Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones

Most kidney stones are composed of calcium and some consist of uric acid or struvite. Stones form in the kidneys when an imbalance of water, calcium oxylate, uric acid and phosphate that is normally present in the urine. Kidney stones can also form when the PH balance of the urine is abnormal or when the kidneys normal protective mechanisms are over whelmed.
Kidney stones may also form for these reasons:
• Dehydration
• Sluggish or obstructed urine flow.
• Gout, Cushing’s disease and hyper-parathyroidism
• Metabolism problems
• Chemotherapy
• Specific drugs such as thyroid medication or aluminum salts
In some cases kidney stones can completely block the urine from the kidney. This can lead to infection and possible permanent kidney damage if not treated. Kidney stones require prompt medical attention. Herbal approaches to kidney stones can help relieve mild pain when there is no obstruction or infection present. If the pain from a kidney stone is mild and manageable you can try antispasmodic herbs to help relax the ureter.
Herbal remedies for kidney stones:
Yellow Dock: blood purifier that also contains anthraquinones. Use up to 5oo milligram capsules per day, or 20-40 drops of tincture two times a day. Do not use during pregnancy.
Aloe- contains anthraquinones which is the compound that helps prevent kidney stones. 1 teaspoon after meals.
Corn silk- relaxes the urinary tubes and reduces stone formation. 4-6cups of tea per day or 1 teaspoon of tincture four to five times a day.
Slippery Elm- contains high amounts of mucilage which eases irritation and helps body tissue heal. Up to 12 370 milligram capsules per day, or 2-3 cups of tea per day, or 10-30 drops of tincture per day
Marshmallow-helps sooth irritated urinary tissues. Up to six 400-500- milligram capsules per day or 1 cup of tea per day or 20-40 drops of tincture up to five times per day.
Khella-helps relax the muscles of the ureter and urinary tubules. 250-300milligrams of extract in divided doses.
Wild Yam- an antispasmodic but not sedative. Up to 400 milligram capsules per day or 1 teaspoon tincture up to five times a day.
Skullcap- antispasmotic. 1 cup of tea 4 times a day or1 teaspoon tincture four times a day.
Valerian- antispasmotic and strongly sedative herb that helps the ureter relax enough to allow a small stone to pass. 1 cup of tea every hour or 1 teaspoon tincture every hour. Do not use if regnant.
Kidney friendly foods rich in magnesium
• Dark green vegetables
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Leguemes
• Soy products
• Whole grains
• Avocados
• Dried apricots
Foods rich in Vitamin B6
• Egg yolks
• Fish
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Sweet potatoes
• Cauliflower
• Avocados
Magnesium and vitamin B6 help reduce stone formation.

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Liver cleanse herbal remedy

Making a commitment to do something can be tricky, on one hand you know that commitment is what’s right on the other hand, giving up something that feels good at the moment is very difficult. But when it comes to doing a liver cleanse, giving up that piece of cake or that beer, is going to do your health a world of good.

When making a commitment to do a liver cleanse, you must commit to no less than thirty days. This is very important because the liver rejuvenates and repairs itself on the time frame of thirty days. If you slip before then, you will have to start over to get the desired results, which is a clean liver. A clean liver is the furnace to fat burning, to boosting the metabolism and to healthy thyroid function.

There are several symptoms that accompany a liver gone overly toxic; mild depression, weight gain, acne and that’s just to name a few. When you’re experiencing toxin overload you’re just not going to feel like yourself. This is when you know a liver cleanse is due. If your sink got clogged, you’d snake it so when you liver becomes toxic, you clean it.

A few examples of someone who should on occasion clean their liver would be: smokers, drinkers, junk food eaters, people who are overweight and people who experience high levels of stress. All of these examples are perfect in the sense that the damage these behaviors cause on the liver can be quite extreme and dangerous to the liver.

Your liver is the filter to your body, it filters everything you do. It also is where stress and negative energy is stored. Here are a few herbs that I recommend when doing a liver cleanse;

Milk thistle:

Milk thistle is a common weed with white markings on the leaves. Reaching the height of five feet the plant puts out purple flowering heads, which may be eaten fresh as a vegetable. The seeds are collected and dried for use in herbal medicine.

Milk thistle is useful in the treatment of liver diseases such as alcoholic

Hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver poisoning and viral hepatitis. Milk thistle is one of the few herbs that have no real pharmaceutical equivalent. Milk thistle also regulates the digestion of fats, helps stabilize blood sugars and cholesterol, reduces inflammation of the intestine and promotes the excretion of certain hormones.

Burdock Root:

Burdock is a blood purifier that clears congestion in the circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory and urinary systems. Burdock also helps to eliminate excess fluids in the body and stimulate the elimination of toxic waste which relieves liver disorders and improves digestion. Burdock cleanses the body of bile and detoxifies the kidneys and gallbladder. It also increases perspiration which reduces excess toxins.

Dandelion Root:

Dandelion leaves are a powerful diuretic. The roots act as a blood purifier that helps the kidneys and the liver to remove toxins and poisons from the blood. The roots also can be used to help jaundice. Dandelion also acts as a mild laxative and improves appetite and digestion. Dandelion root is also believed to help age spots.

Bupleurum:

Bupleurum is a Chinese herb that is used for the liver and circulatory system. Bupleurum seems to have a tonic effect on the heart and lungs, making it a great herb for treating respiration and circulation.

Sunshine and Herbs

Jennifer Lamb

Master Herbalist

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