Natural Remedy For Kidney Stones

September 13, 2009

If you are suffering from the excruciating pain that kidney stones or renal calculi can cause and your doctor has advised waiting to see if the stone will pass by itself, you could certainly benefit from finding a natural remedy for kidney stones.

Kidney stones are formed by the body from unprocessed minerals in the renal system. Most of them consist of calcium oxalate. They occur in about 10% of the population but men are four times as likely to get them as women. They tend to recur, so that once you have had one, you have a 75% chance of having more in the next 20 years.

It is possible to have them without noticing, because many will pass when very small. You might have a pain when urinating but you probably would not notice that you had passed something that could be as tiny as a grain of sand.

Larger stones can block the urethra and that is when the severe pain is caused. You may also see blood in the urine. This comes from the lining of the organs being damaged by the uneven surface of the stone. If you have pus or pain during urination you should tell your doctor as this may be a sign of infection.

Even in cases where the stone is large enough to cause pain, the majority of them do pass naturally. There are certain things you can do to help this happen, or make it happen faster.

Dealing With Kidney Stones

The best treatment to help a stone pass is simply to drink plenty of water. Aim for 2-3 liters spread through the day.

Consuming more soup, fresh fruit and raw vegetables is another way to increase your intake of water, as they contain much more than dry cooked foods and grains. Be careful however to avoid over consumption of oxalate which contributes to the forming of the most common type of stone.

Foods high in oxalate that should be avoided include chocolate, peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, beets and sweet potatoes. Also, cut down on salt and alcohol which have a dehydrating effect, and meat and dairy products which cause uric acid to form in the kidneys.

Some people take diuretics to increase the water flow through the kidneys. Some herbal teas have a diuretic effect, for example dandelion and stinging nettle. Replacing two glasses of water with one of these teas may help the stone to pass more quickly. Unless you have other medical reasons for taking them, prescribed diuretics should not be necessary.

You should strain your urine so that you catch the stone when it passes. Your doctor can have it analyzed to see what minerals it is formed from. This will tell you how you need to alter your diet in future to give you the best chance of preventing a recurrence. For most people, a diet that is lower in protein and salt is recommended.

It may be wise to not to take large doses of vitamins and minerals until you have had your stones or your urine analyzed.

A doctor should always be involved in treatment of renal calculi because of the possibility of infection and complications. A natural remedy for kidney stones should only be used in conjunction with medical advice.

Oil Pulling

December 23, 2008

Oil pulling is part of the Ayuvedic tradition of holistic medicine. These ancient remedies created in India provide simple solutions to numerous maladies both physical and psychological.

How does oil pulling work?

There are a few theories on the way that oil pulling works. Some say that the movement massages and stimulates the sublingual muscles to excrete toxins stored up in the body. Others report that the production of saliva is the catalyst for the draw out of bodily toxins.

How do I oil pull?

The procedure is quite straightforward; take 1 tablespoon of oil into the mouth on an empty stomach. Swish the oil in your mouth much as you would mouthwash being careful not to swallow the oil. If you swallow a minuet amount this is fine.

Pull the oil through your teeth as well as chomping and moving your jaws in a biting motion. The oil will change in consistency from thick and yellow to thin and foamy. This is due to the fact that your saliva is mixing with the oil bringing with it toxins being excreted sublingually through the tongue.

Swirl and pull the oil through your teeth for 15-20 minutes. At the end of the session spit the pulled oil into the sink or toilet. If you discard the oil in the sink be sure to clean the sink with an antibacterial wipe or soap.

Rinse your mouth with water 2 to 3 times and then brush your teeth as normal. You will notice that after a few weeks of this your tongue will become pinker and healthier looking. Your teeth will be whiter and your breath will improve.

Some say that tilting your head back while oil pulling will ensure that oil is getting all the way to the back of the molars. This is an advanced technique and not recommended for those just beginning. Remember to slowly swish and pull the oil in your mouth, this is not a race and you will not get any more benefit from rushing things.

It is recommended that you wait an additional 10 minutes before you have breakfast. You may practice oil pulling 3 to 4 times a day if desired making sure to do so on an empty stomach each time.

Are there any precautions to take while oil pulling?

The main precaution involved in oil pulling is to practice it on an empty stomach. You run the risk of vomiting if you oil pull after eating. The best time to oil pull is in the morning, after you brush your teeth, but before breakfast.

Being careful not to swallow the oil after pulling is another precaution. After the oil is pulled through it will contain toxins extracted from the body. If you do happen to swallow the oil it will be passed through the system.

The type of oil is also something to keep in mind. Sunflower and sesame seed are the recommended oils to use. Cold press oils are the highly desirable, refined oils are required.

Make sure to clean the sink with antibacterial soap after each session. The toxins pulled into the oil are concentrated and this precaution will keep from getting anyone sick who happens to use the sink after you.

If symptoms worsen discontinue oil pulling for a week or two and then resume the practice. Some people have very sensitive systems and because of individual physiology may not be able to oil pull. If you notice that symptoms are not subsiding then discontinue permanently.

How can oil pulling help?

Oil pulling has been purported to effectively treat gingivitis and whiten teeth. Skin conditions such as eczema, and acne have been reported to improve after sustained use. Lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and even diminished migraines have been attributed to the practice of oil pulling.

Home Remedies For A Toothache

December 3, 2008

Cloves

Cloves can be found in the spice rack and are often used in apple dishes, but they are also one of the best known home remedies for a toothache.

To relieve the pain of mild toothache, chew two cloves on the affected tooth. If chewing is too painful, you can use oil of cloves. Mix 3 drops oil of cloves with a quarter teaspoon of olive oil. Soak a cotton ball or gauze pad in this mixture and rub it over the painful tooth and gum. Then keep it against the affected tooth by biting down on it. You should feel better within 10 minutes or less.

Salt

Salt can be a very effective remedy for toothache as well as any gum infection or sore in the mouth, especially where bacteria are at the root of the problem.

Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a small glass of lukewarm (body temperature) water. Take a sip and swirl it around the mouth, working it through the gaps between the teeth where possible. Do not swallow. Just spit it out and then take another sip and repeat.

By the time you finish the glass your pain should be much less. If it comes back later, just repeat. Even if you stay pain free, it is a good idea to do this after every meal for a few days. It will help clear any bacteria that might be forming around food particles in the mouth and prevent the problem from recurring.

If you have salt crystals, then alternatively you can take one or two and press them against the painful place with your tongue until they dissolve.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that can be used to relieve the agony of toothache in much the same way as oil of cloves. Alternatively, add a few drops to a small glass of water and swirl around the mouth before spitting out.

Ice

Ice can numb pain and reduce swelling in the mouth as well as on joint sprains and strains. Either hold an ice cube against the painful tooth in the mouth, or make an ice pack from ice wrapped in a cloth or a pack of frozen food and hold it against your cheek where you have pain.

If you use frozen food as an ice pack, you should throw it away when you are done. It will have partially thawed and it is not safe to refreeze and eat.

Lower The Head

Increase blood flow to the head by putting your head between your knees, as if you were feeling faint. Combined with other methods this will strengthen the body’s ability to fight the infection.

See your dentist or doctor if home remedies for a toothache do not resolve your problem.

Alternative Medicines

August 19, 2008

Today there is a much higher focus on using holistic remedies to treat various medical issues. This is due to the increasing awareness of the general public of negative side effects caused by synthetic drugs. While in some cases synthetic and chemically based drugs may be necessary, it is often advisable to look toward alternative treatments first in order to affect positive results in a natural manner. In order to do this, though, alternative medicine resources must be found. Alternative medicine resources include both educational materials as well as actual treatment products. Because of the increased awareness of holistic remedies, alternative medicine resources are much more readily available today.

Alternative medicine resources are found in the form of educational materials. These can be articles, websites, books, cookbooks, herbal guides and brochures among others. Today, these alternative medicine resources can be found in many places. It is important to use these tools in order to educate yourself about the various benefits of using holistic medicine in general. It is also beneficial to avail yourself of these alternative medicine resources in order to learn about specific treatments for your actual issue.

Libraries are a great place to find alternative medicine resources and it costs nothing but some time to research. Check out your local community or school library for alternative medicine resources. Bookstores have a wealth of information and this is a great place to purchase books on alternative medicine resources, especially general ones that can be used as guides for multiple problems. Health and fitness magazines can offer some wonderful articles pertaining to benefits of herbal remedies as well as giving specifics on particular ailments or enhancements to your body. Health food stores and fitness centers often have brochures available also giving tips on particular vitamins, minerals, oils and herbs. Using these alternative medicine resources will allow you to become better informed as to what treatments are available to you.

When considering alternative medicine resources do not forget to ask your medical professional also. While traditional physicians often use synthetic drugs and chemically based medications, many more are also researching benefits of holistic remedies and are much more open to this possibility. Even if not, there are herbalists and holistic healers available for consultation. Using as many of the alternative medicine resources available as possible will help you determine the best course of action for you.

Of course, no alternative medicine resources would be complete without knowing exactly where to find these treatments. When looking for alternative medicine resources in the form of the actual product, there are various places to look. Alternative medicine resources are readily available in health food stores as well as diet and nutrition centers. You can find vitamins, herbs, supplements and oils in these retail locations. Other alternative medicine resources can be found in your local grocery store as many now have an herbal section or aisle. Finally, alternative medicine resources can be found in abundance online. This is an inexpensive and convenient way to seek out and purchase all your alternative medicine resources that you need.