Home remedies for bladder and kidney problems

Liquids are extremely important when it comes to the proper bladder and kidney function, which require plenty of fluids in order to rid your body of harmful waste and bacteria. Here's how to fend off bladder infection or kidney stones.

It's often been said that the pain of passing a kidney stone is comparable to that of giving birth. Stones might pass in a few hours, but sometimes it takes days. It's best to try to avoid developing kidney stones in the first place. Dehydration is a key factor in kidney stone formation. Lack of fluids prevents mineral salts in urine from being dissolved, causing them to clump together as grit and slowly form kidney stones. To ensure your kidneys are well-irrigated and healthy, drink plenty of herbal and fruit teas, non-carbonated water and diluted fruit juice.

• If you have a tendency toward kidney problems, avoid apple and grapefruit juices, which can increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
• Milk, beer, wine and coffee, contrary to popular belief, actually reduce the danger of kidney stones. But don't take that as an invitation to tipple — both alcohol and coffee have other harmful side effects.
• Salt, sugar and meat can irritate kidney stone formation. Consume them in moderation.

If grit or small stones have already formed in your kidney, home remedies may help flush them out.

• Flush out small stones with diuretic teas made from birch leaves, goldenrod or marshmallow root. Kombucha (available at health food stores) has the same effect. This cold drink is fermented using what's known as the kombucha or tea mushroom and contains live bacteria and yeast, similar to yogurt.
• Drink lots of water. Sip flushing teas (such as birch, goldenrod and bearberry) for three days after onset.
• If your kidney stones are causing pain, try a potato wrap made from boiled, mashed and still-hot potatoes wrapped in cloth. Place it over the kidney area. The warmth will soothe your afflicted organs, as will exposure to infrared light or a hot bath.

About 50 per cent of all women will experience a bladder infection at some point in their lives and many will have multiple infections. Women suffer from the problem more often than men because their urethra is shorter, so bacteria can enter the bladder more easily. Dehydration is a factor. Home remedies are most effective when applied early.

• Hot herbal tea can help flush out the bacteria causing inflammation and soothe pain.
• Acidic juices such as cranberry, blueberry and currant juice lower the pH in your urine, making it harder for bacteria to multiply.
• Fifteen millilitres (one tablespoon) of pumpkin seeds provides natural pain relief when you munch on them three times a day.
• Heat reduces the pain. Place a warm spelt or cherry-pit bag over your bladder, or soak in a nice, hot bath.

This tea soothes pain, disinfects, and flushes out bacteria when you have a bladder infection. Mix 50 grams (1 1/2 ounces) bearberry leaves, 15 grams (1/2 ounce) green beans, 15 grams (1/2 ounce) horsetail and five grams (1/6 ounce) each of fennel, pot marigold blooms and peppermint. Boil five millilitres (one teaspoon) of this mixture with 250 millilitres (one cup) of cold water for five minutes. Steep for 10 minutes, strain and drink one cup three times daily. If you're experiencing serious pain in the kidney region and/or a buildup of urine or if your bladder infection is not noticeably better after three days, consult a doctor.