furthermore, the NHS in England announced that it would cease offering homeopathy due to a lack of evidence for its effectiveness. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also does not recommend homeopathy in the treatment of any health condition.
However, homeopathy is generally considered to be safe, due to the extremely small amounts of active substances used in homeopathic preparations. Still, it is recommended that you always speak with your doctor if you are considering homeopathy as some remedies may interact with other medications.
