Gout is a painful condition of the joints. Initially the small joints of the body are involved, such as those of the toes and fingers. The problem is due to impaired uric acid excretion. In Ayurveda, gout is known as vatrakt, as the main dosha involved is vata and it affects rakt dhatu.

Home Remedies:

• Swallow 2-3 fresh, peeled garlic buds with water on an empty stomach in the morning.
• Boil 10 rose petals in 4 tablespoons of vinegar until an ointment develops. Apply this ointment 3-4 times a day on the affected joint.
• Prepare a mixture of equal amounts of fenugreek seeds powder, turmeric powder, and dried ginger root powder. Have 1 teaspoon of this powder with lukewarm water twice a day.

Diet and Lifestyle:

• Avoid all sour, pungent, and fried foods; red meat; alcohol; and tobacco.
• Take light and easily digestible food like steamed or boiled vegetables or vegetable broth.
• Use wholegrain bread and cereals, and increase intake of seasonal fruits except for banana.
• Increase the use of garlic, ginger, cumin, fennel, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon in cooking.
• Avoid dairy products, especially yoghurt.
• Take light and gentle exercise, as the joints should not be kept immobile.
• Massage the joints gently with lukewarm oil for 20-30 minutes every day and then have a warm bath.
• This will relax and relieve the joint pain.
• Avoid damp and cold places, and keep the body warm.