When it comes to gout or high uric acid levels, most people immediately think of avoiding red meat, alcohol, or organ meats. Few know that right in the familiar kitchen, a handful of basil can help the body support uric acid elimination, the root cause of severe joint pain.
Basil: A “Precious Medicine” in Your Kitchen
Basil not only enhances the flavor of dishes but is also considered a medicinal herb in traditional medicine.
Fresh basil leaves, highlighting their health benefits for uric acid managementBasil offers numerous health benefits (Illustrative photo: Getty)
According to Eastern medicine, basil (also known as “húng chó” or dog basil) has a pungent taste, warm nature, fragrant aroma, and affects the lung and spleen meridians. This herb helps disperse wind-cold, promotes urination, detoxifies, stimulates digestion, and reduces inflammation. Due to its warm nature, basil helps improve blood circulation, dispel cold, and alleviate bone and joint pain, especially in cases of rheumatism or cold-induced joint pain.
Modern studies also show that basil contains many valuable compounds such as flavonoids, eugenol, luteolin, and rosmarinic acid. These are potent antioxidants capable of neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from damage during purine metabolism, which is the cause of uric acid formation.
A study by Burdwan University (India) revealed that the eugenol compound in basil leaves can inhibit the activity of xanthine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for converting purine into uric acid. When this enzyme is suppressed, the amount of uric acid produced significantly decreases, thereby reducing the risk of elevated uric acid in the blood, especially in individuals at risk of gout.
Furthermore, a study by the Indonesian Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences also noted that basil leaf extract helps increase kidney filtration capacity and supports uric acid excretion through urine. Thanks to its mild diuretic properties, basil helps the body “cleanse” toxins, purify the blood, and reduce the burden on the liver and kidneys, organs responsible for metabolizing and eliminating waste products.
Effectiveness from Small Habits
Basil cannot replace gout medication but is a useful piece in a healthy lifestyle. Individuals at risk of elevated uric acid should maintain a low-purine diet, limit alcohol, drink enough water, and incorporate natural anti-inflammatory plants like basil.
Usage is very simple:
– Drink basil water: Boil 5 to 7 basil leaves with 300ml of water for 5 minutes, let it cool, and drink 1 to 2 times a day.
– Eat fresh: Add basil to salads, pho, vermicelli, or soups to supplement natural antioxidant compounds.
– Inhale essential oil: The aroma from basil also helps relax the nerves and supports mild respiration.
Expert Advice
Nutrition experts suggest that the most important thing for people with gout is not just about which foods to consume but about balance. A diet rich in green vegetables, drinking 2 to 2.5 liters of water daily, and maintaining light physical activity will facilitate uric acid elimination.
The body is like a sophisticated factory; all metabolic processes require coordination. Using basil or other herbs is only truly effective when we maintain a moderate lifestyle and provide enough water for the kidneys to function well.
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