Hard, crystalline deposits of digestive fluids in your gallbladder are called gallstones.
The gallbladder is an organ located right below the liver. It saves bile secreted by the liver for the digestion of food. Bile contains several components, including cholesterol and bilirubin, which may get crystallized and form gallstones.
There are two types of gallstones:
- Cholesterol gallstone:
They are crystallized deposits of excess cholesterol and bile. Cholesterol gallstones are the most commonly occurring gallstones.
- Pigment gallstones:
These are composed of excess bilirubin (a pigment formed due to RBCs breakdown). These account for 15% of total gallstone cases.
Gallstones occur in varying shapes and sizes- from the size of a grain to a golf ball. They usually don’t cause symptoms until they block the bile duct, which causes severe pain. Gallstones also result in symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Large gallstones can only be removed through surgery or shock wave therapy. However, you can remove small stones with natural remedies at home.
Note: get approval from your physician or gastroenterologist before using any remedy.
Here are a few home remedies you can use to get rid of gallstones:
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Milk Thistle:
Milk thistle is an ancient remedy used to stimulate the liver and gallbladder. It contains the compound ‘silymarin,’ which treats gallbladder disorders. However, there is no extensive research on the effects of milk thistle on gallstone.
How to Use:
Milk thistle is available as a supplement in capsule or tablet form. You can also use tonic or milk thistle tea.
Ingredients:
- Milk thistle fruit – 1 teaspoon crushed
- Water – 1 cup
Preparation:
Boil water and add crushed milk thistle fruit into it. Stir the mixture for 15 minutes, strain, and cool down. Have this tea three to four times a day.
Caution:
Milk thistle reduces blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. You can be allergic to milk thistle as well. So, consult your doctor before using.
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Artichoke:
Artichoke is a cure for many diseases, including pneumonia, anemia, and rheumatism. It is also said to be effective against gallstones. Studies show that artichoke stimulates bile production. It also supports gallbladder and liver function.
How to Use:
You can cook artichoke in many ways- grilled, steamed, pickled. You can also drink artichoke extract (dilute it with water before use) or have an artichoke supplement.
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Apple Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple juice softens the gallstones, enabling them to pass out from the body. It is based on a 1999 anecdotal account. A woman used apple juice for seven days and was able to pass her stone on the 8th day.
There are countless health benefits of apple cider vinegar for the digestive system. There is no concrete evidence that ACV cures gallstones. It is, however, anti-inflammatory in nature, thus recommended for subsiding the gallstone pain and inflammation.
How to Use:
Dissolve two tablespoons of vinegar in a glass of water and drink until the pain reduces. This ACV tonic is the best way to use apple cider vinegar for gallstones.
Caution:
People with hypoglycemia, stomach ulcer, or diabetes should avoid fruit juice in large quantities.
Do not use apple cider vinegar without diluting it. The acidic nature of vinegar may damage your teeth.
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Black Radish:
Black radish reduces the accumulation of cholesterol in the gallbladder. Thus, it prevents gallstone formation and removes the ones already present. Black radish is also amazing in lowering the fat in the liver. It is a renowned remedy for gallstones in Mexican traditional medicine.
How to Use:
Black radish juice is the perfect home remedy to relieve gallstones.
Ingredients:
- Black radishes – 3
- Ice water – 1 glass
- Natural honey – 1 teaspoon
Preparation:
Combine radishes, ice water, and honey in a blender. Blend the mixture until smooth and transfer to the glass. Your health concoction is ready!
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Peppermint:
Peppermint is unarguably the best natural remedy for gallstones. It contains a compound- called terpene- that dissolves the gallstones. Also, the anti-inflammatory properties of peppermint reduce the pain and swelling caused by these stones.
Peppermint also stimulates the production of bile from the liver.
How to Use:
Take a cup of peppermint-infused tea daily to reap the utmost benefit of this herb.
Ingredients:
- Peppermint leaves – 2 teaspoons, fresh or dried
- Water – 1 cup
- Honey – 1 teaspoon
Preparation:
Boil water and place the mint leaves in it. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes and strain. Add honey for taste and sip in.
Bottom Line!
Now that you know the natural way to remove gallstones, what’s stopping you! However, don’t forget to consult with a doctor before embarking on any natural remedy.
If these natural remedies don’t work, try acupuncture, gallbladder cleanse, and yoga before moving on to meds.
Prevention is better than cure. So, start taking care of your gallbladder now. Cut down on the food high in cholesterol, exercise daily, and follow these remedies.