Gout arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. It is caused by excess of uric acid in the body which, if it is not metabolized correctly, it piles up in the joints forming small crystals. These crystals quickly provoke and inflammation of the joint which results in pain and swelling. Gout, like the great majority of arthritis forms, is a degenerative and chronic condition. It seems to affect more men than women. Because it is caused by the body's inability of metabolizing the uric acid, gout arthritis is also associated with kidney problems. Sometimes crystals of uric acid also form lumps around the joints. It is believed that this condition is also genetically inherited. Gout sufferers experience extremely painful attacks because the inflammation occurs fast and without prior notice. As the disease progresses and becomes more and more severe, the attacks happen more often. Gout arthritis is a dangerous medical condition and it shouldn't be left untreated under no circumstances.

Patients are primarily concerned about obtaining pain relief and reducing the inflammation or, otherwise said, about putting an end to the gout attack. Analgesic effect can be obtained with natural remedies and some herbal supplements have proven their efficacy in providing relief from gout arthritis. Specialists have also noticed a connection between this disease and the intake of Vitamin C. Cherries, blueberries and other red berries seem to fight gout arthritis in an effective way. This is due to the fact that red berries contain a high amount of flavonoids, substances that slow down the collagen destructions. They also contain anthocyanidins, a compound that can be found in bilberries and that lowers the levels of uric acid in the body. 80 mg of extract taken three times a day is going to prevent the forming of crystals in the joints.

Diuretic herbs, like juniper berry, help the body to eliminate the uric acid and they can also be effective in gout. 500 mg of juniper berry extract should be taken twice a day. Nettle root extract does the same thing and the recommended dose is of 250 mg taken three times a day. There are also available herbal remedies that one can use after the onset of a gout arthritis attack. Massaging the painful joints with St. John's Wort oil will provide fast relief from the pain. Lavender and rosemary essential oils also have analgesic effects. Natural treatments are always safe and effective in treating gout.