Can people with gout eat locust flowers?
May 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Sophora flower is the dried flower bud or open flower of the leguminous plant Sophora japonica, mainly containing flavonoids, polysaccharides, volatile oils, amino acids, and other components. It has the functions of cooling the blood to stop bleeding and clearing liver heat. Sophora tree is a low-purine food; if not in the acute attack stage, it can be consumed in moderation. However, during the acute attack phase, foods that may trigger gout need to be strictly restricted.
Generally speaking, gout patients can consume locust blossoms. Details are as follows:
Locust blossoms are the flowers of the Chinese scholar tree, containing components such as vitamins, polysaccharides, and volatile oils. They have functions of cooling blood to stop bleeding and clearing liver fire. Locust blossoms are considered low-purine foods. If a patient is in the acute attack phase and the condition is not severe, they can consume locust blossoms to supplement vitamins and other nutrients.
Even though gout patients can eat locust blossoms, they should consume them in moderation. Volatile oils are present in locust blossoms, and excessive consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain. It is recommended to blanch the blossoms to remove alkaloids before consumption, to avoid alkaloid poisoning. Additionally, one should be aware of any allergies to locust blossoms to prevent allergic reactions after consumption.
In daily life, it is recommended that gout patients strictly control their intake of purine-rich foods, strictly avoid alcohol consumption, and increase appropriate physical activity, which can effectively prevent gout attacks. If the condition is severe, timely consultation with a professional physician is necessary to develop a targeted medical plan for managing the disease.
