Kidney stones | Foods to avoid for kidney stones

If you have kidney stones or are susceptible to kidney stones you probably already know that drinking plenty of water during the day is key to preventing kidney stones from forming again. In addition to drinking water, there are certain foods that you need to avoid owing to their high calcium oxalate and salt content.

Here is the list of foods that contain calcium oxalate:

High-oxalate foods—higher to lower

• rhubarb
  
  
• spinach
  
  
• beets
  
  
• swiss chard
  
  
• wheat germ
  
  
• soybean crackers
  
  
• peanuts
  
  
• okra
  
  
• chocolate
  
  
• black tea
  
  
• sweet potatoes
  

Foods that have medium amounts of oxalate may be eaten in limited amounts.

Medium-oxalate foods—higher to lower

• grits
  
  
• grapes
  
  
• celery
  
  
• green pepper
  
  
• red raspberries
  
  
• fruit cake
  
  
• strawberries
  
  
• marmalade
  
  
• liver

You should also eat a low-protein diet and avoid foods that raise uric acid level. Some of these foods are

• Anchovies
  
  
• Sardines
  
  
• Organ Meats
  
  
• Brewer's Yeast
  

Other medicines and supplements to avoid:

Avoid taking antacids

You may need to reduce calcium intake with the advice of your doctor

Avoid Vitamin D supplements that can also raise calcium oxalate levels.


More information on kidney stone causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment


Information on Cystone from Himalaya Herbals that helps treat and prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections naturally

Kidney stones causes | kidney stones herbal remedy

Kidney stones are small stones that form in the kidneys from the chemicals present in urine. They start as small crystals of salt and minerals and with time may build into larger stones. When small, they can pass out with the urine. But when they grow larger, they can obstruct the urinary tract causing urinary tract infections and kidney infections. 50% of small stones can pass out with the urine and cause no symptoms. However larger stones can cause severe pain and need medical attention.

Kidney stones generally form when there is an imbalance in the chemicals in the urine particularly calcium.

Causes of Kidney Stones

Insufficient water in diet

Medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, gout and intestinal problems.

Hereditary reasons - High levels of calcium in the urine may be passed on in families

Foods high in calcium for those susceptible to kidney stones

Hot climate - Dehydration can lead to water deficiency causing urine to become more concentrated

Treatment of kidney stones

50% of small kidney stones measuring upto 10mm in size get passed out through the urinary tract. If the stones are larger and start causing obstructions in urinary flow, medical attention is required.

It is highly advisable to drink sufficient quantities of water throughout the day to maintain a normal balance of salts and minerals in the urine.

Cystone from Himalaya Herbals is an ayurvedic herbal formulation that has proven effective in treating and preventing kidney stones.

Depression and medications | Depression hormonal imbalance

Depression is said to be caused by hormonal imbalances. While everyone has downs in life if depression is persistent it is time to seek a doctor's help. It may also be time to take a second look at your prescription medications. Sometimes medications prescribed for heart problems, glaucoma and high blood pressure can also cause chemical and hormonal imbalances. Depression, fatigue and loss of interest in daily activities, can be a side effect of these medications. It is important to make an inventory of all your medications and inform your doctor. Sometimes a simple change in medication can cause an upliftment in mood.

Depression comes in various forms - from mild to severe. Some types of depression are associated with seasonal changes. SAD or Seasonal affective disorder is usually brought on by winter when there is lack of sunshine. Going out into the sunshine and light therapy are greatly beneficial in such types of depression.

More information on depression forms, symptoms and treatment

Herbal treatment for depression | Ayurvedic herbs for depression treatment

Depression affects more than 20 million Americans. Depression is twice as common in women, although in part due to their social network, women are more likely than men to be able to pull themselves out of depression over time. Depression can be a serious illness which left untreated can over time affect your relationships, your job, and your life. It has been found that often the bigger problem is not depression itself but your reaction to it.

There are definitely steps you can take to challenge depression head-on.

Stay active and exercise regularly.

Go out into the sun for a few minutes everyday. Light therapy is known to be an instant mood enhancer

Take your vitamins especially Vitamin B12

Maintain an active social network

Certain herbs are well known in fighting depression, worries and anxiety. Some of the best known ones are St. John's Wort, Bacopa and Ashwagandha. Bacopa is considered the premier herb in Ayurveda for brain functions. Not only does it help to fight depression but it also improves cognition, memory and boosts the functioning of the brain.

Ashwagandha helps to relax and soothe the mind. It relieves stress and hypertension and lifts the mood.

High blood pressure | Natural blood pressure control

Blood pressure or the pressure against the walls of the arteries is measured as systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure occurs when the heart contracts to pump blood through the arterties while diastolic pressure is when the heart muscles relax. Pressure is created both by the heart pumping blood into the arteries and by the arteries resisting the flow of blood.

High blood pressure or hypertension generally carries no visible symptoms but causes damage to blood vessels in turn increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Many people have high blood pressure without realizing it. Diabetic patients are at an increased risk of having high blood pressure.

Recommended Blood Pressure for non-diabetic patients:

Systolic pressure: less than 130mg

Diastolic pressure: less than 80mg

For diabetic patients:

Systolic pressure: less than 140mg

Diastolic pressure: less than 85mg

Pure herbs such as Arjuna and Ashwagandha are well known for lowering and controlling blood pressure and hypertension

Himalaya Protein Shampoo | Herbal Ayurvedic Shampoo

Himalaya Herbals Protein Shampoo for Normal Hair is a herbal ayurvedic formulation. It contains ingredients such as Shikakai, Fenugreek, Musk Root, Soapnut and Ushira. Shikakai which translates into "fruit for the hair" is very well known as a natural cleanser and detangler. It has a natural low pH. Soapnut or Ritha as known in India is also used as a natural shampoo after soaking the nuts overnight in water. It has a very pleasant honey-like fragrance. Fenugreek contains natural proteins for hair and scalp nourishment while musk root helps in hair growth.



Himalaya Herbals protein shampoo for normal hair is gentle for everyday use and can be used with permed and colored hair. Protein shampoos for dry hair and greasy hair are also available.

Multani Mati | Fuller's Earth | Natural acne control

Fuller's Earth also known as multani mati in India, is a natural mineral powder. Cosmetic grade fullers earth is a light golden color and is composed of alumina, silica, iron oxides, lime and magnesia. Fullers earth is very absorbant and was once used to absorb dense oils from sheep's wool. The sheep wool workers were known as fullers and hence the name.


Fullers earth is well known in India as a natural skin cleanser. It clears acne and blemishes and brightens skin complexion. Fullers earth is used in a number of face care products. Fullers earth mixed with Amla powder and Neem powder makes a great natural face pack.


Fullers earth is completely safe and also great as a dusting powder when diapering babies.

Neem powder - New product added

Favorfinesse.com has added neem powder to its products. The beneficial properties of Neem powder have been known for centuries. Applied topically, neem powder is excellent for skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema and athlete's foot. Neem powder is also very effective in treating acne and pimples and can be used as a face wash and face mask to cleanse and tone the skin. Neem powder can also be used to fight dandruff. Neem powder is also an excellent remedy for scabies.

Guggul for cholesterol control | Guggulu for lowering cholesterol

Guggul is considered the foremost natural herb in ayurvedic medicine for controlling cholesterol. There is evidence to show that guggul was used to cleanse blood vessels and clear arterial plaque as far back as 3000 years ago. There are references in ancient Indian texts which prescribe guggul as a treatment for "coating and obstruction of channels".


Studies have shown that guggulsterones present in the guggul gum resin help to lower cholesterol and triglycerides while at the same time increasing HDL levels. Since guggul is a herb, there are none of the side effects commonly present with prescription cholesterol drugs.


Guggul contains Z-guggulsterone and E guggulsterone which are thought to inhibit cholesterol release from the liver by increasing cholesterol metabolism. Research published in the Science Express shows that guggulsterones inhibit the Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR). This FXR protein prevents the body from eliminating excess cholesterol and increases the risk of heart attacks. Guggulsterones cause excess cholesterol to get converted to bile.

More information on how Guggul helps lower cholesterol

Gymnema sylvestre research | gymnema benefits

Gymnema sylvestre has been the subject of several research studies. Gymnema has the unique ability to suppress sugar craving in the taste buds as well as block absorption of sugar molecules in the intestine. The atomic structure of gymnemic acid molecules are similar to glucose molecules so when they fill taste bud receptors or intestine receptors, glucose molecules are unable to get entry.

Gymnema sylvestre leaves contain oleanane and dammarene saponins. While it is not absolutely clear how gymnema works, it is thought to be these saponins that are primarily responsible for gymnema's action. Gymnema not only helps to maintain normal blood sugar but has also shown very positive effects in lowering weight as well as cholesterol levels.

Recently research was published in the Journal of Integrated Plant Biology which stated that two new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins, gymnemoside-W1 and W2, together with seven known compounds were isolated from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. The EtOH/H(2)O extracts of this plant were shown to be able to inhibit glucose absorption in rats.

More Information on Gymnema Facts and Research



More Information on Gymnema Benefits and Composition

amla | amla fruit | amla herb | amla powder

Amla is a round golden fruit. The amla tree grows wild and is also cultivated throughout India. Almost every part of the fruit and tree are used for medicinal purposes - in fact in the ayurvedic system of medicine, amla is said to have properties close to heavenly nectar and considered one of the most potent of herbs. It is a primary constituent of several important preparations such as Triphala. On its own the Amla fruit has significant nourishing and rejuvenative properties.

The amla fruit and fruit extract is considered excellent for treating respiratory ailments and infections. Amla taken internally and applied as a powder is very beneficial to the skin and hair. Not only does it work as an anti-oxidant but it is also a rejuvenative. It prevents premature wrinkling and ageing of the skin and graying of hair.

Recent research has shown amla to be beneficial in cancer inhibition. It has also been shown to be useful in preventing cataracts in diabetic patients.

Amla is a powerful detoxifying agent and is a natural digestive aid and laxative. It is one of the three herbal ingredients of Triphala / Trifala that is a cornerstone of ayurvedic medicine.

Amla can be consumed as the fruit itself. Amla extract is also available in capsules. The fruit is very sour and is used pickled in India. It is also dried and in this form it is excellent for digestion and preventing indigestion, heart burn and nausea. Amla fruit is also dried and powdered for application to the skin as an astringent and skin toner. Amla powder is also used to in conjuction with Shikakai powder and Henna Powder which is excellent for cleansing and conditioning the hair. Amla oil is also considered very nourishing for the hair.

Arjuna herb for heart health | Terminalia Arjuna

Arjuna is the foremost ayurvedic herb prescribed for heart health. It has been found that the bark of the Arjuna tree contains high levels of COQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) which has been shown to be a key element in maintaining heart muscles and preventing heart attacks. Arjuna herb has been shown to be more effective than nitroglycerin in reducing angina episodes without any side effects. Arjuna has also been said to improve the potency of other heart medications as it helps in tissue penetration for drugs including those administered as anti-coagulants. Moreover Arjuna herb is also very useful in reducing cholesterol levels and hypertension making it an ideal daily heart supplement.

More information on Arjuna herb benefits

Diabecon for diabetes control | Glucocare by Himalaya Herbals

Diabecon for Diabetes Control


Himalaya Herbals Diabecon also known as Glucocare is composed of 33 herbs and minerals in an ayurvedic formulation designed to provide natural diabetes control. Diabecon works by acting like insulin and promoting sugar utilization in the body. Some of the main herb ingredients in Diabecon are Gymnema (Meshashringi) and Guggul both of which are well known ayurvedic herbs for diabetes and lipid control. It also contains extracts of the Indian Kino Tree whose heartwood has a hypoglycemic action on account of preventing glucose absorption in the intestine. Diabecon also contains licorice and shilajit.

Click here for a complete list of ingredients in Diabecon