Gouty arthritis occurs when the body doesn’t flush out uric acid as it usually would, and instead, it mixes with the blood and tissues. The excess uric acid over a period of time then forms crystals in the joints, which usually begins with the lower body. Symptoms of gouty arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, severe pain, and limited mobility. Fortunately, there are ancestral remedies for gouty arthritis, and we’ve listed them below for you.

Tart cherries

Tart cherries aid in reducing uric acid, the main culprit of gout arthritis, preventing gout attacks. Along with reducing uric acid, tart cherries are packed with antioxidants that help relieve the pain and other symptoms of gout.

Ginger

Ginger is a potent herb that promises anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to reduce uric acid levels. This ancestral remedy for gout is also backed by scientific studies that back this remedy, and ginger can be used both topically as well as internally. You can add it to your foods or have it in the form of ginger ale, and for topical use, boil the ginger root in water and use a soft cloth for warm compresses in areas with pain or inflammation.

Elevate the affected area

If you have swelling or a flare-up in your knees, ankles, big toe, or any other joints of legs, keep them elevated with the help of cushions or a table to retract the blood flow and fluids that cause swelling. This can be combined with cold packs to reduce pain and inflammation.

Warm water with lemon juice and turmeric

Lemon juice and turmeric mixed with warm water make for a potent drink that fights against the buildup of uric acid.

Follow a low-purine diet

Purine is the culprit that’s broken down into uric acid by our body. Avoid purine-rich foods like red meat, shellfish, anchovies, sardines, trout, codfish, alcoholic beverages, and corn syrups to prevent uric acid from building up.

Hibiscus tea

This traditional herbal remedy for gout is also backed by a few studies that conclude – intake of hibiscus tea or hibiscus in any other form aids in lowering the uric acid levels.

Epsom salts

Epsom salts have long been known to reduce stress and joint pains. This easy traditional remedy involves adding one or two cups of Epsom salt to warm bath water, which has a calming effect on not just gout patients but even otherwise. If practiced at night before going to bed, it sure induces quality sleep.

Stay hydrated

Being hydrated in general is good for the overall health, but for gout patients, it’s especially significant to be hydrated because uric acids are flushed through urine, and in case of dehydration, the uric acid accumulates faster in a dehydrated body.