The 5 Best Infusions for Reducing Uric Acid

Thanks to their diuretic and purifying properties, these teas help eliminate toxins, waste, and excess of uric acid.
The 5 Best Infusions for Reducing Uric Acid
Maricela Jiménez López

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Maricela Jiménez López.

Last update: 05 June, 2022

Some natural infusions are great for reducing uric acid but there are also other ways to prevent or control hyperuricemia. Reduce the consumption of red meat and other foods and be well-hydrated at all times.

An accumulation of uric acid in the body is a condition known as hyperuricemia, according to a study conducted by the Hospital Universitario de Hospital of Burgos in Spain. Doctors can confirm a diagnosis when the uric acid levels surpass 7 mg/dl.

This substance comes from the decomposition of the purines from certain food sources. They’re sent to the blood and, afterwards, the kidneys eliminate them from the body.

However, any disruptions in their elimination process– be it because the body cannot remove them or because there’s too much uric acid– could lead to inflammatory reactions.

As a consequence, you could suffer from more joint pain as well as a higher risk of having gout and kidney stones. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies available for us. Their properties help you maintain healthy levels of uric acid in order to prevent these kinds of complications.

How to lower uric acid

You cannot entirely eliminate uric acid from your body but there are several ways to reduce the levels or keep them under control. Take these measures:
  • Limit purines as they turn into uric acid after you consume them. Avoid meats (pork, beef and lamb), offal (e.g. liver), some fish and seafood (sardines, herring, anchovies, shellfish), vegetables such as cauliflower, asparagus and cooking concentrates (cubes, sachet soups).
  • Consume lean meats and avoid fats; white fish is good as well as other sources of protein, including dairy products, eggs and legumes.
  • Alcohol increases blood lactate, which in turn affects uric acid elimination so skip it.
  • Decrease consumption of sodas and soft drinks.
  • Drink at least 2 quarts of water a day so the kidneys can better eliminate uric acid.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.

Infusions to lower uric acid

Here are 5 infusions to lower uric acid, check them out!

1. Artichoke infusion

reducing uric acid

Artichoke contains linoleic acid as well as oleic and caffeic. These aid in decomposing and eliminating purines from the bloodstream once absorbed by the body, according to this study conducted by Umm Al-Qura University in Saudi Arabia.

Their diuretic properties help urine production, which is a key factor in reducing uric acid.

Ingredients

  • 1 artichoke
  • 2 c. of water (500 ml)

Preparation

  • Firstly, wash the artichoke and cut the stem off with a knife
  • Remove the outer leaves and collect the softer ones
  • Then, pour the water into a pot and bring it to a boil
  • When it comes to a boil, add the artichoke leaves and lower the heat, leaving them to boil for 5 minutes
  • Finally, turn off the flame, let it cool down and then, strain

Drinking instructions

  • Have a cup of artichoke infusion on an empty stomach and repeat during the mid-afternoon
  • Take it for 2 weeks straight

2. Milk thistle infusion

Milk thistle tea is one of the natural remedies for improving our bodies’ excretory organ functions.

Its antioxidants aid in the liver’s functions and helps clean blood, preventing hyperuricemia, as suggested by this study conducted by Universidad de Concepción in Chile.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. of milk thistle buds (30 g)
  • 1 c. of water (250 ml)

Preparation

  • Crush the milk thistle buds with a mortar and pestle
  • Heat up the water in a pot, just before it boils, add the milk thistle
  • Then, lower the heat and leave the tea to infuse for 5 minutes
  • Finally, take it off heat and let it cool down for 10 minutes; strain

Drinking instruction

  • Drink this milk thistle infusion mid-morning, you may take it again during the mid-afternoon
  • Take it for 3 weeks straight, at least

3. Dandelion infusion

Dandelion tea

The purifying and diuretic properties of dandelion make for a good option to lower uric acid levels. Its components improve kidney and liver functions while at the same time, it prevents liquid retention, as stated in a study conducted by the Tai Sophia Institute in the US.

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp. of dried dandelion petals (5 g)
  • 1 c. of water (250 ml)

Preparation

  • Add the dandelion petals to a cup of boiling water
  • Cover and let it steep for 10 minutes and then, strain

Drinking instruction

  • Drink 2 cups of dandelion infusion every day for 2 weeks straight

4. Nettle infusion

Nettle is a blood-purifying plant that, when taken as a tea, can reduce the inflammation that comes from uric acid retention. There is insufficient scientific evidence, though.

What we do know, according to a study conducted by Isfahan University in Iran, is that its anti-inflammatory properties are highly recommended to treat multiple internal and external problems.

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp. of nettles (5 g)
  • 1 c. of water (250 ml)

Preparation

  • Add the nettles to a cup of boiling water and let it steep
  • Let it cool down for 10 to 15 minutes and strain

Drinking instruction

  • Drink a cup of nettle tea on an empty stomach every day for at least 2 weeks

5. Reducing uric acid with a horsetail infusion

Horsetail tea

The diuretic properties of horsetail tea help increase urine production, which helps eliminate uric acid and other waste from the body. This according to research by Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Perú.

Ingredients

Preparation

  • Add the tablespoon of horsetail to the cup of boiling water
  • Cover the tea and leave it to sit for 10 minutes
  • When it’s ready to drink, filter it with a strainer

Drinking instructions

  • Drink a cup of this horsetail infusion on an empty stomach and another during the mid-afternoon
  • Take 2 cups daily for 3 weeks straight

Do you have any symptom that’s warning you of high uric acid levels? Some of the symptoms are pain and inflammation in joints, particularly in hands, knees, ankles or heel as well as redness, difficulty of movement and even deformation of the joint.

Consult your doctor if you have any related complications, they should be able to diagnose and prescribe treatment. This includes medications for uric acid, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, and lifestyle changes in terms of diet, physical activity, and fluid intake.

Use the infusions above for reducing uric acid above to control it naturally. Keep in mind this is just a complementary treatment and shouldn’t replace a medical one.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.



This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.