Some Natural Remedies for Kidney Stones.

Kidney stones are formed when the kidneys are unable to process toxins effectively, allowing minerals

 salts or other organic substances in the urine to solidify and grow. Kidney stones cause pain in the lower back and sides, sometimes blocking the flow of urine. Most are formed by calcium, oxalates and uric acid. The symptoms of kidney stones include;

• Dark, cloudy and sometimes bloody urine.
• Pain in the lower back, sides and sometimes the groin.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• The urge to urinate more frequently.
• Fever and high temperature when infections are present.

Kidney stones affect about 1 in 10 people and the recurring pain can last for weeks at a time. A lot of home remedies are available to prevent, dissolve and reduce the pain and discomfort of kidney stones.

Some home remedies for kidney stones.

1. Phyllanthus amarus is called stone crusher and is used for treating disorders of urinary tract. It is used widely to dissolve and expel kidney, bladder and gall stones. It is called ehibisowo in Yoruba. Make an infusion or tea from the leaves and drink three cups daily for 3-7 days. Most people that have tried it have had good results.
2. A mixture of 15ml apple cider vinegar, 60ml lemon juice and 60ml olive oil is one of the most effective remedies for dissolving kidney stones and treating the pain caused by it.
3. A mixture of 15ml apple cider vinegar, 60ml lemon juice and 60ml coconut oil can also be used.
4. Mix 30 ml apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon of baking soda and 1 cup of water. Drink 3 times daily.
5. Mix 15ml basil juice and 15ml raw honey. Take this mixture times daily. You can also make an infusion or tea or juice of basil leaves mixed with honey. Drink a cup 3 times daily.
6. Drink dandelion root tea 3 times daily. Dandelion is a natural diuretic that stimulates urination, flushes the body of toxins and cleanses the kidneys.
7. Mix 100ml tomato juice, a pinch of pepper and a pinch of salt. Drink 3 times daily.
8. Stinging nettle tea will flush minerals and toxins out of the kidneys, stop the growth of the ones already there and prevent urinary tract infections. Drink a cup 3 times daily.

Drinking lots of water is important in dealing kidney stones and the pain. Kidney stones will

definitely require medical attention to be sure of the right diagnosis before you can determine your line of appropriate treatment.

Have you got an effective home remedy to share? Please do so below with other comments and questions. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.

The Health Benefits of African Pear Fruit.

The African pear tree, called Dacryodes edulis, is a fruit tree that is indigenous to parts of Africa where it rarely grows wild. It is widely cultivated in West Africa, South West Africa and Central African countries. The fruit is long and cylindrical in shape, ripening to blue-green, violet, purple or dark brown to black. It is usually eaten raw, boiled or roasted and has a fleshy and buttery pulp.

African pear fruits are called elemi in Yoruba, ube in Igbo, orumu in Urhobo, ibe in Kalabari; also

known as butter fruit, African plum fruit and many other local names.

African pear fruits contain a lot of nutrients and healing properties which make them beneficial for health when consumed. The fruits are usually in season with corn and are usually eaten with corn to make very healthy snacks. Below are some of the nutritional components and properties;

• High lipid content with healthy fatty acids like stearic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid and arachdinoic acid.
• Vitamins like A, C, folic acid, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamin and pyridoxine.
• Minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, calcium and boron.
• Fiber, proteins and carbohydrates.
• Other phytonutrients with anti-microbial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Some of the health benefits you gain by consuming African pear fruits are;

• It boosts nutrition.
• It helps to lower blood cholesterol level because of the pectin and fiber content.
  
• It helps to promote cardiovascular health because of the healthy fatty acids.
• It reduces the effects of aging because of the antioxidant properties.
• It lowers blood pressure because of the potassium content.
• The fiber content helps in treating constipation.
• The vitamins A and E are antioxidants which are good for healthy skin, hair and scalp.

Other parts of the tree are used for medicine and healing. The leaves infusion is used to treat toothache, gum infections, earache and digestive tract infections. The bark decoction is used to treat anaemia and dysentery while the root decoction is used to treat leprosy.

Snacking on corn and African pear fruit is perfectly healthy, like a lot of African traditional foods and snacks.

Let’s know about healthy snacks that you know below, along with feedback, questions and comments. Follow on Twitter for updates @heal2bwell.

Controlling Hand Tremors With Ease.

The involuntary or intentional movement or trembling of a part of the body is called a tremor. Hand tremors or shaking hands occur at any age but are more common in older people. Hand tremors make basic tasks difficult to perform so; it is sometimes frustrating for the individuals dealing with this condition.

Some of the main causes of hand tremor are;

• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Old age.
• Inadequate sleep.
• Shock.
• Alcohol and drug abuse.
• Low blood pressure.
• Hypoglycemia and low blood sugar.
• Fatigue and stress.

Hand tremors can also disturb activities of daily living. Treating the underlying cause of hand tremors will also reduce or stop hand tremors. There are exercises which will help to calm and reduce stress while strengthening and steadying the hands. Here are some below;

1. Place a small rubber ball in your palm and squeeze your fingers around it as tightly as possible, holding for 5 seconds each time. Repeat 10 times. Do this 2 times daily.
2. Stretch out your hands in front of you with the palms facing downwards. Squeeze your fingers together as tightly as possible and then stretch them out. Do these 20 times, twice daily.
3. Make a tight fist and move your arms up above your head, then stretch them out to the sides and move them together to the front slowly. Repeat 10 times twice daily. You may also use 2-4 pounds dumb bells or weights.

Carry out hand manipulation exercises for better muscle control and coordination. A few are;

• Clay molding.
• Playing the piano or guitar.
• Beating drums.
• Massaging other parts of your body like your thighs or calves.

Get involved in regular physical exercise as this can help to;

• Reduce stress from the body.
• Increase body circulation.
• Increase strength.
• Give relaxation to the body.
• Calm nerves.

Herbs that reduce stress, calm nerves and help with relaxation will also help to reduce hand tremors. These herbs can be used as tea or to replace other beverages. Some of these herbs and spices are;

• Chamomile.
• Valerian.
• Cloves.
• Wild thyme.
• Lavender.
• Peppermint.
• Green tea.
• Lemon balm.

When one is dealing with a health condition or issue, it is best to follow the basic guidelines for good health; regular physical fitness program, healthy food choices, adequate sleep patterns and avoiding stress, for healing to be possible. There are so many hand exercises you can do by yourself. Just keep your hands moving and strong.

Leave your comments, feedback and questions below. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell for updates.

The Health Benefits of Bitter Kola.

The bitter kola tree, called botanically Garcinia kola, is a tropical flowering plant that is found in Western and Central Africa which produces cream coloured, nut-like seeds with brown peels.

In West and Central Africa, bitter kola has been widely used for healing and ceremonial purposes for centuries. It has been used traditional to treat nausea, irritations, respiratory issues and as a poison antidote. The seed is mostly eaten raw or prepared with other ingredients for medicinal purposes.

Nutritional and medicinal values of bitter kola.

• Bitter kola contains vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2 and B3.
• It contains calcium, iron, potassium.
• Bitter kola contains other phytonutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties like sterols, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, alkaloids and kolaviron.
• Bitter kola has anti-bacterial, antifungal and anti-viral properties.

The health benefits of bitter kola.

1. Bitter kola purifies, cleanses and detoxifies the blood and body.
2. Bitter kola improves lung function.It is used to treat cold, cough, asthma, bronchitis, congestion, sore throat and other respiratory tract issues.
3. Bitter kola aids with weight loss because it is suppresses hunger naturally.
4. It is used to boost male sexual performance.
5. It is used in treating malaria.
6. It is an antidote for food poisoning.
7. Bitter kola is used to reduce eye pressure and treat glaucoma. Drops of the infusion of the seed  is used on the eyes.
8. It boosts the immune system by keeping infections away from the body.
9. It is a natural analgesic.
10. The seed powder is used to repel snakes and insects.

The roots are also boiled and mixed with salt to treat asthma. The bark is also used and has astringent properties.

Bitter kola is called orogbo in Yoruba, aki ilu in Igbo and namijin goro in Hausa. During the 2014 outbreak of Ebola Virus in West Africa, the idea of using bitter kola as a potential cure for the Ebola virus came up because of its ability to stop the replication of the virus. This was from a research carried out by a Nigerian Professor, Maurice Iwu. A lot of people chewed bitter kola often then, including me.

Do you know the other local names for bitter kola and its other uses? Please share below. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell for updates.

Some Teas to Drink For Health.

Tea is simply a hot water infusion of the dried leaves, flowers, seeds and fruits of plants. Tea is the second most widely consumed beverage in the world, after water. The most common tea consumed is from the Camella sinensis plant so other teas are usually called herbal teas, infusions or tisanes.

Infusions have been made from plant parts from the beginning of time to provide relief and healing for many ailments. Because they are usually from plants, they usually provide powerful phytonutrients and low calories.

Apart from being refreshing beverages with low calories, teas have a beneficial effect on health

because they have high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which promote good health and wellness.

There are numerous infusions for health but below are some commonly used ones and some of their health benefits.

1. Hibiscus flower tea. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lowers blood pressure, regulates blood sugar levels, lowers blood cholesterol levels, boosts the immune system, rich in vitamin C and caffeine free. Read more here about the benefits of hibiscus flower tea.
2. Rooibos tea. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral and treat skin irritations.
3. Dandelion tea. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, diuretic, digestive aid, cleanses liver, kidneys and gall bladder, stimulates appetite, blood purifier. Read here for more on the uses of dandelion.
4. Hawthorn tea. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, lowers blood pressure levels.
5. Cinnamon. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, reduces blood cholesterol levels and reduces arthritis symptoms and pain.
6. Stinging nettle leaves tea. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lowers blood pressure, treats urinary tract infections, treats kidney and bladder issues, relieves respiratory tract issues like cough, cold and congestion.
7. Chamomile. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, relaxes and calms the body, treats indigestion and stomach issues, treats sleep disorders and insomnia.
8. Lemon balm tea. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, to calm and relax the body, regulates thyroid function, for respiratory and digestive issues, reduces bloating and indigestion, alleviates nerve pain, improves memory and brain function.
9. Peppermint tea. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, relaxes muscles, reduces stress and anxiety feelings.
10. Lemongrass. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive aid.
11. Lavender tea. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, induces sleep, calms and soothes the mind, to treat respiratory, bowel and stomach issues, reduces body temperature.
12. Rosemary tea. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, relaxes muscles, digestive aid, treats respiratory issues and colds.
13. Red clover tea. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, for cardiovascular health, female reproductive health and to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
14. Green tea. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lowers blood cholesterol levels, relaxes and calms the body, promotes heart health, reduces triglycerides levels.
15. Raspberry leaves tea. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, treat female reproductive disorders like infertility, endometriosis, painful menses etc.

Other teas for healing and promoting wellness are ginger tea, corn silk tea, black tea, oolong tea, yerba

mate tea, puerrh tea, sour sop tea, cardamom tea, milk thistle tea, rosehip tea, echinacea tea, blackberry leaves tea and stevia tea.

Drinking tea is healthier than drinking sugary drinks which provide negative health benefits to the body. The choice to live better and enjoy our bodies is in our hand.

Do you have a special tea or infusion for health that you can share? Please do so below or by email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell for updates.

Is It Okay To Swallow Phlegm Or Mucus?

Phlegm is a mucus-like substance that is produced by the lower respiratory system which is usually coughed out when you have a cough. Mucus on the other hand is produced by the nose and sinuses so both are alike but different due to their sources. Phlegm and mucus can have colours like yellow or green which may indicate an infection of the nose or sinuses or the lower respiratory tract. Sometimes phlegm and mucus contain blood when they are brought out. The green and yellow colours are usually caused by the presence of white blood cells which fight infections.

When there is no infection, phlegm and mucus are usually thin and clear. The main function of phlegm and mucus is to remove dust and other foreign bodies from the lungs and respiratory tract. When there is an infection, they become thicker and darker because they will contain trapped microorganisms, foreign debris, antibodies and white blood cells. Smokers also have darker and thicker phlegm. Dehydration may also cause mucus and phlegm to be thicker.

Most times we wonder if it is alright to swallow the phlegm we cough up or the mucus we blow out. Swallowing it is not harmful though it is definitely unappealing to do so. This is because the trapped pathogens in it are destroyed by stomach acids and broken down by digestive enzymes. Swallowing your phlegm may allow you to avoid infecting others especially when you may not be able to dispose of them properly. The body produces a lot of both daily which you swallow without knowing anyway.

It is best to cough up your phlegm into a tissue and dispose properly or just dispose properly in the toilet. The same applies to mucus. If you swallow either and you feel nauseated or queasy, it is probably due to swallowing air from repeated throat clearing and not from swallowing mucus or phlegm.

Let’s hear from you below! Follow on Twitter @heal2well for updates.

The Many Uses of Baking Soda for Health, Hygiene, Skin and Hair.

Baking soda is a white chemical compound that is found naturally dissolved in many mineral springs.
Baking soda is an alkali with a slightly salty alkaline taste. Baking soda is also called bicarbonate of soda or sodium bicarbonate has been used for a long time for health, hygiene, skin, oral and hair purposes. Baking soda is different from baking powder, but is a component of it. Read here about the differences between baking soda and baking powder.

Baking soda is commonly sold cheaply and is used for skin, hair, health, home hygiene purposes. Even though it is cheap, baking soda is an effective natural remedy that takes care of the numerous things it is used for.

Baking soda is used for multiple cures because it increases the ability of the body to resist all infectious diseases. Baking soda regulates and neutralizes pH while it also has a buffering effect.

Health uses of baking soda.

1. To shrink tumours especially external ones.
2. For oral hygiene and can be used to replace toothpaste.
3. To remove splinters.
4. To treat indigestion and heartburn.
5. To treat kidney issues, gout, acid reflux, ulcer pain and heartburn.
6. To treat canker sores, flu, cold, arthritis and rheumatism.
7. To treat skin issues like sunburn, itches, bites, stings, irritations, boils etc.
8. To exfoliate skin and scrub the face.
9. To neutralize gas from the tummy after eating beans.
10. To soften and soothe the feet and hands.
11. To treat diaper rash.

Baking soda is used to neutralize and freshen odours in.

• Ovens.
• Refrigerators and freezers.
• Microwave ovens.
• Rugs.
• Trash and garbage cans.
• Closets, lunch boxes.
• Sinks and cutting boards.
• Cars, sneakers, smelly shoes and linens.
• Sponges, lunch boxes
• Stuffed animals, cat box and pet bedding.
• Mouth, body and hands.
• Drains, sewage pipes and septic tanks.

Baking soda is used in the following ways;

• Polish silverware, tea pots and coffee pots.
• To remove grease and oil stains.
• As a fire extinguisher to smother flames.
• To clean fruits and vegetables.
• To clean combs and brushes.
• To remove crayon stains from walls.
• To clean shower curtains.
• To whiten teeth.
• To deodorize underarms.
• To give a brighter skin.

Baking soda is usually used to make increase body pH when the body is too acidic. Most

microorganisms thrive in a body that is acidic. This is the reason why baking soda is useful in healing. It makes the body unfavourable for infectious microbes to grow, including cancer cells. 1 teaspoon a week is usually used to reverse an acidic blood pH. it is usually dissolved in water and for healing not more than 1 teaspoon a day is recommended.

Baking soda is one ingredient that should be present in every home because of its usefulness, availability and cheapness. It is 100% pure, natural and safe. you can use to replace most of the cleaning agents that we usually use that contain toxic substances.

Leave your comments, feedbacks and questions below. Follow on Twitter for updates @heal2bwell.