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Rosemary Oil for Gout

Gout is commonly known as a "king's disease". It's triggered by a rich diet, alcohol, surgery or certain medication, such as penicillin or insulin. Since 512 AD rosemary, an antiseptic herb has been used as a rub for aching limbs and joints. The herb grows naturally in Mediterranean countries and is cultivated in other climates as an annual or container plant. It is said to stimulate digestion and strengthen the mind and body.

  1. Gout

    • Gout is a form of crystal (or microcrystalline) arthritis caused by an error in metabolism. Gout is a manifestation of elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid begins to form into microscopic crystals of sodium urate, which become shaped like needles and prick themselves into the joint tissue of the big toe. Dr. James F. Fries, author of "Arthritis", explains that the big toe becomes inflamed, as the body attempts to remove the crystals. Fries describes gout as painful and known to attack other areas of the body, including tendon sheaths, bursae and joints.

      Gout has four stages. The disease begins with a symptom-free stage called asymptomatic hyperuricemia, meaning the level of uric acid in the blood is elevated. This develops into the gouty arthritis stage, in which the body fluids saturated with the uric acid begin to form sodium urate crystals. Interval gout (or third stage) is very similar to the beginning stage of gout and attacks patients whom have suffered from a prior gout attack. Chronic tophaceous gout is the final stage, a condition of gout that is permanent, according to Dr. Fries.

    Symptoms of Gout Helped by Rosemary Oil

    • The symptoms of gout that are treated by using rosemary oil include: pain and swelling in joints or limbs, irritated and tender skin around the affected area, burning or feverish skin around the joint and muscle pain and sores.

    Rosemary Oil

    • Rosemary oil is extracted from the flowering tops of the rosemary shrub by steam distillation. It belongs to the Labiatae plant family alongside lavender. Rosemary grows aromatic evergreen leaves with periwinkle flower blooms near the stem. The Latin name for the shrub is Rosmarinus officinalis, meaning "dew of the sea". Rosemary oil is documented by Sarah Garland, author of "The Complete Book of Herbs & Spices", as an herb that soothes the nerves, stimulates blood flow, brain properties and hair growth. Rosemary is a pungent seasoning that flavors marinades, stews, eggs, chicken, fish, tomatoes dishes and beef.

    How Rosemary Oil Relieves Gout Symptoms

    • Rosemary oil stimulates the blood flow to the areas of the body that are affected by gout. The stimulating properties of the oil encourage circulation which relieves inflammation and swelling caused by the sodium urate crystals. The strong aroma of the rub will sharpen the mind, relieve tension in the body and sooth nerves.

    Using Rosemary Oil for Gout

    • Rosemary oil can be used as blended massage oil or diluted in bath water. Apply the oil using a gentle circular motion on the affected area. Resist wrapping the affected area as rosemary is an astringent. Rosemary can be used as needed.

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