Anyone have experience using gout weed? (Herbs/Herbalism)

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Countryside : One Thread

My father is interested in buying some to grow for medicinal use, but most of my research so far only suggests that it's best purpose is as an invasive garden weed. Has anyone here grown and/or used it? If so, what for and was it effective? Thanks!

-- Melody (RealWorld3D@hotmail.com), February 14, 2002

Answers

Response to Anyone have experience using gout weed?

As you most likely already know; Aegopodium podagraria "Variegatum" (Variegated Goutweed) A vegetable of the middle ages: the new leaves are similar to spinach. Medicinal for gout and sciatica. Beware! Invasive growth, so best in an unimportant spot or contained. Variegated foliage is so eye-catching (and edible). If your father is planning on using this plant for gout or sciatica, there are better (more researched) plants out there to consider, in my opinion.

-- BC (desertdweller44@yahoo.com), February 14, 2002.

We usually recommend Round-up.

-- Old cluck (old_cluck@hotmail.com), February 14, 2002.

BC, how about elaborating about the better, more reliable herbs?? Seriously, I am very interested.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), February 14, 2002.

In my opinion, I like the research that has been carried out by Dr. Duke. You can view an excerpt of Dr. James Duke's, The Green Pharmacy, at http://www.motherearthnews.com/# and click on Arthritis Remedies Herbal healing expert Jim Duke, Ph.D. tells the Green Pharmacy way to manage the aches and pains of arthritis.

Celery seed: Since I wrote The Green Pharmacy several years ago, I have not had a single attack of gout, one especially painful type of arthritis. I started taking celery seed when I read it helps lower levels of uric acid-the gout culprit. In my database at the USDA (www.ars-grin.gov/duke), I found there are nearly two dozen anti- inflammatory compounds in celery, including one very important "miracle aspirin" called apigenin. I now enjoy curried celery when I'm not on the road, celery seed extracts when I am. And celery or serendipity has prevented my gout for more than six years now. (Knock my wooden leg.)

This link is to a very comprehensive data base found at Dr. James A. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases, http://www.ars- grin.gov/duke/. This data base may be more scientifically oriented than most peole are used to using, but is an excellent refence source. I understand that his book, The Green Pharmacy is more reader friendly, and I hope to be able to purchase soon.

-- BC (desertdweller44@yahoo.com), February 14, 2002.


Thank you!!!! BC thank you............yet another thing to keep me on line. :>)

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), February 14, 2002.


Moderation questions? read the FAQ