[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.”

6.  Kidney Trouble, Effective and Easy Cure for.—­

“Fluid Extract of Cascara Sagrada      1 ounce
Fluid Extract of Buchu                 2 ounces
Fluid Extract of Uva Ursi              2 ounces
Tincture Gentian Comp                  1 ounce
Simple Syrup                           1 pint

Mix the above ingredients and give a teaspoonful four times a day.  This is a very good remedy, as the cascara sagrada acts on the bowels and the buchu and uva ursi acts on the kidneys, carrying off all the impurities that would otherwise be retained in the system and cause trouble.”