Gout: Ayurvedic Treatment, Causes & Natural Remedies
Vata-sshonita or Vata-rakta
Causes: Eating foods that cause burning during digestion, incompatible foods, excess sleep, notsleeping, improper sexual intercourse, trauma, not undergoing purificatory therapies, and cold breezes, all weaken Vayu and blood. Aggravated Vayu,prevented from moving in its normal path, moves inthe wron
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Recommended Herbs for Gout
Amla Emblica officinalis Amla (Indian Gooseberry) is the most revered herb in Ayurveda — ranked by the Charaka Samhita as the single best Rasayana among all fruits. It contains one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C found in any food (600–900 mg per fruit), stabilized by tannins so it remains potent even after drying. Classical texts classify it as Tridosha Shamaka — balancing to all three doshas — with a particular strength in cooling Pitta, nourishing the blood, and rebuilding tissues after illness. Camphor Dryobalanops camphora Colebr. (Bhimseni); Cinnamomum camphora Nees & Eberm. (Chini) Karpura (Camphor) is the first substance described in the Karpuradi Varga, the second chapter of Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Four types are described: (1) Bhimseni — the best, from Dryobalanops camphora trees in Borneo/Sumatra, naturally deposited in wood crevices; (2) Chini — from Cinnamomum camphora, obtained by distillation; (3) Pachi/Bapani — from Blumea species; (4) Synthetic — chemically prepared. Bhimseni is preferred for medicinal use. Camphor is cold in potency, aromatic, and used extensively in heart diseases, burning sensations, fevers, and eye conditions. It is a cardiac stimulant in small doses. Excessive use can reduce sexual potency. Applied externally for skin conditions and pain relief. Book reference: Karpuradi Varga, shloka 1-3. Castor Oil Plant RicinuscommunisLinn. (R. dicoccus) Main herb for swellings and purgation. Colic, headache, abdominal disorders, coagulatesblood; fruit enlarged liver and spleen; bark nervous diseases, rheumatism, lumbago, sciatica; dried root fevers; leaves warmed and appliedto nursing mother s breasts acts as a galactagogue.When applied to the stomach, promotes menstrualdischarge. Applied to painful joints, relieves pain; leaves internally purgative. Seed decoction lumbago, sciatica. Seed poultice is applied to ma-ture boils to promote bursting and to reduce goutyand rheumatic swellings. Oil the king of thepurgatives , king of Vayu disorders , inflamedbowels, infantile diarrhea, irritable conditions in debilitated adults and children; to facilitate delivery of baby; after childbirth to mother; in opera-tions for urinary stones; peritonitis, jaundice, dys-entery, urinary organ inflammation, articular rheu-matism. For rectum disorders and hemorrhoids, it is given in small doses to soften feces and lubri-cate the passage. Also helps with ingested glass. As a purgative, it is taken with ginger or dasshmul teas. Externally used for sore nipples during breastfeeding. In constipation it is used as an enema (2oz.: 1 pint water). Dropped into the eyes for con-junctivitis and irritations. It increases cow s milkwhen they eat the leaves. Externally oil mixedwith rice water for leg swelling; oil mixed withcoconut oil and water (1:2:6) for itching skin. Gokshura Tribulus terrestris Linn. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), known as Gokhru, is one of the most important herbs for the urinary system in Ayurveda. It is the last member of the Dashamula (Laghu Panchamula) group. It is a prostrate or spreading herb found commonly as a weed across India. The fruit has sharp spines that resemble cow's hooves (Go = cow, Kshura = hoof). Gokshura is the premier herb for urinary disorders -- it acts as a diuretic, dissolves urinary stones (Ashmari), relieves painful urination (Mutrakrichchhra), and manages diabetes (Prameha). It is also highly valued as a Vrishya (aphrodisiac) that improves sexual function and semen quality. The text mentions it as Madhura (sweet) in all stages -- taste, potency, and post-digestive effect -- with cooling energy, making it excellent for Pitta-related urinary conditions. Guduchi Tinospora cordifolia– Caulis Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), commonly known as Giloy or Amrita (nectar), is the first and foremost herb of the Guduchyadi Varga. It is described as 'Amrita' because it bestows nectar-like benefits -- rejuvenation and longevity. The plant is a large climbing shrub found throughout India, growing on mango and neem trees. Its stems are succulent with long filiform aerial roots. The bitter stem is the main medicinal part. Guduchi is one of the best Rasayanas and Medhya drugs in Ayurveda, and is especially renowned for managing fevers (Jwarahara). When grown on a Neem tree, its properties are considered superior. Guduchi Satva (starch extract) is a widely used preparation for Pitta disorders, burning sensation, and general debility. The text describes it as Tridoshahara (balancing all three doshas) with primary action on Pitta and Kapha. Guggulu Commiphora myrrha Holmes (Balsamodendron myrrha) Bola (Myrrh/Bdellium) is an oleo-gum resin from Commiphora myrrha. It is used in wound healing, mouth disorders, skin diseases, and pain management. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Used both internally and externally. Verses: 130. Long Pepper Piper longum Linn Pippali has a special property — Katu taste but Madhura Vipaka. Though pungent, it does not aggravate Pitta due to sweet post-digestive effect. One of the best Rasayana drugs when used via Vardhamana Pippali method (gradually increasing then decreasing doses). Ingredient of Trikatu. Nagdamani Artemisia vulgaris Linn. Nagdamani (Artemisia vulgaris) is found in the Himalayan region. It has aromatic silvery-green leaves. The plant is used as an anthelmintic and digestive stimulant. The whole herb is aromatic and bitter. Used in malarial fevers in some traditional systems. Sariva Hemidismus indica Sariva or Anantamul (Hemidesmus indicus) is one of the most important blood-purifying herbs in Ayurveda. The root is the main medicinal part, having a characteristic pleasant aroma (resembling camphor or sandalwood). It is described as sweet, bitter, heavy, unctuous, and cold in potency. It is extensively used for blood purification, skin diseases, burning sensations, excessive thirst, urinary disorders, and as a cooling agent. The root when cut releases a fragrant smell. The plant is a slender, twining vine. It is considered superior to the Western Sarsaparilla. It is also aphrodisiac and complexion-enhancing. Used in various formulations including Sarivadyasava. The key chemical is 2-Hydroxy-4-Methoxy benzaldehyde which gives it the distinctive fragrance. Dose: root powder 3-6 grams; decoction 50-100 ml. Verse refs: pages 426-427.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
Ayurvedic Perspective on Gout
Dosha Involvement: Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Ayurvedic Therapies: , and cold breezes, all weaken Vayu and blood. Aggravated Vayu,prevented from moving in its normal path, moves inthe wrong directions owing to the excessed blood.Vayu first vitiates the blood, then causes Vayu excessed blood diseases. This generally occurs inweak-constitution people who do not walk much. Itfirst affects legs from prolonged sitting. Eight typesof gout exist: Vayu, Blood, Pitta, Kapha, Vayu/Pitta,Vayu/ Kapha, Pitta/Kapha, and Tridossha. Premonitory Signs: Skin is very smooth, hard to the touch, discolored, burning, itching, debilitated, loose-ness of the body, throbbing, prickin
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 25: Metabolic System
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.