| Only those who have ever experienced them can truly understand just how painful kidney stones can be. These stones are the result of a calcium build-up and they cause excruciating pain as they try to make their way through the urinary tract. There are a few things that can cause this build-up, including disease, infection and dehydration.
What makes kidney stones even worse is that you usually have no idea they are being formed until it's too late. If the stones are big enough, they will block the urinary system and this can be very dangerous. While there are certain risk factors associated with kidney stones, the truth is that anybody can get them.
So, what are some signs that you may have kidney stones? Pain in your lower back or groin, vomiting, pain during urination, reddish or orange urine, and pain in your lower stomach. Sometimes people think it's their appendix, but the only way you can know for sure is to see a doctor once the symptoms are present. It's important to get rid of the stone as soon as possible to prevent additional complications to your kidneys.
It sure sounds bad, doesn't it? But don't worry too much, there are some things you can do! The first thing you can start doing right away to reduce your chances of kidney stones is to make sure you drink plenty of water. This will help flush out your kidneys on a regular basis. There are other benefits to drinking plenty of water, so it's a good idea to do it anyway.
There are also natural herbal remedies that may help lower the odds of getting kidney stones. These most likely work due to their diuretic effect. Here are a few such herbs: goldenrod, juniper berry, sassafras, dandelion, corn silk, meadow sweet, horsetail and fennel. If you think you already have kidney stones, these herbs may help to some degree. However, your safest bet is always to see your doctor, so the following herbs are listed for informational purposes only, and not as a treatment or cure of any kind.
1. Catnip can help to unblock the urinary tract, making it easier for the stones to pass naturally. The downside is that catnip can cause gas and cramping in some people.
2. Hydrangea may aid in dissolving kidney stones, or reducing their size, making urination more comfortable. If the stones shrink, some of the pain may go away. Diarrhea is a fairly common side effect, but not everybody experiences it. 3. Cleavers (also known as goose grass) are a good remedy for several kidney and bladder issues. It is best taken as a tea, and drank daily.
Kidney stones are not only painful, they can also be dangerous. Therefore, you should do whatever you can to prevent them from forming. But if they form, you should try to get rid of them as quickly as possible. |