Natural Cures For Kidney Stones

One of the best ways in which you can get to know if you are having kidney stones is if you have excruciating pain in the lower back and abdomen along with pain during urination. In most cases, the pain is because of the formation of stones, which settle in the urinary tract. 

To understand why and how the kidney stones form, it is necessary to know the function of the kidney. Its main function is to excrete the various wastes that get generated from metabolism. These include urea, uric acid and various others. The minerals and salts in the kidney are dissolved by a substance that is found in the urine and so they are prevented from being solids. However, sometimes due to dehydration or other factors, the concentration of the salts and minerals exceeds the solubility level and results in the formation of stones. The size of the stones varies from grit, sand size to the size of a bird’s egg and it generally occurs during the middle age. 

To cure yourself, you can adopt the natural remedies and these are very effective, if the kidney stones are not large in size. Natural cures also strengthen your kidney and improve its overall function. However, you should not miss on professional consultation. To know more on the various natural cures for kidney stones, go through the article given below.

Home Remedies For Kidney Stones 

Basil leaves strengthens the kidneys. It is also very effective in curing kidney stones. Mix one tablespoon of basil juice with one tablespoon of honey and take it for a period of six months, daily. It removes the stones from the urinary tract.

Regular intake of celery prevents the chances of formation of stones in the kidney.

Daily intake of a ripe fresh apple is very effective in treating the stones in the kidney. This is based on the fact that in countries where cider is a common beverage, the cases of kidney stones are nearly non-existent.

Grapes have a high water and potassium salt content and so it has exceptional diuretic value. It also has low albumin and sodium chloride content. This makes it very valuable in case of kidney troubles and so is an excellent cure for stones in the kidney.

The seeds of sour and sweet pomegranates are very good in curing kidney stones. Grind a tablespoon of pomegranate seeds into a fine paste. Then make a soup using two tablespoons of horse gram and into it, mix the paste. Drink this soup regularly to dissolve the stones in the kidneys.

The concentration of water in watermelon is the highest among all fruits. It is also a rich source of potassium salts. Eat watermelon or drink its juice everyday to cure yourself of kidney stones.

Another effective home remedy for kidney stones is dried French beans. Remove the seeds and then slice the pods. Take four liters of water and set it to heat. To the water add sixty grams of the pods and then boil in low heat for six hours slowly. Now strain the liquid in fine muslin and then cool for eight hours. Strain the liquid again in another piece of muslin. Take a glass of this solution every two hours throughout the day.

You can also boil two figs in a cup of water and drink it in an empty stomach the first thing in the morning.

Take a cup of radish leaves as a salad twice a day to get cured from kidney stones.

Drink a glass of tomato juice with a pinch of salt and pepper in the morning to bolster the kidney and also to rid yourself of kidney stones.

Whole-wheat bread is a rich source of magnesium, which prevents the formation of stones. Add whole wheat bread in your regular diet to steer clear from kidney stones.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It is the best home remedy for preventing kidney stones. 

Nail Fungus Cures

Nails form an important part of ones personality and reflects the attention paid by him/ her towards personal hygiene. They easily come under the observance of others, especially while shaking hands, dining or even sitting nearby. Having shiny and healthy nails comes under the umbrella of good habits, but sometimes, a really bad fungus can overpower our nails and with it our personality. Fungal nails not only look ugly, but also bring down the confidence level of the person. It, therefore, becomes very important to get rid of the infection at the earliest.

Signs Of Nail Fungus

In many cases, people fail to realize the fact that they are suffering from the problem of nail fungus and continue to ignore it. This is where the knowledge about symptoms of fungal nails comes handy. Read on to explore the main signs and symptoms of nail fungus. 

• Peeling of nails.
• Thickening if nails
• Experiencing pain in toenails while wearing shoes
• Nails become weak and breakable
• A bad smell stems from the toenails
• There is a pain under the skin of nails
• Nails get a yellow, black, or brown tinge or spots 
• Fungal Nail Treatments

Vinegar

The old formula of treating nail fungus with vinegar is regarded as one of the most trusted treatments even today. It helps relieve the itching associated with the problem, by repairing the PH balance that is necessary to combat the fungi.

Medicinal Ointments

Applying ointments like zetaclear and fungisil is yet another cure for nail fungus. These ointments help remove the fungus, by blocking the food sources required by it to grow. This results in clear nails, with no side effects.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and fungicide that can help you fight the nail fungus in no time at all. Sprinkle a few drops of tea tree oil on the affected nail everyday and rub it slightly.

Oregano and Olive Oil

The antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitical, antiviral, analgesic and antifungal properties present in oregano oil helps curb the fungus to quite an extent. Add apply 2 drops of oregano to 1 teaspoon of olive oil and mix well. Use this combination on your nails daily, for not more than three weeks at a stretch.

Listerine

The antiseptic present in Listerine can also help eradicate the fungus. Soak the affected nails in Listerine for about 20 minutes, two times in a day.

Vaporub

The mentholatum present in vaporubs stops the fungus from feeding on the nail. Allow the vaporub to soak in the nail for a few minutes, on an everyday basis. However, keep in mind the fact that this remedy can help in stopping the growth of fungus, but will not eradicate it completely.

Rubbing Alcohol

Pour some rubbing alcohol in the tub and soak the affected nail in it for about 20 minutes, twice a day. Do make sure to pat the nail dry with super-absorbent paper towels thereafter.

Mushrooms Effects

Mushrooms are edible fungi that are high in nutrient content. Mushrooms are used in many cuisines around the world due to their high nutritional value and scrumptious taste. However, not all mushrooms are edible. There are many poisonous mushrooms as well that can cause serious health hazards if consumed. Moreover, there are many mushrooms that have a psychedelic nature. 

The “magic mushroom” is one such psychedelic mushroom which is known to induce hallucinations more like the effect of LSD drugs when consumed. Hallucinogenic mushrooms cause your mind to go on a "trip" that can be either good or bad, but is impossible to stop. These magic mushrooms are also known as “shrooms” and can distort one’s perception of reality and make the person enter an altered state where he/she is at the risk of harming him/herself. Plus, these mushrooms can also have side effects on your physical health and can cause nausea, tension in the neck muscles, and your pupils can also get dilated. 

So, before you experiment with mushrooms you should be very clear about mushrooms that are edible and mushrooms that are not edible and potentially fatal, if consumed. If you are interested to learn what effects certain mushrooms have on your body, then read through the next sections.

Side Effects Of Mushrooms

Effects Of Psilocybin Mushrooms

1. Psilocybin mushrooms also known as “magic mushrooms” have effects similar to ‘lysergic acid diethyliamide drugs’ popularly known as LSD. Consuming magic mushroom can take you to a “trip” where your perception of reality is altered for some time.
2. Depending upon your perception and how you feel at that time, the “trip” can be either good or bad.
3. Within 20 minutes to one hour of consuming the magic mushroom, you start feeling its effect. The first signs are usually a sense of euphoria and expectation along with a tingling sensation in the body.
4. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes for the effects of this mushroom to reach its peak.
5. Many people also complain of feeling revolted at this time.
6. The peak effect lasts for one to two hours when people reach a state of visual hallucination. Surfaces may ripple and simmer; and all colors will seem more vibrant.
7. Many people also experience hearing sounds louder than usual.
8. Magic mushroom also cause people to feel delightful.
9. Other hallucination symptoms may include experiencing time distortion; body dissolving, see objects merging into one another, etc.
10. Magic mushrooms usually take you to an enjoyable state. However, many people may have a “bad trip” as well. In a “bad trip” people experience a state that is similar to their worst nightmare.
11. Other physical side effects of consuming magic mushroom include stomach problems like nausea, cramping, vomiting, etc. Many people also experience bouts of diarrhea after consuming magic mushrooms.
12. Effects Of Reishi Mushrooms
13. The Reishi mushroom is also known as “mushroom of immortality”. This mushroom helps to boost the immune system and is a rich source of vitamin B and amino acids.
14. The most common side effect of Reishi mushroom is nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
15. Other side effects of this mushroom include nose bleeds, skin irritation, and skin rashes.
16. Many people also suffer from dizziness, dry nose and dry throat after consuming excess amounts of this mushroom.
17. It is recommended that you see a physician if you experience any of these mushroom effects before your condition worsens.

How To Treat A Bee Sting

Honey is probably the sweetest thing on earth. However, the makers of the honey are not all that pleasant. Bees can be horribly deadly or painful if they sting you, depending on whether you are allergic to their venom or not. They can attack you without mercy, and you might just come away from the encounter looking more swollen than their hives. 

The best way to approach bees is by wearing protective clothing. However, there are chances of you getting stung if you are probably going on a trek, or just taking a walk. All that’s needed is a bee which is disturbed. The main point to keep in mind if you are stung by a bee is react quickly. When bees sting they put out a scent that attract other bees. If you happen to be in the vicinity, you will be stung again. 

Bee Sting Treatment 

To being with, put as much distance between yourself and the bee(s) as possible. You don’t want to be stung again!

If there are any stingers embedded in your skin, remove them immediately. Don’t scrape them off. You could just pull them out with your fingers or with a pair of tweezers. If you do not pull the stingers out at the earliest, the effects of the sting will be more potent. Do not squeeze the stinger since it would push more venom into your body.

If you are allergic to bees and do not have any emergency treatment on you, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Go straight to the emergency room.

Watch for any itching, hives, shortness of breath or redness that could appear. If this happens, antihistamines can be used to slow down reactions until you get to the hospital.

If you are not allergic to bees, you would most often find that you would develop local reactions to the sting. These would include swelling, redness, and pain, which will all usually go away quite soon. Swelling may last for a day, for which an ice pack can be applied.

In case of itching at the place of the sting, calamine lotions will help soothe the spot. Antihistamines are also effective.

If you have been stung more than ten times or if you have been stung inside your mouth, nose, or throat, you should go to the emergency room immediately. Shortness of breath is common in these cases, even if you are not allergic to bees.

Pain can be relieved by judicious use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Bee sting swabs are available to dull the pain. This can be applied if there is tenderness at the site of the sting.

If the stinger has been embedded deep into your skin, and if you are unable to remove it, visit a doctor even if you are not allergic to bees.

How To Stop Snoring

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to a loud shrieking noise. Startled, you look here and there to find what caused the noise, only to find your partner being the source for it. Highly annoyed and irritated, you feel like bashing him/her up for disturbing your sleep, but end up taking an extra pillow over your ear. Unable to sleep all night, you wake up late the next morning. Result - you rush past the daily chores and by the end of the day, you feel damn lazy and tired. You look back and wonder what caused the exhaustion and suddenly remember, it was because of your partner’s snoring that you couldn’t manage a goodnight sleep and thus, felt lethargic and weary all through the day. 

You confess this to your partner, who, in turn, feels ashamed for his snoring problem and promises not to snore again. Relaxed, you get on to the bed and try to sleep only to be woken up yet again by a loud shrieking noise. Damn, you whisper and get really annoyed. But before you wake your partner and start a fight, you need to know that snoring while sleeping is troublesome for not only the person who sleeps beside the snorer, but also for the person who snores. 

A person who snores is said to be sleeping a disturbed unsound sleep and the person who has to hear the other person snoring all night through will for obvious reasons not get proper sleep. Therefore, a solution favorable to all would be to get rid of snoring while sleeping. Before rounding up on the cure for snoring, it is important to identify the causes and decide what you will have to change in your structure and habits to stop snoring.

Causes Of Snoring

• A blocked nasal passage makes breathing hard. This leads to the formation of a vacuum in the throat that leads to snoring.
• Snoring is mostly seen in the middle age or above when the throat muscles constrict leading to a blockage in the airway. 
• People who are fat are more prone to snoring. Fatty tissues are conducive to snoring.
• The sleeping posture also causes snoring. If you sleep flat on the back, the throat muscles relax which blocks the air passage and causes snoring.
• Do you know that a man is more prone to snoring than a woman because a man’s air passage is narrower?
• Excess use of alcohol, cigarettes and several drugs including medicinal drugs leads to the relaxation of body muscles and hence, snoring.
• Ways To Stop Snoring
• It is very vital to keep the nasal passage clear to get rid of the snoring habit. Don’t forget to blow your nose regularly. Cough accumulations in the nose makes it difficult for air to pass through, creating a vacuum in the air passage and therefore, causing snoring.
• Being overweight is one of the prime reasons for snoring. Keep your weight in check. The reduction of fatty tissues in the throat will reduce snoring to a great extent. Therefore, exercise well to lose extra weight and try to keep the kilos in check.
• Snorers can try sleeping without a pillow for some days to check whether snoring reduces. See that your throat muscles are not relaxed when you are lying down.
• Cigarette smoke blocks the air passage and also causes disturbances in the throat and nose membranes to induce snoring. Thus, quitting smoking can greatly help reduce snoring.
• Dry air is not good for snorers. It affects the membranes of the nose and throat in such a way so as to cause snoring. Therefore, if the surrounding air is dry make use of a humidifier.
• You can also go for nasal strips and sprays to stop snoring. The drops should be used during bedtime to clear air passages.
• The CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a machine which consists of a mask that you can wear over your nose, while air is being blown into your system via another machine part when you are sleeping.
• For those having serious snoring problem, they can go for surgical procedures like the Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, Tonsillectomy, the Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty and Adenoidectomy, which remove extra tissues in the air passage and induce free flow of air.
• Opt for devices such as dental and oral appliances and lower jaw positioners. These help to bring the tongue and the lower jaw forward when one is sleeping, thus helping in free breathing.
• Adhere to these ways and stop the snoring habit for good. Have a good night sleep!