Herbs to Dissolve Uric Acid Crystals

Uric acid crystals can form within the body from unusually high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is one of the final products in the protein breakdown of purines from foods. The body normally gets rid of excess circulating uric acid through urine excretion. However, some people develop hyperuricemia, where they retain high levels of uric acid that can crystallize. As a therapeutic support under your doctor's care, there are herbs available that may help to dissolve uric acid crystals.

Herbs

• According to BodyAndFitness.com, some herbs that may dissolve uric acid crystals or prevent their formation are turmeric, which reduces inflammation and pain; cat's claw, another anti-inflammatory herb; stinging nettle, which decreases uric acid levels through excretion; and olive, a natural diuretic that decreases uric acid in the blood. Devil's claw is another anti-inflammatory herb that also decreases circulating uric acid. Other herbs that may help to dissolve uric acid crystals include licorice, meadowsweet, alfalfa, Joe pye weed and boswellia.

  There are also several Chinese herbs used for uric acid buildup. These include shen qu, smilax root and sophora. According to Krishna Herbal Company, there are many Indian herbs for gout and uric acid, including shallaki, giloy, ashwagandha and guggul.

  Some food remedies for uric acid crystals are cherries, celery and celery seed, avocado and pineapple. Natural sources of potassium, such as bananas and carrots, as well as folic acid and vitamin C as part of a healthy, whole-food diet may help to break down uric acid crystals. According to Ageless Herbs, this may reverse conditions such as gout, caused by uric acid crystals.

Concerns

• Hyperuricemia and gout are two health concerns associated with accumulated uric acid in the blood. According to BodyAndFitness.com, uric acid levels are normally increased through the dietary consumption of foods rich in purines. These include meats, yeast breads, fish, beans and mushrooms.

  However, having hyperuricemia does not clearly indicate that gout will develop, and vice versa, according to MedicineNet. Additionally, heightened levels of uric acid could indicate a defect in the body's processing of uric acid rather than excess consumption of uric-acid-producing foods.

Habits

• Increase your water intake and decrease your purine-rich food intake to help prevent uric acid build up and deposits throughout the body. Often, gout in the joints is thought to be the only concern associated with uric acid crystals. However, uric acid crystals can deposit within the body's organs, causing damage and comprising their ability to function properly, according to BodyAndFitness.com. Consult your health-care provider about which herbs to take to help dissolve uric acid crystals and to prevent their formation.