An increasing number of people today are choosing to treat gout with natural and herbal remedies rather than relying entirely on medication to relieve the pain and discomfort it can cause. Among the natural treatments that are currently gaining a lot of attention is juniper.
The juniper berries of the evergreen plant Juniperis communis are also known as gin berries. They are relatively small, bluish-purple berries that vaguely resemble blueberries. They measure about ¼ inch in diameter and have a surprisingly spicy flavor with subtle pine undertones.
There are many benefits to taking juniper berries, including using it to help ease the aftertaste. Juniper berry stimulates urine flow and detoxification of the bladder, kidneys, and prostate. It is also being celebrated as a preventative and an effective treatment for urinary infections. Of course, juniper berries are probably best known for the flavor they provide when making gin.
Juniper berries contain many compounds, including the volatile oils camphene, cineole, alpha and beta pinene, myrcene, and terpinene. In addition, juniper barriers also contain active ingredients such as lignin, gum, resin, sugar, beta-carotene, wax, betulin, catechin, borneol, glycolic acid, linalool, limonene, rutin, menthol, calcium, tannins, chromium, B vitamins., vitamin C, iron, as well as many other valuable vitamins and minerals. There is even a compound with possible anti-cancer and antiviral properties called deoxypodophyllotoxin in juniper berries.
As an antiseptic and diuretic that promotes healthy urine flow and urinary tracts, excess water and toxins are flushed out of the body when juniper berry is taken. Even more important for the treatment of gout is the fact that juniper berries help prevent uric acid crystallization and help expel sediment. Since gout is the result of this sludge of uric acid crystals accumulating in the joints, juniper’s ability to inhibit this process is critical to its effectiveness when attacks occur. Instead of having a buildup of these crystals in the joints, they are shed harmlessly in the urine. This also helps prevent gallstones and kidney stones.
When a gout attack occurs, it is not too late to take juniper as it also contains useful and effective anti-inflammatory properties, relieving pain and pressure from gout, as well as arthritis in the joints. This may be why gin was once recommended to treat gout and arthritis (although it is now known that the alcohol in gin can negate any of juniper’s benefits, so don’t rush to the nearest store for a bottle).
In general, the humble juniper berry is considered an effective herbal treatment for purifying the blood and cleansing the body of toxins and unwanted buildups, allowing the body to better fight infection and disease.
Juniper is easiest to take in capsule form, which you can get at most health food stores and can be taken several times a day.
Before starting treatment with juniper to treat gout, be sure to talk to your doctor to make sure there are no other conflicts or issues that you need to be made aware of. You should always make it a habit to review gout medications and discuss your options before starting new treatments.
If you’ve suffered a gout attack or two, now is the time to take steps to stop the attacks and discover effective preventative steps before your uric acid levels spiral out of control.