Allopurinol is usually the go-to prescription for chronic gout. It works by reducing the activity of xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that turns purines into uric acid. While a pill is certainly more potent in reducing uric acid, some herbs have similar abilities. This post features eight herbs that make effective teas for people with gout.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Red clover contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds such as isoflavone, flavonoids, and phenolic acid. All three have shown to lower uric acid levels by suppressing xanthine oxidase activity.

The diuretic effects of red clover helps lower uric acid levels by increasing urine production and flushing away excess uric acid. Additionally, this fine herb reduces inflammation and fortifies liver function. A healthy liver is essential for protecting the body from the harmful effects of elevated uric acid levels.

Nutrients and bio-active compounds in Red Clover: isoflavone, flavonoids (quercetin, formononetin), phenolic acid, calcium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K.

Other Health Benefits of Red Clover: maintain bone strength, promotes cardiovascular health, may Help with Cancer, keeps skin healthy, fight respiratory infections, reduce menopause symptoms.

red clover collage in nature, sold as tea, extract, capsules, lowers Uric Acid, xanthine Oxidase, Teas For Goutproof, Allopurinol effects
  • Tea/Taste: Red clover’s flavor is mild, slightly sweet, floral, aromatic, and earthy. An easy-flavored tea for gout sufferers who normally don’t drink tea.
  • Other Products: Dietary supplements sold in capsules, tablets, extracts, and topical cremes.

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If you are still drinking sodas and and artificial juices, this is a must read: How Does High Fructose Corn Syrup Make You Prone To Gout?

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

According to a laboratory study, meadowsweet’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help lower uric acid levels. Allopurinol-like effects come from potent flavonoids, notably spiraeoside, which inhibits xanthine oxidase activity. Furthermore, the study concluded that this exceptional herb could be a source for the development of new gout treatments.

Meadowsweet contains salicylic acid, a compound which aspirin is derived from. Salicylic acid has anti-inflammatory benefits that can ease swelling, redness, pain, and general joint health.

Nutrients and bio-active compounds in meadowsweet: flavonoids (quercetin, spiraeoside, kaempferol), salicylic acid, tannins, phenolic acids, vitamin C, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, fiber, folate.

Other Health Benefits of Meadowsweet: reduces inflammation, eases joint pain, fights respiratory infections, helps with indigestion, keeps skin healthy, helps with urinary/bladder problems.

meadowsweet collage in nature, sold as tea, extract, capsules, lowers Uric Acid, xanthine Oxidase, Teas For Goutproof, Allopurinol effects
  • Tea/Taste: A flavorful tea for gout, meadowsweet is described to be floral, woody and slightly mint. Some people may detect hints of licorice, anise, honey, and almond.
  • Other Products: Commonly consumed as a tea, capsule, tincture or powder.

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Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)

Nettle leaf is known for its antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. This herb has demonstrated to be effective in treating kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Certain compounds in nettle leaf have been found to curb the crystallization of calcium and uric acid.

In a 2020 study, nettle leaf extract managed to decrease uric acid levels by preventing xanthine oxidase activity. Researchers pointed out it may be helpful as a complimentary therapy for gout.

Nettle leaf is alkalizing and rich in vitamin C, much like the majority of fruits. Eating alkalizing foods can help reduce urine’s acidity. This is crucial for gout patients because less acidic urine allows for more uric acid to be carried out.

Nutrients and bio-active compounds in Nettle Leaf: vitamin A, vitamin C, anthocyanins, saponins, flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and rutin), iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium.

Saponins possess anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive (pain relief), and antioxidant effects. Specifically, they can regulate inflammatory cytokines.

Other health benefits of nettle leaf are: detox the body, helps with urinary/bladder problems, promote liver health, reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure, regulates blood sugar, eases respiratory issues.

Nettle herb, collage in nature, sold as tea, extract, capsules, lowers Uric Acid, xanthine Oxidase, Teas For Goutproof, Allopurinol effects
  • Tea/Taste: Nettle leaf tea is recommended for many ailments including gout. It has a distinct, earthy or grassy flavor with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Some may find it aromatic, slightly pungent, mellow, fresh, tangy, zesty.
  • Other Products: This popular herb is sold by many dietary supplement brands in teas, tablets, capsules, essential oils, and ointments.

Click & save on several top brands of Nettle leaf supplements.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion has shown to improve kidney function, which is vital in removing uric acid out of the blood and into urine. Regarding gout, it is one of the first plants discovered to have a significant amount of flavonoids that can limit xanthine oxidase. Also, animal studies have linked the strong antioxidant properties from dandelion root extract can lower uric acid levels.

One of the more interesting clinical studies reported dandelion can impede the activity of xanthine oxidase caused by craft beer. (Wouldn’t this be a good reason to add this herb to your diet, if you are gout sufferer who loves beer?)

Nutrients and bio-active compounds in dandelion: vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, and luteolin), calcium, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phenolic acid, inulin (fiber), folate.

Other health benefits of dandelion are: reduces cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure, aiding weight loss, reduces cancer risk, boosts the immune system, aids digestion, keeps skin healthy, promotes liver health, promotes cardiovascular health, helps with urinary/bladder problems.

dandelion herb, collage in nature, sold as tea, extract, capsules, lowers Uric Acid, xanthine Oxidase, Teas For Goutproof, Allopurinol effects
  • Tea/Taste: Dandelion tea is great for tea drinkers with gout who prefer a less earthy or vegetable tone than nettle leaf. However, it can have nutty and balsamic tones.
  • Other Products: Available as a dietary supplement in a variety of products: tea, powder, tablets, capsules, and liquid extracts.

Click for select Dandelion supplements at discounted prices.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Several ginger bioactive compounds, such as gingerol and shogaol, has shown to restrict xanthine oxidase and other enzymes involving joint inflammation. As per one animal study, ginger extract significantly reduced serum uric acid levels and improved kidney function of subjects with hyperuricemia. 

This well-known herb also promotes healthy kidney and liver function by enhancing the body’s natural antioxidants. Accordingly, the detoxifying properties of this well renowned herb can help eliminate uric acid, toxins, fats and heavy metals.

Nutrients and bio-active compounds in ginger: gingerol, shogaol, paradol, vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, fiber, folate, iron, essential oils (borneol, cineol, zingiberene).

Other health benefits of ginger are: reduces inflammation, relieves joint pain, assists with indigestion, promotes cardiovascular health, boosts immune system, supports brain function, supports weight loss.

ginger collage in nature, sold as tea, extract, capsules, lowers Uric Acid, xanthine Oxidase, Teas For Goutproof, Allopurinol effects
  • Tea/Taste: Ginger has a pungent and sharp flavor with a warm spicy invigorating taste. It has also been described as tangy, menthol, sweet, pungent, and stimulating. It may be hard to get used to ginger tea, but worth the detoxifying effects against gout.
  • Other/Products: Readily sold as a dietary supplement: capsules, tablets and tinctures. Also used in cooking either in raw form or as a dried powder.

Shop & find top brand Ginger teas and supplements.

Celery Seed

Celery seed extract possess anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory compounds that may be useful in treating joint pain and gout. This lesser known herb for gout also has diuretic properties that can help cleanse uric acid from the urinary tract.

Researchers have identified compounds in celery seed have anti-hyperuricemic characteristics comparable to allopurinol. The most active substances are flavonoids; apigenin, luteolin and kaempferol. Additionally, a clinical study reported a combination of ginger and celery seed extract can reduce pain and swelling in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Nutrients and bio-active compounds in celery seed: vitamin B6, flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol), coumarins, phenolic acids, essential oils, phthalides, calcium, iron, magnesium.

Coumarins are compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Other health benefits of celery seed: relieves joint pain, reduces inflammation, helps with urinary/bladder problems, supports kidney function, fights infections, lowers blood pressure.

celery seed collage in nature, sold as tea, extract, capsules, lowers Uric Acid, xanthine Oxidase, Teas For Goutproof, Allopurinol effects
  • Tea/Taste: Dry celery seed has a mild, yet distinct flavor that is slightly bitter, with a hint of nuttiness and celery-like notes. When used in tea, the flavor is more subtle with a mild sweetness and earthiness.
  • Other Products: Sold a tea, liquid extract and capsule form. Most often used as seasoning to dishes. (This was my least favorite tea. I prefer the cooking powder to eat with food.)

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Learn more on how celery seed lowers uric acid in this post: These Four Herbs Are Good For Gout

Chrysanthemum indicum

In a study on medicinal plants for anti-gout potential, Chrysanthemum indicum extracts were found to decrease uric acid production. Researchers claim the anti-hyperuricemic effects of Chrysanthemum indicum is due to its allopurinol-like ability to restrict xanthine oxidase activity.

A clinical study conducted in Japan found taking chrysanthemum extract capsules daily for four weeks lowered uric acid levels. This is due to the high concentration of the flavonoid, luteolin. Therefore, researchers suggested that regular consumption of this healthful herb may be beneficial in preventing gout.

Other health benefits of Chrysanthemum indicum are: reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure, supports bone health, promotes cardiovascular health, promote liver health, promotes healthy skin, boosts immune system, eases respiratory issues

Nutrients and bio-active compounds in Chrysanthemum indicum: vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, flavonoids (quercetin, myricetin, luteolin, apigenin, kaempferol, rutin), manganese, iron, copper, triterpenoid saponins.

Triterpenoid saponins have been found to promote antioxidant activities and reduce cholesterol levels. 

Chrysanthemum collage in nature, sold as tea, extract, capsules, lowers Uric Acid, xanthine Oxidase, Teas For Goutproof, Allopurinol effects
  • TASTE: Chrysanthemum tea flavor is described from sweet, buttery, honey taste, to an earthy, floral, slightly bitter-licorice. It has a golden hue and a mild, flowery flavor similar to chamomile. A tasty tea for gout, if you can find it.
  • Products: Dietary supplements of this herb are not easily found, but are sold in liquid, capsule and powder form.

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Cinnamomum cassia

Cinnamomum cassia extract has demonstrated to suppress xanthine oxidase activity in laboratory tests and reduce uric acid levels in animal studies. Furthermore, a clinical study revealed that a mixture combining Chrysanthemum indicum with this special herb can reduce uric acid levels in patients. The dosage prescribed in the study was 4g/day for 12 weeks.

These studies suggest that this flavorful herb may be beneficial in reducing uric acid levels and helping to prevent gout flares.

Other health benefits of Cinnamomum cassia: reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure, supports bone health, promotes cardiovascular health, promote liver health, promotes healthy skin, boosts immune system, eases respiratory issues, regulates blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

Nutrients and bio-active compounds in Cinnamomum cassia: flavonoids (cinnamaldehyde, catechins, quercetin, apigenin, kaempferol), triterpenoid saponins, tannins, coumarin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin K, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron, calcium.

Cinnamon Cassia collage in nature, sold as tea, extract, capsules, lowers Uric Acid, xanthine Oxidase, Teas For Goutproof, Allopurinol effects

  • Taste: Cinnamomum cassia’s flavor is often described as being robust, warm, and spicy with notes of clove and nutmeg. Depending on how it’s processed, this herbal tea can be too bold for casual tea drinkers with gout.
  • Products: Supplements for this herb are sold as capsules and essential oils.

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Final Thoughts

Let’s be clear. Herbal remedies and supplements should not be regarded as a substitute for allopurinol. However, they can provide similar effects to a lesser degree. Xanthine oxidase is limited by the flavonoids, tannins and special compounds unique to these particular herbs.

Not a tea drinker? Neither was I. There are plenty of supplements to choose from. Nonetheless, drinking the right herbal tea delivers the most advantages for us gout sufferers. In addition to its many benefits, these herbs are alkalizing, which improves uric acid removal through urine.

If you’re like me, who has drank plenty of cheap beer or burning tequila, then downing a cup of tea would be painless. I drink it iced more than hot. Instead of straight cold brewing, steep in hot water to activate all the good stuff. Let it cool. Keep in the fridge for later.

herbs and teas for gout, cold brew iced in jar in my fridge goutproof

Overall, adding these herbal teas to your diet can help reduce uric acid levels naturally, without relying solely on traditional medications. By drinking gout-fighting teas instead of fructose-laced beverages, you can fortify your body’s defenses in becoming GOUTPROOF!

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