Home Remedies for Kidney Stones: What Works?
- Water. When passing a stone, upping your water intake can help speed up the process. ...
- Lemon juice. You can add freshly squeezed lemons to your water as often as you like. ...
- Basil juice. ...
- Apple cider vinegar. ...
- Celery juice. ...
- Pomegranate juice. ...
- Kidney bean broth. ...
- Dandelion root juice. ...
- Wheatgrass juice. ...
- Horsetail juice. ...
Which stones require treatment?
Heating is the most common treatment available. It can cause the color of a stone to lighten, darken, or change completely. It can bring about an improvement in clarity and brightness.
How do you break down kidney stones naturally?
Dyes are common treatments for stones such as black onyx. Jewelers often seal porous materials like turquoise with surface coatings, such as paraffin wax, so body oils won’t cause discoloration. Lead Glass Filling Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires can be filled with lead glass to improve their clarity.
Can kidney stones go away on their own?
Your doctor inserts a thin, flexible scope through your urethra, bladder and then into your ureter to reach the stone. If the stone is small, they can use a basket to remove it. If the stone is...
How long is a typical recovery after kidney stone surgery?
There are two primary treatments for improving a diamond’s apparent clarity; laser drilling and fracture filling. Laser drilling is commonly used to remove small dark inclusions.
What does stone treatment mean?
Treatment refers to any process other than cutting and polishing that improves the appearance of the color or clarity, or that are used to alter the appearance (color, clarity or phenomena), durability, value, or supply of a gemstone.
What are some common treatments for gemstones?
An Introduction to Gem TreatmentsBleaching. – a chemical used to alter / reduce a component of, or the entire color, of a porous gem. ... Surface Coating. ... Dyeing. ... Fracture or cavity filling. ... Heat Treatment. ... High pressure, high temperature (HPHT) treatment. ... Impregnation. ... Irradiation.More items...
What does treatment H mean?
HeatingH (Heating): A treatment using high heat to alter the color, clarity, and/or phenomena (or light refraction) in a gemstone.
Why are stones heat treated?
Heat Treatment is a gemstone's exposure to high temperatures that alters the color and increases the clarity. Specifically, heating is used to lighten, darken or enrich the color. Without heat treated gemstones, fine gems' availability in the most desirable colors would be scarce.Mar 19, 2021
What is irradiated stone treatment?
Irradiation is the process of using electromagnetic radiation to alter a gem's color. Irradiation has been with us since the early 1900's when scientists like Bordas and Crookes used radium salts to change blue sapphires and diamonds green. In today's world, irradiation is routinely used to color a number of gemstones.
What is gem enhancement?
Gemstone enhancements are applied to gems to improve their appearance and wearability. Some of these procedures have been used for centuries, while others are recent. People in the gem industry choose treatments based on the gem type and the desired effect.
What does F mean in gem treatment?
Also referred to in the industry as HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) F = Filling.
Which gemstones are not treated?
Untreated Orange, Brown, and Rose Zircon Gemstones While the popular blue zircon is heat treated, there are natural zircon gems that are not treated in any way. These include brown, rose, rose-orange and golden orange zircon gemstones. Note that yellow and white zircon is almost always heat treated.
Are treated gemstones less valuable?
Treated gemstones are cheaper. This is one of the biggest advantages of a treated gemstone. Most people want to buy or wear an emerald but since an emerald costs $50K per carat (untreated), most people cannot afford it.May 24, 2019
Can you heat treat gemstone at home?
Ovens for Gemstone Heat Treatments The best tool for heating gems is a computer-controlled burnout furnace . It allows for very gradual changes in temperature. This reduces thermal shock, which can destroy some gems. If you don't have access to a computer-controlled oven, you can try other methods.
Are crystals radioactive?
Sometimes it can contain so many radioactive inclusions that its crystal structure is destroyed (metamict). In apatite and titanite, the natural radioactivity is usually less than the natural background radiation....Natural radioactive gemstones.MineralColorSource of RadiationMonazitebrownish yellowThorium (Th)5 more rows
What is diffusion treatment in gemstones?
Diffusion treatment consists of exposing the surface of a stone to certain chemicals combined with high heat in a furnace. Generally, only the surface color changes, so if you sliced the gem in half, the inside of the stone would be a different color, usually a paler, less valuable color.Sep 4, 2006
Who is the author of Gem Treatments?
An Introduction to Gem Treatments. Robert Weldon. As a consumer, you will regularly encounter in the marketplace gems that have been treated to change their appearance. A topic that often comes up is whether a particular gemstone is or isn’t treated. In a sense, humans alter all gem materials after they are found in the earth in order ...
Why do people alter gemstones?
In a sense, humans alter all gem materials after they are found in the earth in order to prepare them for use in jewelry. Natural gem crystals are transformed from their rough crystallographic form into the shapes, outlines, and degrees of polish in the gemstones that we appreciate and wear in jewelry.
What is the chemical used to alter / reduce a component of, or the entire color, of a por
Bleaching. – a chemical used to alter / reduce a component of, or the entire color, of a porous gem. Some gemstones are bleached and then dyed, a form of “combination treatment.”. 1. The most commonly encountered bleached gems include:
Why is it necessary to disclose gems?
Because these treatments are not always apparent to the unpracticed eye, and are sometimes difficult to distinguish even by experts, it is necessary and legally required for anyone selling a gem (including consumer to consumer trade) to disclose the treatment procedure it may have received.
Is a gemstone treatment permanent?
Non-disclosure of this treatment could cause a person to believe that a particular gemstone was of higher quality naturally and therefore be more valuable than it actually is. An added challenge is that treatments can be permanent, long lasting, or short-lived under normal jewelry use.
Can you use resin on quartz?
Other materials – Resins and glasses can potentially be used on any durable gem with surface-reaching fractures, including quartz, aquamarine, topaz, tourmaline and other transparent gems. This kind of treatment is, however, less prevalent than the other treatment processes mentioned above. 2.
Can you remove dye from a gem?
Many dyes can be removed if the gem comes into contact with a solvent such as alcohol or acetone. Some dyes are unstable with exposure to the ultraviolet in sunlight and can fade over time. 3. Detectability –A qualified gemologist can detect dyed gems in most cases.
What stones are treated with oils?
Recently, I have read articles that other colored stones such as rubies, alexandrite, other varieties of chrysoberyl, and demantoid garnets have been treated with oils and resins to make surfacing inclusions less visible. Occasionally colored oils are used on emeralds and rubies.
Who first used gemstone enhancement?
The treatment and enhancement of gemstones has existed for hundreds and hundreds of years. The first documentation of treatments was presented by Pliny the Elder. And, 2000 years later, many of these treatments are still being used today! Some enhancements improve on nature, cannot be detected and are permanent;
What is agate dyed?
Chalcedony or more commonly known as agate, is often dyed blue, green, or orange and carved into bowls, statues, or cut into beads. This is fine, as there are some lovely pieces around using this stuff, especially carved animals and the like and no one minds that it's not "natural".
What is synthetic resin used for?
Synthetic resins can be used to fill in fractures in emeralds and other stones with fractures that reach the surface of the gem. Hardeners are often applied to make the process more permanent. The use of these resins, with hardeners (Like Opticon) are NOT acceptable treatments. Irradiation.
Why does a gemstone need heating?
In most cases the heating enhances the gemstone to make it more beautiful; the price premium is the result of the rarity of being unheated!. Heating. Heating is the most common treatment available. It can cause the color of a stone to lighten, darken, or change completely.
Where are lapidary centers?
The lapidary wanted the value of the finished product to be as high as possible. Today, there are centers, such as Bangkok in Thailand where there are facilities that specialize in treatment of both rough and fashioned gems.
Is a few treatments less stable?
A few treatments are less stable and should be avoided by the knowledgeable buyer. Following is a description of some common treatments. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Please refer to the recommended reading list at the bottom of the page for further information.
How does a doctor remove a urinary stone?
The doctor inserts the cystoscope or ureteroscope through the urethra to see the rest of the urinary tract. Once the stone is found, the doctor can remove it or break it into smaller pieces. The doctor performs these procedures in the hospital with anesthesia. You can typically go home the same day.
What to do if you pass a kidney stone?
If you’re able to pass a kidney stone, a health care professional may ask you to catch the kidney stone in a special container. A health care professional will send the kidney stone to a lab to find out what type it is.
How do you remove a kidney stone?
The doctor inserts the tool directly into your kidney through a small cut made in your back. For larger kidney stones, the doctor also may use a laser to break the kidney stones into smaller pieces.
How long after kidney stone removal can you collect urine?
The health care professional also may ask you to collect your urine for 24 hours after the kidney stone has passed or been removed. The health care professional can then measure how much urine you produce in a day, along with mineral levels in your urine.
How long do you have to take a kidney stone medicine?
Depending on the type of kidney stone you had and what type of medicine the health care professional prescribes, you may have to take the medicine for a few weeks, several months, or longer. For example, if you had struvite stones, you may have to take an oral antibiotic for 1 to 6 weeks, or possibly longer.
Does lemonade help with kidney stones?
Some studies show that citrus drinks, such as lemonade and orange juice, protect against kidney stones because they contain citrate, which stops crystals from turning into stones.
Can you get pain medicine for kidney stones?
The health care professional also may prescribe pain medicine. Larger kidney stones or kidney stones that block your urinary tract or cause great pain may need urgent treatment. If you are vomiting and dehydrated, you may need to go to the hospital and get fluids through an IV.
What is the best treatment for kidney stones?
You may be offered medical expulsive therapy (MET) using an alpha blocker medication, such as tamsulosin.
How do you get kidney stones out of your kidney?
Using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, a surgeon gains access to kidney stones through a small incision in the lower back during percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. A power source, such as ultrasound or laser, breaks the stones into fragments, which are flushed out of the kidney through an external tube or internal stent.
How does shock wave lithotripsy work?
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. All shock wave lithotripsy machines deliver shock waves through the skin to the stone in the kidney. Most but not all of the energy from the shock wave is delivered to the stone. Stone size is the greatest predictor of ESWL success. Generally:
What is the first step in a kidney stone evaluation?
If your symptoms suggest kidney stones, imaging is often the first step in an evaluation. For many years the standard of care was a type of abdominal x-ray called an intravenous pyelogram (IVP). In most medical centers, this has been replaced by a type of computed tomography (CT) called unenhanced helical CT scanning.
What size stone is best for ESWL?
Stone size is the greatest predictor of ESWL success. Generally: for stones 10 to 20 mm in size, additional factors such as stone composition and stone location should be considered. stones larger than 20 mm are usually not successfully treated with ESWL.
Can ESWL be used on kidney stones?
stones larger than 20 mm are usually not successfully treated with ESWL. Stones in the lower third of the kidney can also be problematic because, after fragmentation, the stone fragments may not be cleared from the kidney.
Why do people use gemstone enhancements?
Gemstone enhancements are applied to gems to improve their appearance and wearability. Some of these procedures have been used for centuries, while others are recent. People in the gem industry choose treatments based on the gem type and the desired effect. Although some gemstone enhancements are commonplace, the gem-buying public remains ...
What gemstones are filled with lead glass?
Lead Glass Filling. Diamonds, rubies, and sapphires can be filled with lead glass to improve their clarity. Some gems that combine natural with synthetic material may also be called “hybrid gems.”. This 9k gold ring features a “composite” ruby, filled with lead glass.
Do natural gems form after mining?
Natural gems form in the Earth. Treatments after mining don’t change their status as natural gems. Synthetic gems are made under lab conditions that mimic natural formation processes, only greatly accelerated. Treatments or enhancements occur after the gems are formed.
Is oiling a gem worth it?
To gem owners, oiling is well worthwhile, since the oil filler isn’t visible and simply allows the natural beauty of the stone to shine. For them, gemstone enhancements like oiling increase both the emotional and monetary value of the gem. Jewelers should tell buyers that oiled gems need special care.
What is the best treatment for kidney stones?
Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). This is the most common treatment in the U.S. It works best for small or medium stones. Your doctor aims high-energy sound waves to break up the kidney stone into little pieces. The shock waves come from outside the body, which is why the procedure sometimes is called extracorporeal SWL.
What to do if a stone is too large?
If the stone is small, they can use a basket to remove it. If the stone is larger, a laser passed through the scope can break it up. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy or percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. These similar surgical procedures are options if your stone is large or if other procedures fail to break them down enough.
How long do you have to stay in the hospital for a kidney stone?
You'll likely have to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days. Open surgery: This might be an option if your stone is very oversized or your doctor can't take it out with other treatments. You’ll be sedated and not awake. Your surgeon cuts through your side to reach the kidney, then takes the stone out through the opening.
How long does it take to recover from a stone?
You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. It can take 4-6 weeks for you to fully recover. Your surgeon usually will ask a lab to identify the type of stone, so you might be able to take meds to avoid them in the future.
How long does it take for a stone to pass?
First, You Wait. If your stone doesn’t bother you, your doctor may suggest you wait 2-4 weeks for it to pass on its own. They may tell you to drink extra water to help flush it out of your body. They may ask you to catch the stone in a strainer when you pee.
Can kidney stones be removed on their own?
Prevention. Kidney stones usually pass on their own without causing any long-term problems. If they don't, or if you're in a lot of pain, your doctor can break up or remove the crystals. Your treatment depends on where and how big your stone is and what symptoms you have.
What is the procedure to break a kidney stone?
For certain kidney stones — depending on size and location — your doctor may recommend a procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). ESWL uses sound waves to create strong vibrations (shock waves) that break the stones into tiny pieces that can be passed in your urine.
How to pass a stone?
You may be able to pass a small stone by: Drinking water. Drinking as much as 2 to 3 quarts (1.8 to 3.6 liters) a day will keep your urine dilute and may prevent stones from forming. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, drink enough fluid — ideally mostly water — to produce clear or nearly clear urine.
What tests can you do if you have a kidney stone?
If your doctor suspects that you have a kidney stone, you may have diagnostic tests and procedures, such as: Blood testing . Blood tests may reveal too much calcium or uric acid in your blood. Blood test results help monitor the health of your kidneys and may lead your doctor to check for other medical conditions. Urine testing.
What is the purpose of a lab analysis of kidney stones?
Analysis of passed stones. You may be asked to urinate through a strainer to catch stones that you pass. Lab analysis will reveal the makeup of your kidney stones. Your doctor uses this information to determine what's causing your kidney stones and to form a plan to prevent more kidney stones.
How to prepare for a kidney appointment?
To prepare for your appointment: Ask if there's anything you need to do before your appointment, such as limit your diet. Write down your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to kidney stones. Keep track of how much you drink and urinate during a 24-hour period.
How to remove kidney stones?
A procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy (nef-row-lih-THOT-uh-me) involves surgically removing a kidney stone using small telescopes and instruments inserted through a small incision in your back.
How to remove a small stone in the kidney?
To remove a smaller stone in your ureter or kidney, your doctor may pass a thin lighted tube (ureteroscope) equipped with a camera through your urethra and bladder to your ureter. Once the stone is located, special tools can snare the stone or break it into pieces that will pass in your urine.
What to do if tonsil stones are bothering you?
If tonsil stone symptoms are bothering you, talk to your provider. They may refer you to an ENT — an ear, nose and throat specialist. The ENT can discuss your surgical options with you. Healthcare providers may recommend surgical tonsil stone removal if tonsil stones are: Large.
What is a tonsil stone?
Tonsil Stones. Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, are small lumps that form in your tonsils. The main symptom of tonsil stones is bad breath. Methods for tonsil stone removal at home include using a saltwater gargle or a water pick.
What is the difference between tonsil stones and tonsillitis?
What’s the difference between tonsil stones and tonsillitis? Tonsillitis is a tonsil infection. Both conditions can cause bad breath and throat pain. Usually, if you have tonsillitis, you’ll also get red, inflamed tonsils along with a sore throat, fever and headache.
How to diagnose tonsil stones?
To diagnose tonsil stones, your provider may: Do a physical exam, looking inside your mouth and throat. Perform an imaging scan if they cannot see the stones easily. Dislodge the stones using a dental pick. Sometimes, a healthcare provider happens to notice tonsil stones during an exam.
Does salt water help with tonsil stones?
Gargling: Vigorous gargling using salt water has a few advantages. It helps your throat feel better, plus it can dislodge the tonsil stones. It may even get rid of the bad odor. This is particularly helpful when you gargle after eating to prevent food and debris from getting caught in the tonsil crypts.
Do you need antibiotics for tonsil stones?
Your healthcare provider will tell you if you need antibiotics to treat tonsil stones. In most cases, providers don’t use antibiotics. These medicines don’t treat the underlying cause of tonsil stones. But you may need antibiotics if you develop a bacterial infection.
Can a dentist see tonsil stones?
If you don’t have any symptoms, your provider might notice a stone during a scan or X-ray for a different problem. Or your dentist may see them during a dental exam.
