More than 8 million people in the United States suffer from gout, a sometimes excruciatingly painful condition in which excess uric acid produces crystals around the joints. Often the condition affects the base of the big toe, making it difficult to walk and sometimes to put on shoes. Using essential oils in conjunction with other treatments may help reduce the inflammation and pain that accompanies gout.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for gout are:
• German chamomile
• Ginger
• Lemongrass
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
Safety First
Although essential oils may help, gout requires treatment and dietary advice from a healthcare professional.
Gout sufferers can get relief by using anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving essential oils with these simple applications.
• Comforting balm. Add a few drops of oils to your favorite DIY salve and massage it onto aching areas.
• Foot soak. Let hot water soothe uncomfortable feet while pain-relieving ingredients minimize discomfort.
• Cool compress. Combine the soothing effects of a cool or cold compress with those of essential oils for quick relief of swelling and pain.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Make dietary changes. Gout is associated with rich foods, so eliminate choices such as red meat and alcohol, along with sugary soft drinks and fructose.
• Drink lemon juice. Studies show drinking the juice of two freshly squeezed lemons in 2 liters of water each day reduced gout.
• Watch your weight. Obesity is a precursor to gout.
When the pain of gout strikes, these aromatherapy recipes may help.
When you need relief fast, blend this quick aromatherapy recipe. In addition to reducing pain, Epsom salts may also help the body secrete excess uric acid through the skin.
1 gallon warm water
5 drops peppermint oil
5 drops lemongrass oil
2 drops rosemary oil
½ cup Epsom salts
Add the water to a large tub. Combine the oils in a small glass bowl. Stir the oil mixture and the Epsom salts into the water. Soak your feet for 20 to 30 minutes, up to three times a week.
As an alternate to an ice pack, apply these relieving oils to a cold compress.
3 drops rosemary oil
3 drops German chamomile oil
1 tablespoon carrier oil
1 cup cool or cold water
1 clean washcloth
Combine the oils in a large glass bowl, then stir in the water. Soak the washcloth in the water, wring it out, and apply it to the affected area. Hold it there until the washcloth comes to room temperature. Repeat the process with a fresh cloth, as needed.
While all four of the essential oils in this recipe can help relieve pain, lemongrass and ginger are powerful anti-inflammatory oils with a history for treatment of gout. You can keep this salve for up to a year, for ready-to-apply availability.
¼ cup shea butter
2 tablespoons coconut oil
10 drops rosemary oil
10 drops lemongrass oil
10 drops ginger oil
5 drops German chamomile oil
1 4-ounce dark-glass jar
Use a double boiler to melt and combine the shea butter and coconut oil. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before stirring in the essential oils. Pour the mixture into your container and allow it to set before use.