Treating Gout by Ayurveda

It is a condition wherein there is deposition of uric acid, leading to severe inflammatory state.

In this condition, monosodium urate or uric acid crystals are deposited on the articular cartilage of joints, tendons and surrounding tissues due to elevated concentrations of uric acid in the blood stream. As a result inflammation of the effected tissues takes place which leads to pain, swelling and immobiity in the joints.

To present a classic picture, one complains of sudden excruciating, burning pain,warmth, redness, swelling and stiffness in the effected joints. low grade fever may also be present.
The pain is so severe, that a slight touch can provoke the severity, making the person to cry in agony.

Usually, big toe is mostly effected, but in some, knee, ankle, heel, wrist, elbow, fingers and spine may also be involved.

A clear cut diagonosis can be made on the signs and symptoms, but to be perfect, blood tests for uric acid has to be adviced.

According to Ayurveda, it is known as "Vata Rakta" and is caused due to imbalance in both Vata dosh and Rakta.
Several causes are listed in Ayurveda which causes this particular diseases, one of which is to tarvel long distances standing, and especifically suspending the legs in the air, which is opposite to the gravitational force. this causes the imbalance in the normal flow of the blood leading to gout.

* The first line of treatment includes, avoiding the causes, or restricting oneself from indulging in such things.

* Certain Procedures play a very important role in the treatment part of gout.
Such procedures include Virechan(purgation), Basti(enema), and Rakta Mokshan(blood letting).

* To start with the procedures , one should undergo proper Snehan and Swedan, so as to allow the proper treatment.

* In severe pain, application of Leech(in the form of Rakta Mokshan) is done, and it is found to be very effective in allevating the pain.

* For local application, paste of certain herbs as single or in combination are used. For example: paste of Erand Beej and milk, Shatavari mula paste, Vacha-Koshtha-Daruharidra paste, Dashang lepa etc.

* As internal medication, Guduchi Churna, Guduchi Satva, Guduchi Kwath, Samshamani Vati, Amrutadi Ghrut, Amruta Guggul, Kaishore Guggul, Amrutarista are used as single or in combination, depending upon the severity of the condition.

* For burning sensation, Chandanasava, Sarivadyasava, Manjistadi Kada, Mouktik, Kamdhudha can be used to reduce the same.

* After the proper treatment of the diseases, one should continue taking Samshamani Vati, Guduchi Siddh Ghrut, to prevent the recurrence.

Note: The above mentioned treatment should be taken under proper medical guidance.