Gout

Gout is a condition in which the body has a problem in the handling of uric acid. People with gout either produce too much uric acid or more commonly their bodies have a problem in removing it.

There are a number of possible consequences of this build up of uric acid in the body, including acute and chronic gouty arthritis,  kidney stones, and deposits of uric acid in subcutaneous and other tissues (tophi). Gout may occur alone (primary gout) or may be associated with certain medical conditions or medications (secondary gout). Gouty arthritis should be considered in people who have a sudden onset of a hot, red, swollen joint. It is diagnosed by finding uric acid (monosodium urate) crystals in the joint fluid. 

Gout Symptoms:
The first symptom of gouty arthritis is typically the sudden onset of a hot, red, swollen joint. The most common joint involved is at the base of the big toe (podagra), but almost any joint can be involved. In some people, the acute pain is so intense that even a bed sheet on the joint causes pain. Even without treatment, the first attacks stop spontaneously after 1-2 weeks. While the pain and swelling completely go away, gouty arthritis almost always returns in the same joint or in another joint. With time, attacks of gouty arthritis occur more frequently and tend to last longer. While the first attacks usually involve only one or two joints, over time multiple joints can be involved simultaneously.

Prevention and Self-Care at Home:
Take medications as prescribed. While a joint is hot and swollen, you may want to use a cane or similar support to keep your weight off that joint. It may be helpful to keep the swollen joint elevated above your chest as much as possible. If you are at risk for gout, you should Eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet. Restrict your intake of alcohol, especially beer. If you have had an attack of gouty arthritis, you should do all of the above and follow the regimen prescribed by your physician.

Detoxifying the body can help the body to throw off poisons and then painkilling essential oils can be used in baths and massage along with creams and oils which can be regularly massaged in to the joints.

Aromatherapy oils should be added to a daily bath. Compresses can be excellent for providing pain relief. Cold compresses are better if the pain is acute. For chronic pain use a hot compress or even a mixture of hot and cold. To make the compress put a few drops of essential oil into water and soak a flannel or absorbent cloth before applying to the area.  Massage is very beneficial as it can assist with the elimination of toxins and improve the circulation round the painful areas.

Essential oils for gout can fall into different categories:  analgesic, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, cleansing oils, pain relieving oils & oils to improve the circulation.  

Analgesic essential oils: Benzoin, Cajeput, Chamomile Roman, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Rosemary
Detoxifying essential oils: Black Pepper, Cypress, Fennel, Ginger, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme Essential oils to improve the circulation: Benzoin, Black Pepper, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Ginger, Lemon, Mandarin, Marjoram, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme
Anti Inflammatory essential oils: Celery Seed, Chamomile Roman, Chamomile German, Lavender, Myrrh, Patchouli, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Tagetes, Yarrow Cleansing essential oils: Black Pepper, Cypress, Fennel, Ginger, Juniper, Lemon, Marjoram, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme
Pain-Relieving essential oils: Cajeput, Chamomile Roman, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Ginger, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint, Rosemary

Sage Essential Oil - Salvia Officinalis (10ml)

Sage is considered to be good for respiratory infections and has a very warming effect on the muscles and works well as a massage oil to relieve aching muscles.

£4.00

Sandalwood Essential Oil- Amyris Balsamifera (10ml)

Sandalwood is one of the best essential oils to use in the treatment of chronic bronchitis. It is a good oil to use for oily skins and acne and is often liked by teenage boys as it has a masculine scent as well as helping to sooth itches and rashes.

£5.60

Tagetes Essential Oil - Tagetes Minuta (10ml)

The main and only use for Tagete is in the treatment of corns, veruccas, calluses and fungal infections on the feet.

£6.25

Cajeput Essential Oil - Melaleuca Cajeputi (10ml)

Cajeput is an oil which can help with all types of infections such as skin conditions, respiratory problems and period pain.

£3.45

Celery Seed Essential Oil - Apium Graveloens (10ml)

Celery is a good tonic for the liver and the digestive system in general and can be used as a stimulant during periods of fatigue. Also use for fluid retention and toxin build up.

£4.25

Chamomile German 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Matricaria Recutica

Fantastic oil for so many purposes including skin care, inflammed tendons and swollen joints, digestive prolems especially where related to stress.

£4.25

Chamomile Roman 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile

A wonderful oil which has so many valuable properties Chamomile would be a great one to always keep in and can be used in skin care, musuclar aches and pains and digestive problems.

£5.00

Chamomile Roman Pure Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile (10ml)

Chamomile is a great oil to use for nervous disorders. It is soothing and calming and can help where a person is irritable or nervous. It can also help with insomnia.

£14.50

Cypress Essential Oil - Cupressus Sempervirens (10ml)

Cypress is a great asset for any sort of skin care. It can be used for varicose veins or haemorroids, it is great for sweating and can help with the menstrual cycle.

£5.20

Eucalyptus Essential Oil - Eucalyptus Globulus (10ml)

Eucalyptus is best loved for its ability to help with chest infections and blocked up noses. However it is also great for muscular aches, colds sores, herpes or burns and makes a useful and natural painkiller.

£4.50

Fennel Essential Oil - Foeniculern Vulgare (10ml)

This is a herb of ancient medical repute which has been used for years. Try it for bruising, inflammation of the joints, arthritis, PMT and many digestive complaints.

£3.75

Frankincense 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Boswellia Carteri (10ml)

Offered here as a diluted oil Frankincense is wonderful for mature skin complexions to help with scars, wrinkles and wounds. It can help with coughs and bronchitis and is a generally calming oil for people suffering from stress.

£5.00

Frankincense Pure Essential Oil - Boswellia Carteri (10ml)

This is a non-diluted version of the oil. Frankincense is wonderful for mature skin complexions to help with scars, wrinkles and wounds. It can help with coughs and bronchitis and is a generally calming oil for people suffering from stress.

£9.50

Geranium Essential Oil - Pelargonium Graveolens (10ml)

Geranium is lovely floral oil which can help with a wide variety of skin conditions, poor circulation, cellulite and many menopausal problems as well as fluid retention and hormonal in-balance.

£8.50

Ginger Essential Oil - Zingiber Officinale (10ml)

Ginger is great for muscular aches and pains. Dilute it in carrier oil and massage straight onto the area. Use Ginger for nausea and sickenss as well as colds, fevers and flu.

£5.60

Grapefruit Essential Oil - Citrus Paradisi (10ml)

Grapefruit oil is a sunny happy oil which has valuable anti depressant qualities. It can help with oily skin and hair as well as acne. Also use it to de-toxify and stimulate the circulation after exercise.

£5.60

Lavender Essential Oil - Lavandula Abrialis (10ml)

Lavender has been used continuously for thousands of years and its popularity has only ever increased. If you could have no other essential oil in your house, then Lavender would be the prime choice: It has a wide range of uses and is a natural antibiotic, anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier.

£3.30

Juniper Essential Oil (10ml)

Juniper has a special affinity with the urino-genital tract and can be used to treat many associated conditions. It is also good for respiratory problems and certain skin conditions.

£5.90

Lemon Essential Oil - Citrus Limon (10ml)

This antiseptic and anti-bacterial oil will perform many tasks especially when blended with other oils, including treating verrucas, insect bites and tension headaches. It has a tonic action on the lymphatic system and a stimulating action on the digestive system. It will aid slimming, help shift cellulite and smooth out those wrinkles

£3.30

Mandarin Essential Oil - Citrus Reticulata (10ml)

Mandarin is a very safe remedy for treating digestive problems. It can be used to good effect to aid the nervous system as well as having many of the benefits of citrus fruits in skin care.

£5.00

Marjoram Essential Oil - Origanum Marjorana (10ml)

Marjoram as we might expect can help with the digestion. It is useful for bruises and chilblains. Marjoram can also have a warming effect on the mental and emotional level and can help people suffereing from grief.

£7.50

Myrrh Essential Oil - Commiphora Myrrha (10ml)

Myrrh is good for many skin conditions including woulds, weeping sores, athletes foot and cracked skin. Useful for chest infections and can help with diarhhoea and stomach pains.

£13.00

Patchouli Essential Oil - Pogostemon Cablin (10ml)

The main use for Patchouli is in the area of skincare and the treatment of skin disorders such as acne, cracked skin, exzema and allergies. It can also help with fluid retention and is used for depression and stress related conditions.

£6.00

Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemarinus Officinalis (10ml)

Rosemary is believed to have a refreshing, invigorating affect on the skin and can be used for a variety of skin and hair problems. It is good for stiff and overworked muscles, Steam inhalations with Rosemary can be good for catarrh and sinusitus. Rosemary also has a strong connection with the central nervous system and can help with memory and mental clarity.

£3.50

Yarrow 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Achillea Millefolium (10ml)

All stress related conditions can benefit from the use of Yarrow but it is particularly applicable for hypertension and insomnia. Try it for circulation problems and varicose veins. It is also said to promote hair growth and help certain skin conditions.

£4.25

Black Pepper Essential Oil - Piper Nigrum (10ml)

Black Pepper is best used for circulation and sore muscles. It is good for chilblains and can help the digestive tract as well as being valuable for catarrh and chills.

£6.80

Peppermint Essential Oil - Mentha Piperita (10ml)

Peppermint has a lot of different uses including acne and itching skin, palpitations and neuralgiz, catarrh and colds and to aid clear thinking as well as having ties with the digestive system.

£3.50