The pain from gout can be overwhelming and can limit one’s mobility. Despite medication, flare-ups take time to subside. You can try home remedies to help reduce the pain and provide relief. Always consult your doctor before trying out alternative remedies as the effects can be different for each person, and you need to ensure that these alternative theories work for you:

1. Magnesium
A deficiency of magnesium has been cited as a cause for inflammation in people with gout. Generally, magnesium is recommended to prevent inflammation, and the intake of magnesium-rich foods is a natural way to relieve gout pain and swelling.

2. Ginger
Ginger is a time-tested pain reliever and has anti-inflammatory properties. Simply boil water with 1 tablespoon of ginger, dip a muslin cloth in it and use it as a compress on the affected joints to reduce pain.

3. Vitamin C
Studies have shown that continuous and increased consumption of vitamin C results in the reduction of uric acid in the body and, consequently, reduces pain and inflammation. Excessive vitamin C, however, can interfere with medication and result in digestive issues like diarrhea and gas. So, always talk to your doctor before taking supplements. You can also eat citrus fruits, strawberries, gooseberries, and pineapples as they are rich in this vitamin.

4. Plant-based grains
Meat, especially organ meat, is high in purine and releases uric acid. Instead, you can increase the consumption of plant-based protein like legumes, beans, lentils, and tofu. Greens like spinach and kale can also supply the required protein.

5. Low-fat dairy
Gout patients are discouraged from consuming full-fat dairy products, but low-fat milk and low-fat yogurt can reduce uric acid levels in the body.

6. Brews and herbs
Some herbal remedies and teas can help reduce pain. They might not cure gout, but they can provide relief from severe pain:

• Ginger: Boil 2 teaspoons of ginger in water for 10 minutes. Cool and drink this thrice during flare-ups.
• Lemon: Mix the juice of half a lemon, 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder, and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in warm water.
• Nettle: Boil water and add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dry nettle. Cool and filter it, and have it twice a day.

Apart from these, dandelion tea, milk thistle seeds, and hibiscus tea help in reducing pain associated with gout.

7. Fruits
Cherries have a concentration of anthocyanins, which help fight inflammation. Eating cherries during a gout flare-up for a couple of days is a natural way to relieve gout pain and swelling.
Bananas are low in purine and have potassium, which is beneficial for overall tissue health.

8. Epsom salt bath
Epsom salts are rich in magnesium, which is beneficial for gout patients. Soaking in a hot bathtub with about 1 or 2 cups of Epsom salts has been a natural way to relieve gout pain for ages. As the skin soaks up the magnesium, it helps reduce uric acid accumulation, inflammation, and pain.