Gout, Msg 1941

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Friday article: Gout (Vatrakta)

 

In Ayurveda this is known as Vatarakta.

 

The disease is identified by recurrent attack of acute pain and

swelling affecting joints. the patient experience difficulty in

walking, holding items and even moving. Gout usually affects only one

or two joints at a time - most often the feet and ankles. The ball of

the big toe is the commonest site. Without treatment the attack

subsides in a week or so and when patients first develop gout there

may be intervals of many months or even years between attacks. As

time goes by, these tend to become more frequent and more severe and

eventually many joints may be involved, sometimes all at the same

time. At this stage a state of chronic or continuous joint disease

may develop with progressive joint damage, disability and crippling

(chronic gout). Gout affects mostly men and is very rare in women

until after the menopause when it is quite often seen. Another

identification is inflammation and ama deposits in the joints due to

disturbance of the metabolism in the body. Nausea, flatulence or

vague abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, constipation are also

common symptoms. Highly colored and scanty urine indicates advanced

stage. However, such an indication is also seen in case of impaired

liver function as in jaundice. The distinct appearance of swelling

and acute pain is the condition which differentiates this state from

Aamvata. The stiffness is less common. The swelling and reddish

appearance is a characteristic.

 

Intake of incompatible foods, lack of ellimination of wastes resulting

from such foods (Aamvisha as ayurveda calls it) is the root cause

according to Ayurveda. Modern medicine views this as the toxins

produced by excessive intake of protein foods causing deposits of

uric acid, urates as crystals in joint tissues causing inflamation of sinovial

fluid in joints. This fluid provides Shleshak Kapha causing

lubrication of joints. The occurance of this condition is mostly in

males, though as an exception, author has female cases also.

 

Various herbs such as Garlic, Guggul, Neem, Turmeric, Aamalki,

Guduchi, Sallaki, Bala, Rasna are used in healing. The pharmacy

medicines such as Kaishore Guggulu (3-3-3 Tabs 125 mg each, with

water), Guduchyadi Quath (15 ml with equal water twice a day),

Panchtikta Ghrutam (10 ml in 1 cup warm milk, twice a day), Balarista

(15 ml with equal water twice a day), Kanchnar Guggulu (2 – 2 – 2

Tabs with water) are the medicines which are commonly found in the

prescriptions. Maharasnadi Quath/Rasnadi Guggulu is often given as

anti-inflmatory medicine. For making medicine at home, equal mixture of Giloy,

Turmeric, Aamalki, Guggulu, Neem and Khadir can be made into tablets,

the dose being 500 mg thrice a day. Kaishore Guggulu was seen to be

quite effective in reducing uric acid, in most patients, in the

experience of author. The allopathic pain killers should be avoided if pain

level can be withstood.

 

In food, at least 6 month old rice, wheat, moong dhal, and fresh

garlic, bitter gourd can be given. Fried, sour items, high protein

food, non-veg items are best avoided. Use of ghee instead of oil in sauting and

Intake of plenty of water helps ellimination of toxins through urine. Western

foods which are contraindicated are given on:

http://www.rheumatology.org.nz/nz08003.htm

 

Indian cow ghee can be given in Khichri. Light massage using sesame

oil, Mahanarayan oil or Mahavishgarbha oil followed by hot water

bath/foamentation is generally benificial. Light exercise combined

with certain Aasanas helps retaining joint flexibility longer.

 

The above article indicates scope of ayurvedic approach and is not

intended as a substitute for proper ayurvedic consultation.

 

Dr. Bhate

 

 

 

ayurveda, Sita Chopra <sita_1207>

wrote:

> Hi All!

>

> My grandfather has gout and is in a lot of pain - I wanted to find

out the ayurvedic remedies for this condition?

>

> thanks so much for your time and help,

> Sita