AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR GOUT
GOUT:
This is painful metabolic disease resulting in inflammation and chalky deposits in the joints due to disturbance of the purine metabolism in the body. In Ayurveda this is known as
vatarakta, Impairment of digestion and metabolism because of the intake of mutually contradictory food articles and non-elimination of the metabolic waste products from the body are
responsible for the causation of this disease.
The characteristic features of this disease are the involvement of the big toe in the beginning which becomes acutely painful and swollen. Gradually, other joints are involved and the
patient experiences difficulty in walking, talking and even moving.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Gout: Since this disease is caused by vata, in the beginning Panchatikta ghrita is given to the patient in a dose of two teaspoonfuls twice
daily, on empty stomach, mixed with
warm milk. This should be continued for about 15 days. For external application Guduchyadi taila is to be given. The important ingredient of this medicated oil is guduchi.
Kaishoraguggulu is the drug of choice for the treatment of this condition: It is given in a dose of five tablets three times a day (15 tablets per day). This should be followed by
60 ml. of decoction of manjistha. Bowels of the patient should be kept clear, and if required the powder of haritaki should be given to the patient in a dose of two teaspoonfuls at
bedtime with warm water. The root bark of ashvattha tree is useful in this condition. In a decoction form it is given in a dose of 60 ml. daily.
Diet to taken by Gout patients: Freshly harvested rice and wheat should not be given to the patient. Old rice, wheat, moong dal, meat soup, garlic, onion, bitter
gourd, papaya and green banana can be taken by
the patient. Curd, and any other sour articles of food, heavy food articles and fried things are prohibited.
Other regimens: The Gout patient should not perform any violent exercise. He should not sit idle either. Exposure to cold wind and rain, and cold water bath are strictly
contra-indicated.
