In Ayurveda, gout is known as vatarakt, as the main dosha involved is vata and it affects rakt dhatu. Vitiation (impairment) of vata dosha and rakt dhatu is caused by increased intake of spicy, sour, salty, alkaline, heavy and penetrating foods. The impaired doshas travel through the channels of the body and get accumulated at the smaller joints causing damage to the tissues and bones of the joint resulting in vatarakt.

Excessive anger, waking up late in the night, sleeping in the daytime, excessive traveling, trauma, overindulgence in physical exercises, excessive sexual activity and suppressing the natural urges of the body can also lead to gout. Ayurvedic treatments emphasize herbal preparations, diet, and routines that help to cleanse the blood.

Ayurvedic treatment for gout comprises of herbal medicines that help the body eliminate uric acid and herbs and therapies aimed at reducing the inflammation.

Kokilaksha – (Asteracantha longiflia) is one such herb which is very effective in providing relief to patients suffering from Gouty arthritis. The Ayurvedic therapies that are effective in relieving inflammation are Dhanyamladhara (pouring fermented liquid over the inflamed joint), Podikkizhi (herbal powder massage), Ilakkizhi (Herbal leaves massage), and after the inflammation is relieved procedures like Tailadhara ( Pouring medicated oil) on the affected part and Nhavarakkizhi (Medicated rice massage) are advocated along with Ksheeravasthi (Medicated milk enema)are very effective in protecting the joints affected by Gouty arthritis.