Gout is a common and complex type of arthritis, characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the body, leading to the deposition of urate crystals in the joints and kidneys. Can gastrodia elata, a medicinal herb, treat gout? Is it effective to eat gastrodia elata for gout?
Can Gastrodia Elata Treat Gout?
Adjunctive Therapy
Gout is a type of arthritis that causes severe pain, swelling, redness, and inflammation in the joints. The main causes of gout include diet, obesity, medication, and family history. Gastrodia elata contains active ingredients such as gastrodin and polysaccharides, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It can assist in the treatment of gout to some extent.
Is it Effective to Eat Gastrodia Elata for Gout?
Limited Efficacy
Gastrodia elata has a neutral nature and a sweet taste. It has the effects of soothing the liver, relieving wind, and stopping spasms. It is mainly used to treat dizziness, headaches, numbness in the limbs, and hemiplegia. Gastrodia elata can only be used as an adjunctive treatment for gout and cannot replace medication. Moreover, the efficacy of gastrodia elata as a single herb is limited, and it is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine in combination with other herbs such as pinellia ternata and chuanxiong.
How to Take Gastrodia Elata for Gout
Gastrodia Elata and Chuanxiong Tea
Ingredients
5g gastrodia elata, 10g chuanxiong, 3g angelica dahurica, 3g green tea.
Instructions
1. Grind chuanxiong, gastrodia elata, and angelica dahurica into fine powder and mix well.
2. Put the mixed powder into a tea bag and seal it.
3. Put the tea bag and green tea into a teapot, pour in boiling water, and let it steep for 15 minutes before drinking.
Gastrodia Elata and Pinellia Ternata Decoction
Ingredients
3g gastrodia elata, 3g pinellia ternata, 2.1g tangerine peel (white part removed), 2.1g bupleurum, 1.5g scutellaria baicalensis (wine-treated, fried), 1.5g licorice, 1.5g white poria (peeled), 1.5g trichosanthes kirilowii (root), 0.9g coptis chinensis (root without beard).
Instructions
Take the above nine ingredients, grind into powder, and divide into one dose. Boil 300ml of water with 3 slices of fresh ginger until it reduces to 150ml. Remove the residue and take it after a meal.
Precautions for Taking Gastrodia Elata
1. Do not overdose.
Gastrodia elata has certain toxic side effects. Overdosing may cause symptoms such as chest tightness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. The recommended dosage of gastrodia elata is 3-9 grams.
2. Do not take it for a long time.
Although gastrodia elata is an effective remedy for dizziness and headaches, it is not suitable for long-term use as it may cause skin rashes.
3. Do not boil for too long.
Gastrodia elata contains multiple active ingredients with sedative and analgesic effects. Prolonged boiling may affect its efficacy.
4. Do not take it blindly.
People with yin deficiency, blood deficiency, and insufficient body fluids should use gastrodia elata with caution to avoid discomfort.
