KIDNEYS.--The kidneys are deeply placed and cannot be felt or distinctly
identified when normal. They are most accessible to pressure just below
the last rib, behind. The right kidney usually lies lower than does the
left, but even then, the lower part of this kidney is an inch above the
upper part of the hip bone, or an inch above a line drawn around the body
parallel with the navel. The kidney is about four inches long. The long
axis of the kidneys corresponds to that of the twelfth rib; on an average
the left kidney lies one-half inch higher than the right.
[Illustration: Kidneys, Ureters and Bladder.]
As stated before, each kidney is four inches long, two to two and one-half
in breadth, and more than one inch thick. The left is somewhat longer,
though narrower, than the right. The kidney is covered with what is called
a capsule. This can be easily stripped off. The structure of the kidney is
quite intricate. At the inner border of each kidney there is an opening
called the pelvis of the kidney, and leading from this, small tubes
penetrate the structure of the kidney in all directions. These tubes are
lined with special cells. Through these tubes go the excretions (urine)
from the body of the kidneys, to the pelvis, and from the pelvis through
the ureters, sixteen inches long, to the bladder.
[154 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
KIDNEY TROUBLE. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Kidney Trouble and Inflammation of
the Bladder, Cornsilk for.--"Get cornsilk and make a good strong tea of it
by steeping slowly, and take one ounce three or four times a day. This
acts well on the kidneys, and is a harmless remedy to use."
2. Kidney Trouble, Flaxseed and Lemons for.--"Make a tea by placing the
flaxseed in a muslin or linen bag, and suspend it in a dish of water, in
the proportion of about four teaspoonfuls for each quart of water. After
allowing the seeds to soak for several hours remove the same and tea will
be ready for use. The addition of a little lemon juice will improve the
flavor. Give in quantities as may be found necessary."
3. Kidney Trouble, Temporary Relief for.--"Rub witchhazel on stomach and
back; use freely." This is an old-time remedy, and can be relied upon to
at least give temporary relief. The witch hazel has a very soothing effect
upon the parts affected.
4. Kidney and Bladder Trouble, Buchu Leaves for.--"Get five cents' worth
of buchu leaves at any drug store, and make a good strong tea of it by
steeping. This acts nicely on the kidneys. This remedy is easily prepared,
and is not expensive."
5. Kidney Trouble, Common Rush Root for.--"Take a handful of the root of
common rush in one and one-half pints of water, boil down to one pint.
Dose:--One tablespoonful every two or three hours. For a child ten years,
give one teaspoonful four times a day. For a child of four to six years,
one-half teaspoonful four times a day."