For years, my mother suffered from painful salt deposits in the joint of her big toe—a common problem known to many as gout or uric acid crystal build-up. The pain was especially intense in the joints of her big toe, where you could sometimes even see the crystalline deposits under the skin. The discomfort and swelling were so severe that it disrupted her daily life, making every step a challenge.
After countless medical visits and little relief, she decided to try some traditional folk remedies. To our surprise, these simple, natural methods worked wonders. Thanks to her persistence and willingness to try new things, she found real relief, and her symptoms finally subsided. At her request, I am sharing these recipes and lifestyle adjustments with you, in the hope that they may help others who struggle with similar issues.
Step One: Adjusting the Diet
The very first thing my mother did was make changes to her daily diet, as recommended by her doctor. Diet plays a crucial role in managing joint pain and reducing the formation of uric acid crystals. Here are some of the key adjustments she made:
- She focused mainly on dairy products, which are easier on the joints and do not contribute to excess uric acid.
- She significantly increased her fluid intake, drinking plenty of water throughout the day. She especially favored well-known Georgian mineral waters such as Borjomi and Nabeglavi, which help to flush out toxins.
- She completely eliminated rich meat soups and broths, as well as fatty, smoked meats and fish, which can increase uric acid levels.
- She avoided foods known to trigger flare-ups: beans, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, and spicy peppers.
- These dietary adjustments were guided by her physician, but anyone experiencing joint pain or gout should consider making similar changes to support overall joint health.
Folk Remedies and Herbal Recipes for Gout Relief
While dietary changes made a significant difference, my mother also turned to herbal remedies—some of which have been used for generations to help with joint pain and inflammation. Here are the recipes that worked for her:
1. Herb Infusion with Centaury Root
- Take 3 teaspoons of dried centaury root.
- Add 3 cups of water and let the mixture steep for 3 hours.
- Then, place the infusion on the stove, bring it to a gentle boil, and simmer for 7–10 minutes.
- Let it cool and strain the liquid.
- Drink 1/2 cup, five times per day.
This herbal tea helps reduce inflammation, dissolve salt deposits, and promote better kidney function.
2. Violet Flower Decoction
- Place 1 tablespoon of violet flowers into a pot.
- Add 1 liter of boiling water, then simmer for 7–10 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool, then strain it.
- Drink 3/4 cup, four times a day, about 15 minutes before meals.
Violet flowers are known for their soothing properties and can help with pain and swelling in the joints.
3. Comprehensive Herbal Blend
- Mix together: 20g violet flowers, 25g bean husks, 25g bearberry leaves, 20g corn silk, 25g birch buds.
- Finely chop and blend all ingredients.
- Take 2 tablespoons of this mixture and add to 0.5 liters of boiling water.
- Let the herbs infuse for 30 minutes, then strain.
- Drink 1/4 cup, three times a day before meals, for three weeks.
- After three weeks, take a break for three weeks, then repeat the course.
This powerful blend helps to flush uric acid, reduce swelling, and relieve joint pain over time.
Natural Foods for Detoxification and Additional Relief
- Grapes: During the day, my mother would eat up to 1.5 kg of grapes when in season, following each portion with a small glass (about 1/4 cup) of mineral water such as Borjomi or Nabeglavi. Grapes act as a gentle diuretic and help remove toxins from the body. Cherry juice is also beneficial.
- Activated Charcoal and Flaxseed Compress: Mix half a cup of activated charcoal with 2–3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed. Add just enough warm water to make a thick paste. Apply this paste to the affected joint, cover with a cloth, and leave it on overnight. This compress draws out toxins and helps soothe pain.
- Charcoal Foot Baths: Add half a cup of charcoal powder to a basin, add enough hot water to create a thick paste, and then fill the basin with additional hot water until it covers your feet up to the ankles. Soak for 30–60 minutes. This foot bath reduces swelling and promotes the elimination of uric acid.
Additional Lifestyle Tips
- Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active can further reduce the burden on painful joints.
- Avoiding alcohol, especially beer and spirits, is important since they can worsen gout symptoms.
- Gentle stretching and low-impact exercises can help maintain flexibility and joint health.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to these natural remedies and healthy habits, my mother finally found relief from the pain and swelling that had plagued her for years. The combination of a carefully managed diet, herbal therapies, and detoxifying compresses made all the difference. If you or a loved one suffers from salt deposits or gout in the joints, don’t lose hope. Try these time-tested methods—always in consultation with your healthcare provider—and discover the healing power of nature for yourself. Your journey to pain-free movement and healthier joints can start today!
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