Kidney stones
My husband has just been diagnosed as suffering from kidney stones which was a complete surprise to us. I asked the doctor if he should now avoid certain foods and all he said was drink plenty of fluids. My husband is 48 and otherwise in good health. There must be something more proactive he can do?
Quebra Pedra - pronounced Ke-Bra Ped-Rah and translated into English as meaning 'stone-breaker' - is a Brazilian weed that is used in that part of the world to help dissolve kidney stones and cleanse the kidneys. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties and so can also help relieve the excruciating pain too.
To treat existing stones, your husband needs to use the dried herb to make a tea which is easily prepared by adding three heaped teaspoons of the herb to three cups of water in a saucepan. Boil and then simmer this mix for 10 minutes. Sweeten with honey and take three cupfuls, hot or cold, a day until all the stones have broken up and been passed the normal way. This will normally take three to four weeks.
To prevent recurrence, maintain a daily dose of half this quantity. At these dosages, there are no known contraindications for this herb which can also be used to help clear cystitis. However, kidney stones are a serious condition and sufferers should always seek medical advice too.
*Quebra Pedra costs £12.99 for 150g, plus £1.50 p&p. Mail order from Brazilian herb specialists, Rio Trading on 01273-570987.