Gout: natural remedies and the evidence behind them
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in joints, leading to sudden, severe episodes of pain, swelling, and…
16 options1 graded A1 graded B1 graded C13 traditional or ungraded
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Guided condition explorer
Start with what sounds familiar.
Choose what sounds familiar, then choose the kind of support you want to explore. HealisticMD narrows the library without presenting the result as personal medical advice.
Those drawn to bodywork benefit most from this well-researched hands-on therapy for gout joint pain.
Supported by clinical research — a reviewed evidence chain found electroacupuncture an effective approach for gouty arthritis.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Meta-analysis (2025, PMID 41507050): [Evidence evaluation of electroacupuncture treatment for gouty arthritis based on GRADE and integrated evidence chain-based efficacy evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine].
EvidenceSupported by controlled trialsTime to resultsTypically 2–6 weeks of regular sessions
Caution: Seek a licensed acupuncturist; avoid needling over acutely inflamed joints without practitioner guidance.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditional point to ease inflammation and tension
Why it may be relevant
For those drawn to bodywork, LV3 is traditionally used to support liver function and ease inflammatory responses.
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support liver qi flow, which is associated with reducing inflammatory conditions.
Dose or use Press firmly 2–3 min, both sides, 1–2x daily; located in the webbing between the big toe and second toe.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically several weeks of consistent useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
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Pressure point
SP6 (Sanyinjiao) - Spleen 6
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditional point for fluid and joint balance
Why it may be relevant
Those exploring acupressure will find SP6 a traditionally central point for supporting the body's fluid metabolism linked to gout.
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support the spleen's role in fluid regulation and joint health.
Dose or use Press firmly 2–3 min, both sides, 1–2x daily; located four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically several weeks of consistent useTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy — this point is traditionally contraindicated.
How is my gout showing up right now?
I'm between flares and want to lower my uric acid long-term
People focused on long-term uric acid reduction have the most to gain from this clinically studied fruit extract.
An RCT found tart cherry supplementation combined with citrate mixture was effective and safe for gout patients at managing uric acid.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study RCT (2023, PMID 37679816): Efficacy and safety of tart cherry supplementary citrate mixture on gout patients: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks
Caution: Check for interactions if taking blood-thinning medications.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use not yet assessed
Low Vitamin C may undermine uric acid control
Why it may be relevant
If you're working on long-term uric acid management, checking your Vitamin C status is a smart first step.
If you're low in Vitamin C, correcting the deficiency may help support your body's ability to manage uric acid levels.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Correcting a documented shortfall can support recovery; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to test your levels.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks after correcting deficiency
Caution: Ask your healthcare provider to check your levels before supplementing at high doses.
How is my gout showing up right now?
I want to change my diet and daily habits to reduce attacks
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Traditionally used to ease joint inflammation
Why it may be relevant
During a flare, turmeric's traditionally recognized anti-inflammatory properties make it a go-to herbal companion.
Traditionally used to help reduce joint inflammation and pain associated with inflammatory arthritis conditions.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsTypically 2–6 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May interact with blood thinners; use cautiously before surgery or if on anticoagulants.
Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Gout, not a promise of results. A higher grade is not a personal recommendation. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.
Related pressure points
Hands-on options you can try yourself.
Acupressure is a comfort measure, not a treatment for Gout itself. Each page shows where the point is and how to press it.
