Gout is a metabolic disorder associated with high uric acid levels in blood. Uric acid is a byproduct of protein metabolism in the body. It should be effectively eliminated from the body otherwise, it accumulates at various sites in in the form of crystals of uric acid which cause arthritis and other problems of metabolism.
As a result of the above condition, arthritis of the small and then bigger joints appears. It has many resembling features to those of osteoarthritis but there are vast differences in terms of the causes and progression of the disease.
VATARAKTA (GOUT)
According to Ayurveda, gout is a disease caused by the vitiation of the vata (vata body energy) and the Rakta dhatu (blood tissue). It results in the development of disorders related to the blood, skin and muscular tissues.
PATHOGENESIS OF VATARAKTA
The channels of circulation are greatly affected as the vitiated vata and the rakta dhatus traverse throughout the body.
When these two reach the articulation sites of various joints, they cause pain, swelling, inflammation, burning and formation of crystals which are predominant in uric acid.
As a result, various joints are involved and damaged in this disease. The skin surrounding the joints concerned is also affected.
Vata rakta mainly affects the joints of the fingers, feet, hands and joints. The involvement of bigger joints may also occur later in life.
CAUSES OF VATARAKTA/GOUT
- Excessive consumption of Junk food
- Excessive consumption of meat and sour products like vinegar, wine.
- Consuming incompatible foods like milk and fish.
- Lifestyle problems like stress, improper sleep patterns, faulty eating habits etc.
- Injury, controlling the natural urges.
- No regular detoxification done for the body.
It is said that vata rakta is an affliction that mainly affects the rich and wealthy. Especially, people who do not exercise on a regular basis and consume greasy and heavy food rich in proteins salts and spices.
PRODROMAL SYMPTOMS
- Abnormal perspiration
- Hyperpigmentation of skin
- Anesthesia
- Pain at the site of any previous injury
- Weakened joints
- Body stiffness
- Boils
- Sensation of tingling, numbness and heaviness.
- Discoloration of the skin
- Blistering etc.
SYMPTOMS
- Fever
- Thirst
- Shivering in the body
- Swelling and redness in the joints
- Itching and pain at the site of the joint
- Skin discoloration at the site of the joint
Other symptoms vary according to the predominant body energy involved.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR VATARAKTA/ GOUT
Planet Ayurveda offers best combination of effective herbal remedies such as Gout Care Pack for ayurvedic treatment of gout (Vatarakt). These herbal remedies are prepared from using best quality herbs and strictly follow the principles of Ayurveda.
Dosage
- Giloy Capsules – 1 capsule twice daily, after meals, with warm water.
- Kaishore Guggul – 2 tablets twice daily, after meals, with warm water.
- Navkarshik Churna – 1 teaspoonful twice daily, after meals, with warm water.
- Punarnava Capsules – 2 capsules twice daily, after meals, with warm water.
- Dashmularisht – 2 teaspoonful twice daily with equal amount of water, after meals.
PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION
1. GILOY CAPSULES
Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) is a well-known plant in Ayurvedic system of medicine. It bears small flowers and prefers tropical climatic conditions for its growth. Giloy capsule is prepared by using standardized extract of Giloy herb. The capsule shells are 100 % vegetarian and free from gelatin.
4. KAISHORE GUGGUL
Kaishor guggul is a classical ayurvedic preparation which naturally helps to curb the arthritis that occurs due to excessive uric acid deposition in the joints. Guggul is a natural anti-inflammatory agent and is a great detoxifying herb which helps to manage the swelling and soreness in the small joints affecting the patients of gout. It is a great vata modulator and effectively improves the blood and vata vitiation that causes vata rakta disease.
3. NAVKARSHIK CHURNA
Navkarshik churna is an herbal blend of Triphala, Vacha, Neem, Kutki, Giloy, Manjishtha, Daruhaldi etc. These herbs work together as great immunomodulators to improve the skin symptoms that affect the patients. Herbs like Daruhaldi, Manjishtha and Giloy work as great immunomodulators to improve the blood toxicity that occurs as a result of excessive accumulation of uric acid crystals.
4. PUNARNAVA CAPSULES
It is a great herbal blend that effectively acts as a blood purifier and a blood cleanser. Punarnava is very effective in reducing swelling in the joints. The detoxifying action of the joints results in the lowering of the uric acid levels in blood. It is also a great liver tonic that effectively modulates the liver function.
5. DASHMULARISHT
Dashmularisht is a classical preparation which is prepared by fermentation process. This formulation consists of Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Agnimantha (Premna mucronata), Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum), Gambhari (Gmelina arborea), Patala (Stereospermum suavelens), Brihati (Slanum indicum) etc. Due to vata pacification property of Dashmularisht, it is very effective in treatment of gout and helps in reducing the joint pain as well as severe pain in gout.
To buy Gout Care Pack, please visit store.planetayurveda.com/products/gout-care-pack
DIET AND LIFESTYLE
Besides the above herbal supplements for gout, there needs to be strict managements in the diet routine which includes reduction in the total proteins taken by the body. Avoidance of meat and other heavy protein sources like paneer, many pulses etc. Healthier protein substitutes like Green gram, egg whites can be preferred.
Steps should be taken to manage the intake of excessively sour and salty food products that can affect the metabolism of the person and also cause blood disorders as per Ayurvedic principles.
Regular exercises can provide early relief by managing the factors like obesity which causes blockages of the natural body channels because of which fatty tissues and proteins accumulate in the body.
Management of gout requires a good combination of diet, exercise and herbal remedies that can keep the uric acid levels in control.
