SORE THROAT REMEDIES: NATURAL GARGLES

Gargling is a simple and remarkably effective way to kill germs and soothe a sore throat. Try one of these homemade gargles next time you're looking to relieve throat pain.

Salt and water

Try grandma's sore throat remedy by mixing 1⁄4 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water. (Use the hottest water you can comfortably tolerate. Cold gargles are ineffective.) If you have it, add 1 tablespoon of Listerine for germ-killing power. The briny solution helps rinse away and neutralize acids in the throat, relieving the burning sensation and promoting fast healing of irritated mucous membranes. Note: Mix a fresh batch of gargle for every use. Better to waste a bit pouring it out than to leave it in your glass, where it might become contaminated with bacteria. Also, do not swallow the gargle; spit it out.

Lemon and water

Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice in 1 cup water for this home remedy for sore throats; the astringent juice will help shrink swollen throat tissue and create a hostile (acidic) environment for viruses and bacteria.

Ginger, honey, and lemon in water

This home remedy mixes 1 teaspoon each of powdered ginger and honey, 1⁄2 cup of hot water, and the juice of 1⁄2 squeezed lemon. Pour the water over the ginger, then add the lemon juice and honey, and gargle. Honey coats the throat and also has mild antibacterial properties.

Hot sauce and water

The capsicum in hot peppers helps alleviate pain and fights inflammation. Add five shakes of ground cayenne pepper (or a few shakes of hot sauce) to a cup of hot water for sore throat relief. It'll burn, but try this gargle every 15 minutes and see if it helps.

Sage and water

Sage can soothe a sore throat and ease painful or swollen nasal passages. One traditional home remedy calls for 1 teaspoon sage, 1⁄2 teaspoon alum, 1⁄4 cup brown sugar, 3⁄8 cup vinegar, and 1⁄8 cup water.

Turmeric and water

This yellow spice is a powerful antioxidant, and scientists think it has the strength to fight many serious diseases. For a sore throat remedy, mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into 1 cup of hot water and gargle.

Wheatgrass juice

Another good remedy: Wheatgrass juice. A quick rinse and spit with this chlorophyll-rich liquid helps prohibit bacteria growth and ease throat pain. Held in the mouth for five minutes or so, wheatgrass juice is said to help revitalize weakened gums and stop toothache pain.

Clove tea

Add 1 to 3 teaspoons of powdered or ground cloves to water, then mix and gargle. Cloves have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and heal a sore throat.

Tomato juice

For temporary relief of sore throat symptoms, gargle with a mixture of 1/2 cup tomato juice and 1/2 cup hot water, plus about 10 drops hot pepper sauce. The antioxidant properties of lycopene may help remedy a sore throat faster.

Green tea

Green tea is known to naturally fight infections. Next time you brew a cup, make a little extra and gargle with some of this remedy to kill any bacteria your sore throat may be harboring. 

Apple cider vinegar and salt

If your throat is left raw by a bad cough, grab a bottle of apple cider vinegar because germs can't survive in the acidic coating it'll form on your throat. Gargle with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon salt dissolved in a glass of warm water; use several times a day if needed. For a gentler treatment, combine 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup honey and take 1 tablespoon every four hours. 

Goldenseal and water

Gargling with the herbal germ-killer goldenseal (1 1⁄2 teaspoons goldenseal tincture in 8 ounces water) kills viruses and bacteria as it soothes inflamed throat tissue.

Echinacea and water

Echinacea is an herbal virus-killer. Add 2 teaspoons tincture of echinacea to 1 cup water and gargle this home remedy three times daily. In addition to easing sore throat pain, an echinacea gargle will give your immune system the boost it needs to fight the infection.

Myrrh and water

You may be able to speed the healing process with myrrh (a few drops of tincture of myrrh in a cup of water). Highly astringent, myrrh is superb at combating inflammation. It’s an antiseptic too. Gargle six times a day—a bit of an effort, true, but well worth it.

Licorice water

Licorice root can soothe a sore throat and eliminate cough-inducing phlegm; a 2009 study found that post-operative patients who gargled with a licorice solution were less likely to develop a sore throat post-surgery. Mix one teaspoon of licorice syrup or powder with eight ounces of water and swish.

Raspberry tea

Raspberry tea is an old home remedy believed to treat everything from the flu to open wounds. One recipe calls for pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of dried tea leaves. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain and let cool a bit. Gargle while warm.

LEG CRAMPS AND HOW CAN YOU STOP THEM?

Leg cramps are a common and usually harmless condition where the muscles in your leg suddenly become tight and painful. Almost everyone experiences a muscle cramp at some time in their life. It usually occurs in the calf muscles, although it can affect any part of your leg, including your feet and thighs. After the cramping has passed, you may have pain and tenderness in your leg for several hours.

Research has found that:

• three out of four people only have leg cramps at night
• one out of five people have leg cramps during the day and night
• one out of 14 people only experience leg cramps during the day

Leg cramps can be caused by many conditions, ranging simply from dehydration to something much more serious such as kidney disease. Cramps often result from vigorous exercise, trauma to the muscle, or keeping the leg in an awkward position for too long, such as sitting in a crowded theater. Other causes can include medications such as birth control, diuretics (which are often prescribed for people with high blood pressure) and steroids. A lack of potassium or calcium can also be the underlying cause, as well as cold weather.

Most cases of leg cramps can be treated with exercises.

Exercises during cramps

During an episode of leg cramp, stretch and massage the affected muscle.

For example, if the cramp is in your calf muscle:

• Straighten your leg and lift your foot upwards, bending it at the ankle so that your toes point towards your shin.
• Walk around on your heels for a few minutes.

Exercises to prevent cramps

To reduce your risk of getting leg cramps in the future, you should do exercises to stretch the affected muscles three times a day.

For example, if your calf muscles are affected by cramps, the following exercise should be beneficial:

• stand about a meter away from a wall
• lean forward with your arms outstretched to touch the wall while keeping the soles of your feet flat on the floor
• hold this position for five seconds before releasing
• repeat the exercise for five minutes
  

For the best results, you should repeat this exercise three times a day, including one session just before you go to bed.

The following night-time advice may also help:

• If you lie on your back, make sure that your toes point upwards –placing a pillow on its side at the end of your bed, with the soles of your feet propped up against it may help keep your feet in the right position.
• If you lie on your front, hang your feet over the end of the bed – this will keep your feet in a relaxed position and help stop the muscles in your calves from contracting and tensing.
• Keep your sheets and blankets loose.

If you have leg pain that persists after an episode of cramping, an over-the-counter painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help reduce the pain.

Foods That Heal

The key: Eat foods that contain potassium, a mineral that helps your body break down carbohydrates and build muscle. A daily serving of a high-potassium food—a handful of dried fruits; a glass of tomato juice, citrus juice, or milk; a slice of melon, an orange, or a banana—can help banish leg cramps and prevent their recurrence. Drink a lot of water too: It maintains circulation and helps flush cramp-causing waste products from your muscles.

Foods That Harm

Caffeine, usually found in coffee, tea, and soda, can contribute to cramps by constricting your blood vessels and decreasing circulation in muscles. Switch to decaf, herbal tea, or water.

HOME REMEDIIES FOR NATURAL ANXIETY RELIEF

If symptoms of anxiety are interfering with your daily life, consider these simple lifestyle changes that are proven natural cures for anxiety.

Try to drink three cups of chamomile tea a day when you're feeling anxious.

Why: Chamomile contains two chemicals that promote relaxation, apigenin and luteolin. A study at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center found that patients with generalized anxiety disorder who took chamomile supplements for eight weeks had a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms compared to patients who were given a placebo.

Try to get between 1 and 3 grams of omega-3s a day.

Why: There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may ease anxiety symptoms and lift your mood by lowering levels of stress chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol in the body. Caned fatty fish, such as tuna and salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds are all great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. An Israeli study found that students given fish oil supplements had less test anxiety as measured by their eating and sleeping habits, cortisol levels, and mental states.

Breathe in lavender.

Why: One study found that people who received a massage with lavender oil were more upbeat and had less anxiety than people who had a lavender-free massage. Another found lavender massage can even lower systolic pressure the top blood pressure number that’s associated with stress. Try putting a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow or in your bath, or add a few drops to a cup of boiling water and inhale for a quick calm-me-down. You can even dab a few drops right on your skin—it’s one of the few essential oils that can be applied directly. The scent of vanilla has also been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. In a study done at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, patients undergoing MRIs who breathed vanilla-scented air had 63% less anxiety than those who breathed unscented air.

Add L-lysine to your diet.

Why: L-lysine is an amino acid and one of the building blocks of your brain's chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. Studies have shown that people taking L-lysine supplements had reduced symptoms of anxiety and reduced levels of stress hormones. L-lysine is commonly found in meat, fish, and beans, and is also sold as an oral supplement.

Try to get outside in natural sunlight for 15 minutes a day.

Why: This is the best way to naturally increase your vitamin-D levels, which can decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. A short 15 minute break will not only take your mind of stress, but also let you reap the benefits of outdoor activity. And the greener the better—one Japanese study found that people who walked through a forest for 20 minutes had lower stress hormone levels after their walk than those who took a comparable walk in an urban area. If you're stuck in an urban area, look for parks or quiet tree-lined streets to take a stroll. 

Studies show 21 minutes is all it takes for exercise to reliably reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Why: Exercise will not only make you feel better about yourself, but will flood your body with feel-good endorphins. Some researchers even believe that increasing your body heat, a natural result of exercise, may alter neural circuits controlling cognitive function and mood, including those that affect the neurotransmitter serotonin. Researchers believe this response can boost your mood, increase relaxation, and alleviate anxiety.

Take a hot bath with Epsom salts.

Why: A soothing hot bath is always calming, and raising your body heat may help regulate mood and anxiety. For added benefits, stir in some Epsom salts. The magnesium sulfate in the salts has been shown to calm anxiety and lower blood pressure. You can also try adding lavender or vanilla essential oils to your bathwater, to reap the benefits of these calming scents.

Cut out (or down) caffeine.

Why: Caffeine boosts your energy, and can make you jittery and anxious. If you can't go cold turkey, try reducing by a cup a day and see if you notice any decrease in your anxiety symptoms. You can also try switching to a drink with less caffeine and more health benefits, such as green tea. Be aware of other sources of caffeine that may be in your diet such as soda, chocolate, tea, and some over-the-counter medications like Excedrin or Midol.

Examine your diet, and watch for:

• Caffeine, alcohol, and added sugars, which have all been shown to increase anxiety. • Deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin B12, and zinc have been linked to symptoms of anxiety. Vegans and vegetarians in particular should watch their B12 intake, as the vitamin is only found in animal products. • Studies link an unhappy gut with an unhappy mind, so avoid eating difficult to digest foods like processed meals, foods high in saturated fats, and fried foods. • Finally, don't let yourself become so hungry that your blood sugar drops, which can lead to an anxiety attack.

Eat these foods to help provide anxiety relief:

• Blueberries and peaches contain nutrients that relieve stress and have a calming effect. • Whole grains are rich in magnesium and tryptophan, an amino acid that your body converts to serotonin which is known to calm and improve your mood. • Oats also increase serotonin production and are high in fiber, which helps prevent blood sugar spikes that affect mood. • Avocados, eggs, milk, and meat are all packed with B vitamins that can help prevent anxiety. • Foods that help regulate and lower the stress hormone cortisol include foods rich in vitamin C, like oranges, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium rich foods like spinach and other dark leafy greens. Indulge every once in a while in dark chocolate, which also helps lower cortisol.

5 DANGERS IN TRYING TO DIAGNOSE YOURSELF

No matter what web site you’re using, remember that self-diagnosis is a bad idea. It’s not as easy as it may seem and could lead you to incorrect conclusions. Feel free to research your symptoms, but let your doctor decide what’s ailing you. Here are five mistakes that could hurt instead of heal.

1. You take an OTC remedy without reading the label

When it comes to over-the-counter drugs, many people have a blasé attitude, thinking “They can’t really hurt me, right?” Wrong. Plenty of people end up with serious health problems from accidentally taking too much of an over-the-counter drug (such as a painkiller), overusing drugs such as laxatives or acid blockers, or taking something that interferes with another medication they’re on. No matter how innocuous a drug may seem, it’s always smart to read the label. It might surprise you.

2. You take an antidiarrheal if you have a fever

Never treat yourself at home with a diarrhea remedy if you also have a fever or if there’s blood or mucus in your bowel movements. These are signs of an infection and warrant a call to your doctor.

3. You take a daily aspirin without asking your doctor

Some people shouldn't take aspirin every day, especially since it can cause stomach bleeding. Doctors usually recommend it only for people who have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Women may not benefit as much from aspirin therapy as men. And some people appear to be resistant to aspirin’s anticlotting effects. (Tests are available to check for aspirin resistance, though some doctors question their accuracy).

4. You quit an antianxiety med cold turkey

If you've been taking an antianxiety medicine for a long time, do not quit abruptly. Talk to your doctor about how to gradually taper the dose. Otherwise, you could experience very serious complications such as seizures.

5. You use old antibiotics for a new infection

First, you should have finished the entire prescription the first time around. Second, many antibiotics are specific to the type of infection you have. Taking the wrong antibiotic might not work and can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making treatment for that type of infection more difficult the next time.

NATURE'S BEST STRESS SOOTHERS

These tasty tension tamers can help boost your mood and protect your body.

1. Fish

To keep stress in check, add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. These essential fats may help moderate stress hormones and protect against depression. You could pop a fish oil supplement, but the most delicious way to get them is through food. For a steady supply of feel-good omega-3s, aim to eat three ounces of fatty fish at least twice a week or a handful of walnuts every day.

2. Dark Chocolate

Research points to stress-relieving properties of dark chocolate that go beyond the taste buds. In a large German study, those who ate the most dark chocolate over ten years had lower blood pressure than those who ate the least. Another study showed a reduction in a stress hormone in people who ate dark chocolate often. Alas, dark chocolate still has “not-so-good-for-you fat, sugar, and calories,” registered dietitian Kathleen M. Zelman reminds us, so stick to a few small squares a day.

3. Black Tea

Research from London suggests that drinking black tea may help you recover from nerve-racking events more quickly. Study participants who drank four cups of black tea every day for six weeks had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and reported feeling more relaxed after stressful tasks than those who didn’t drink the tea. Other studies have touted black tea’s mood-boosting effects and suggested it can help increase alertness throughout the day.

4. Avocados

The flesh of these delicious green fruits is loaded with two powerful stress fighters: potassium and monounsaturated fatty acids. Both nutrients can lower blood pressure, and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) may play a part in helping ward off depression. In a large 11-year study, the more MUFAs Spanish participants ate, the less likely they were to be depressed. Researchers think the fats may improve how the brain absorbs the mood-boosting neurotransmitter serotonin. 

BENEFITS OF VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is good for your hair and skin, but what about for your body? We answer 4 common questions about how your heart, brain, and more might benefit from additional vitamin E intake. Note: Always check with your doctor before taking supplements.

Is vitamin E good for my heart?

Possibly, if you're female. One Harvard study of nearly 40,000 healthy women found that after 10 years, cardiovascular mortality decreased by 24 percent in those who took a vitamin E supplement compared to a placebo, and that number jumped to 49 percent among women older than 65. The study also found that there was a 26 percent decrease in nonfatal heart attacks in women 65 and older who took vitamin E. Another observational study published in the New England Journal of Medicine analyzed the diet of nearly 90,000 women and found that incidence of heart disease was 30 to 40 percent lower in those with the highest intake of vitamin E. However, several clinical studies that looked at the effects of vitamin E on heart health found no link between the two, in both men and women.

Can vitamin E prevent cancer?

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and protects cells from free radicals, and studies have been done to examine whether it's effective at preventing certain cancers. • The most promising link between vitamin E and cancer prevention is with bladder cancer. The American Cancer Society conducted an epidemiological study of almost one million adults and found that those who took a vitamin E supplement for 10 years or longer had a reduced risk of bladder cancer. • Vitamin E may help prevent prostate cancer, but only in smokers. One study of nearly 30,000 men by the National Cancer Institute found that current or past smokers who took a vitamin E supplement were 71 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who took a placebo. However, when researchers looked at the group as a whole—smokers and nonsmokers—there was no general association between vitamin E supplementation and a decrease in prostate cancer. Another study of male smokers from Finland found that those who took a vitamin E supplement for six years had a 32 percent decrease in incidence of prostate cancer and a 41 percent lower mortality rate from it than those who took a placebo. • Results are inconclusive when it comes to colon and breast cancer.

Can Vitamin E help my eyes?

Yes. A study by the National Eye Institute found that taking 400 IU of vitamin E a day slowed the progression of advanced age-related macular degeneration by about 25 percent in patients at risk for the condition. A small study by researchers at Tufts University found that taking vitamin E reduced the risk of cataracts in women age 52 to 74.

Can Vitamin E help my brain?

If you're older, vitamin E might help keep your brain sharp. A study published in JAMA Neurology found that among people aged 65 to 102, those with the highest vitamin E intake had a 36 percent reduction in cognitive decline after three years when compared to those with the lowest consumption. A clinical trial of Alzheimer's patients at Columbia University found that those who received 2,000 IU of vitamin E a day for two years significantly slowed the progression of the disease and the need for institutionalization, when compared to a placebo.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TEA

Natural teas can treat everything from arthritis to an upset stomach, without the unwanted side effects of over-the-counter medications.
Black Tea

• Full of tannic acids with strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, black tea can calm diarrhea or bloating by helping the body absorb fluids better.
• Wet tea bags will also reduce swelling on cuts, bee stings, bug bites, toothaches, or eyes suffering from conjunctivitis. • Poison ivy rash? Soak the area with 3 to 5 black tea bags for itch relief.
• The alkalines in black tea also neutralize acids and can relieve pain in canker and cold sores; apply a damp, cooled tea bag to the area, repeating 3 to 4 times a day.
• A black-tea foot soak will also kill bacteria and close pores, helping you sweat less and reduce odor.
Green Tea

• Researchers suspect that polyphenols in green tea may play an important role in cancer prevention, believing they help kill or slow cancer cells' growth. In a study of 472 women with breast cancer, those who drank the most green tea experienced the least spread of the disease. • In skin-cancer studies, lab animals given green tea developed one tenth as many tumors as animals who drank water. • Green tea also has been shown to lower your risk of dying from heart disease or stroke; reduce rates of tooth decay; and stop a decline in mental ability. • When it comes to memory, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition discovered that drinking just one cup of green tea a day made folks 55 and older 38 percent less likely to experience a decline in their mental abilities; drinking a second cup daily made them 54 percent less likely to show declines. • Studies have also shown that using green tea as a face wash or compress helps reduce acne blemishes.
Mint Tea

• Mint tea is excellent at stimulating digestion and dispelling gas to ease constipation, nausea, and vomiting. • A study in the Journal of Gastroenterology found that IBS patients taking peppermint-oil capsules for symptom relief experienced an approximately 40 percent greater reduction in abdominal pain and a 50 percent greater reduction in bloating and flatulence than those patients receiving a placebo. Researchers believe it may reduce the gag reflex by anesthetizing the stomach lining. • Drink a cup before each meal to calm your stomach muscles and help food move a little faster, especially if you’re indulging in fatty foods. • Mint tea can also be used to relieve throat pain, refresh achy feet (soak in cooled tea), and clear sinus pain.
Chamomile Tea: for stress

• Sipping chamomile tea or taking a chamomile bath are proven methods to reduce stress and anxiety. • The soothing tea is also a known remedy for sleep disorders and insomnia thanks to its sedative properties. • Chamomile also has antispasmodic properties that help with digestive issues. A cup of tea will reduce menstrual cramps, diarrhea, morning sickness, and general nausea and vomiting. • Researchers believe chamomile contains plant compounds that may lessen the gag reflex. • Chamomile inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause stomach ulcers. Honey also helps fight ulcers, so add a little to your tea to help ulcers heal.

Chamomile Tea: for inflammation

• Strong chamomile tea can be applied to achy, arthritic joints for soothing relief, and to acne, blisters, or boils to reduce pain and redness. • A chamomile compress can also ease the swelling and itch of hives. • Used as a mouthwash, chamomile reduces gum pain and helps heal gingivitis. • Sipping or gargling with chamomile will reduce inflammation if you have a sore throat.
Lemon Tea

• If you suffer from allergies, a cup of hot lemon tea will wake up the hairs in your nose that keep pollen and dust out of your nasal passages, helping to reduce sneezing and coughing throughout the day. Add a little sage, fennel, or anise from your spice rack to boost the effect. • Lemon tea is also very effective as a cold remedy, where the astringent lemon shrinks swollen throat tissue. Add a little honey (a powerful natural antioxidant and antibiotic) to soothe and coat your throat.
Ginger: for digestion

• When it comes to digestive issues, ginger has been used for thousands of years to treat indigestion and diarrhea. Researchers believe it reduces intestinal contractions, neutralizes digestive acids, and curbs the brain’s “vomit center.” Two compounds in ginger also work on the inner ear and central nervous system, reducing dizziness and associated nausea. • Ginger also specifically targets the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers, H. pylori. Many swear by ginger tea for morning sickness, menstrual cramps, motion sickness, and as a hangover cure.
Ginger: for inflammation

• Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties make it a great remedy for a cold, the flu, or congestion. Herbalists refer to ginger as a diaphoretic; as it helps you sweat it can help break a fever. • Ginger can also provide pain relief if you suffer from arthritis or tendonitis, and it has also been shown to soothe even the most painful migraine. Drink ginger tea with honey for added antioxidant benefits.
Black Pepper Tea

• This unusual remedy, rooted in New England folk medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, works great for wet coughs. Black pepper stimulates circulation and mucus flow, while honey is a natural cough reliever and antibiotic. Place 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and 2 tablespoons of honey in a cup. Fill with boiling water and let steep, covered, for 15 minutes. Strain and sip as needed.
Thyme Tea

• Thyme is a strong antiseptic, and has been shown to lower the inflammation and pain of arthritis and gout patients. • A thyme-mint tea blend is a great solution to nasal or sinusitis pain, where the thyme calms inflamed sinuses and the mint acts as a natural decongestant. Inhale the steam from the hot thyme-mint tea for maximum effectiveness. • Achy feet? Simmer two tablespoons of dried thyme in a quart of boiling water for 20 minutes, then cool slightly and soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
Sage Tea

• Sage is known for its ability to soothe a sore throat and restore one's voice, but this herb also has elements that combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi. For a sore throat or laryngitis, gargle with sage tea or sip a cup that's been heavily sweetened with honey, which has mild antiseptic properties and will also help soothe inflamed, irritated throats. • Sage is also known to help ease night sweats that are associated with menopause.
Orange Peel Tea

• To help relieve diarrhea, make orange peel tea. Peel organic oranges (non-organic might have pesticides or dyes that can make your condition worse) and finely chop the peel, then toss in a pot of boiling water. Cover the pot tightly and steep until cool. Strain, sweeten with honey, and drink.

Lemon Balm Tea

• Herbalists call lemon balm “gladdening herb,” and for centuries this member of the mint family has been used to treat depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders naturally. • Lemon balm also contains two substances that fight herpes. Feel an outbreak coming on? Sip a cup of tea; you can also soak a cotton ball in lemon balm tea and apply it directly to cold sores and blisters in order to speed up healing.

Dandelion Tea

• Dandelion is a strong diuretic and stimulates blood circulation through the kidneys, helping to detox your kidneys and liver naturally. It's a good way to stimulate digestion before or after a big meal. When it comes to kidney health, this weed has been shown to reduce fluid retention resulting from kidney disorders, and also may help speed up the passing of a small kidney stone.

(Courtesy To iStock/Thinkstock & Reader's Digest)