Causes and
symptoms:
An attack of gout is usually accompanied by acute pain in the
big toe, which becomes tender, hot, and swollen in a few
hours. It may also similarly affected other joints such as the
knees and wrists, and some times more than one joint may be
affected at a time. This is a 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.
Herbs used:
Garlic (Allium Sativum) :
In
Russia garlic is used extensively in the treatment of
rheumatism and associated diseases. Even in Britain, garlic is
recommended for rheumatism afflictions. Recent experiments in
Japan tested a garlic extract on patients with gout and
arthritis with large number being benefited without any
undesirable side effects. Its anti- inflammatory property
accounts for its effectiveness in the treatment of arthritis
and rheumatism.
Ghrita kumari (Aloe vera):
Indian
aloe is useful in lumbago, sciatica, gout and rheumatism. The
pulp of one leaf is taken daily for relief.
Rasna (Orchidaceae):
The
root of the plant is found Effective in inflammations,
rheumatic disorders, osteoarthritis and allied disorders. It
has been used for indigestion also.
Nirgundi (Verbenaceae):
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis were treated with the plant
and encouraging results obtained. Nirgundi decoction has been
used for steam bath for arthritis or joints pains.
Diet:
Freshly harvested rice and wheat should not be given to the
patient. Old rice, wheat, moong dal, garlic, onion, bitter
gourd, papaya and green banana can be taken by the patient.
High fibre diet is the best diet for this disease. Butter,
Milk and high protein diet will be avoided , and any other
sour articles of food, heavy food articles and fried things
are prohibited
Life style:
The patient should not perform any fast paced exercise.
Patient should not sit idle either. Exposure to cold wind and
rain, and cold-water bath are strictly contra-indicated. Oil
massage is beneficial
