Gallstones are hardened deposits that are formed from digestive fluid called bile present inside the gallbladder, a small pear shaped organ located behind the liver on the right side of your abdomen. The bile is produced by the liver but stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine.
Gallstones once formed, may grow, shrink, or remain of the same size for many years. During this time new stones can be formed, while existing ones can even dissolve or be expelled out of the body (1).
Gallstones can range in size varying from smaller than a grain of sand to larger than a golf ball. Although the exact reason behind the formation of gallstones is not known, a chemical imbalance in the bile composition present in the gallbladder is thought to be responsible for it (2).
There are two types of gallstones, namely cholesterol gallstones and pigment gallstones.
Cholesterol gallstones are made from the deposits of cholesterol and are usually greenish yellow in color. According to the American Medical Association, 80 percent of gallstones are made of hardened cholesterol that develops when there is too much cholesterol in the gallbladder.
Pigment gallstones are made of bilirubin and are smaller and darker in color. Other causes include high levels of bilirubin and concentration of bile in the gallbladder.
Gallstones by themselves do not cause any pain and need not be treated. But when they obstruct the bile ducts, they can cause sudden severe pain in the upper right abdomen. The pain caused by gallstones may last for a few minutes to several hours. If gallstones are large or many in number, they can cause pain while eating fatty or fried foods.
People can be without any symptoms for gallstones (asymptomatic) or they can have mild to severe symptoms for gallstones (symptomatic). People also experience nausea, vomiting, dark urine, clayey colored stools, diarrhea, burping, indigestion and stomach pain.
Blockage of ducts leading to the liver, gallbladder and pancreas by gallstones can lead to further complications other than severe pain including jaundice (yellowing of skin), cholangitis (infection of the bile duct), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Prolonged presence of stones in the gallbladder increases the risk of developing gallbladder cancer.
Pregnancy, obesity, diabetes, liver disease, a sedentary lifestyle, oral contraceptives, a high fat diet, Crohn’s disease, Inflammatory bowel Syndrome (IBS), recent weight loss (either through diet or surgery), certain medications and forms of anemia are some of the risk factors of gallstones.
People older than 40 years of age, females, family history of gallstones, and people of Native American or Hispanic descent have a greater risk of developing gallstones.
Gallstones can cause lot of pain and affect the quality of life. So, consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. There are several natural home remedies too that you can use to prevent and treat gallstones.
Note: If you have jaundice, persistent pain or fever, seek medical help immediately.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for gallstones.
Contents
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar stops the liver from making cholesterol that is responsible for forming the most common type of gallstones. It also plays a key role in dissolving gallstones and alleviating pain.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of apple juice. Drink it whenever you have a gallstone attack. This will significantly ease the pain within 15 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to a glass of warm water. Drink it on an empty stomach in the morning. Doing this regularly for weeks can dissolve gallstones and prevent pain.
2. Lemon Juice
Another good remedy for preventing gallstones or controlling gallstone attacks is lemon juice.. Lemons are a good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals, like B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.
Lemons are a rich source of bioactive compounds like ascorbic acid or vitamin C and flavonoids which have antioxidant and disinfectant properties.
Ascorbic acid is reported to diminish the risk of gallbladder diseases. According to a study done in 2017, natural vinaigrette made up of olive oil and lemon juice was successful in dissolving gallstones 100 percent after immersion in the solution for 7 days in a lab experiment (3).
A mixture of olive oil and lemon juice is popularly used for gallstone flushing. However further work needs to be done to validate this fact.
Lemon juice and peels also stop your liver from making cholesterol, which helps in faster recovery. The pectin in lemon juice helps get rid of gallbladder pain attributed to stones.
Plus, the vitamin C in lemon juice makes cholesterol more water soluble, which promotes faster elimination of waste products.
- Drink fresh juice squeezed from 4 lemons each day on an empty stomach. Follow the drink with a glass of water. Continue this therapy for a week.
- Alternatively, you can drink 4 tablespoons of lemon juice mixed in a glass of warm water every day on an empty stomach. Continue this treatment for several weeks until the gallstones are eliminated from the body.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint aids digestion by stimulating the flow of bile and other digestive juices. The use of mint for medicinal purposes dates back to the ancient Greek civilization, where it was commonly used to aid digestion and gallbladder diseases.
Menthol is the active ingredient of peppermint oil, while menthol, menthone, cineol are other active constituents (4).
A combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil was shown to relax the gallbladder and also help in gallbladder emptying in a study published in 2003 (5).
A trial study published in 1985 showed that a compound which had menthol as the main ingredient was successful in dissolving gallstones (6). Thus peppermint may help dissolve gallstones and help in the treatment of gallbladder disease (7).
Plus, it has compounds called terpenes that can effectively dissolve gallstones. It is also believed to help relax spasms and relieve acute gallbladder pain.
- Boil 1 cup of water.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves.
- Remove from heat, cover and steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain and sweeten with a little honey.
- Enjoy the tea while it is still warm, twice daily for 4 to 6 weeks. Drink it between meals for maximum results.
Note: If you are using peppermint oil, be careful to use only at recommended doses as higher doses can be toxic. Peppermint oil should not be used by infants, very young children, pregnant or lactating women even at recommended doses.
4. Vegetable Juice
When suffering from gallstones, it is essential to cut down on fried and fatty foods and follow a strict diet based on fruit and vegetable juices for 1 or 2 weeks.
A study that followed 80,898 women for a 20-year period concluded that increased intake of vegetarian protein minimized the risk of gallbladder surgeries. It was found that high consumption of fruits and vegetables reduced the chances of gallstones in these women (8).
A mixed vegetable juice made of beetroot, cucumber and carrots is a good remedy for gallstones.
Beetroot helps cleanse the liver and strengthens the gallbladder. Cucumber’s high water content is great for detoxifying the liver and gallbladder. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, and other nutrients that are good for the immune system.
- Extract the juice from 1 beetroot, 1 cucumber and 4 medium-size carrots.
- Mix them and drink this juice twice a day.
- Follow this remedy for 2 weeks and you’ll notice a huge improvement in your condition.
5. Psyllium
Psyllium is a very good source of soluble fiber, hence it is considered a good remedy for gallstones. The seeds of psyllium are used commercially for the production of mucilage. This mucilage is rich in polysaccharides like arabinose, xylose, and other sugars. It is used in the treatment of constipation, IBS (inflammatory bowel syndrome), diarrhea, obesity, diabetes and colon cancer (9).
The fiber in psyllium binds to the cholesterol in bile and helps prevent gallstones from forming. Thus it decreases biliary cholesterol (10). High intake of dietary fiber is linked to decreased incidence of gallstones. Plus, it promotes normal bowel movements, which reduces risk of the gallbladder system becoming congested.
- Add 1 tablespoon of psyllium powder to a glass of water.
- Mix well and drink it 2 times a day.
- Repeat daily until your gallstones are gone.
Note: When taking psyllium, make sure you drink lots of water as it absorbs water.
6. Dandelion
Dandelion is another very useful herb for the treatment of gallstones. Dandelion root is recommended for restoring the function of the liver and bile, indigestion and loss of appetite by the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP). Dandelion leaves are a rich source of vitamin A12.
It is also a mild laxative and aids digestion. It is used in traditional medicine for treating jaundice, insomnia, skin diseases and constipation.
It contains a compound known as taraxacin that helps in bile excretion from the liver. This also helps detoxify and metabolize fat accumulated in the liver. When the liver starts functioning properly, it aids gallbladder functioning (11).
- Place 1 teaspoon of dried dandelion root in a cup. Pour hot water in the cup, cover it and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and add honey for taste. Drink this tea 2 or 3 times a day for 1 or 2 weeks.
- Alternatively, you can prepare an herbal tea by adding 2 teaspoons of marshmallow root and 1 teaspoon of Oregon grape root to 4 cups of water. Let it simmer for 15 minutes and then remove from heat. Now, add 2 teaspoons of dried dandelion leaves and 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves. Allow it to steep for 15 minutes. Finally, strain and drink this tea throughout the day.
- Also, you can eat the tender dandelion greens by adding them to your salad or steaming them.
Note: Those who are diabetic should avoid dandelion.
7. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is another good cure for gallstones. Milk thistle was recommended by the famous English herbalist Culpepper to cleanse the liver, spleen and treat conditions like jaundice and gallstones.
Currently it is also said to have innumerable health benefits on the liver including liver cirrhosis, liver poisoning, alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and viral hepatitis.
Milk thistle contains a bitter substance which is a mixture of different flavonoids called silymarin. The major bioactive principles of silymarin are silybin, silychristin and silidianin which act as antioxidants and help in liver repair.
Silymarin has many medicinal benefits including being a demulcent and stimulation of bile. Increased bile production in turn decreases the concentration of bile and helps flush out gallstones. Milk thistle also helps soothe an inflamed gallbladder (12).
- Grind 1 tablespoon of milk thistle seeds in a coffee grinder or crush them in a mortar and pestle. Put the crushed seeds in 3 cups of water and boil. Turn off the heat, then let it steep for 20 minutes. Strain the tea, add honey for taste and drink it 2 or 3 times a day for 1 week.
- You can also take this herb in supplement form. For proper dosage, consult your doctor. Usually, it is suggested to take 420 mg regular standardized milk thistle extract a day in 3 divided doses. If the extract contains phosphatidylcholine then the standard dose is 100 to 200 mg, 2 or 3 times a day.
Note: Milk thistle is considered to be relatively safe to use when taken orally at recommended doses. There are very few side effects like nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, intestinal gas and loss of appetite. Pregnant women, lactating mothers, children, diabetics and those taking medications must consult their doctor before taking this herb.
8. Castor Oil
Castor oil has many medicinal and healing properties that can help minimize and reduce the number of gallstones.
Its anti-inflammatory properties help neutralize inflammation, internal swelling, and reduce pain.
Castor oil acts as a wetting agent that helps in dissolving the gallstones. In a study published in the Japanese journal of surgery, a water soluble mixture made from limonene (a compound from lemon) and modified castor oil was quite successful in dissolving different types of gallstones namely cholesterol stones, bile pigment-calcium stones and fatty acid-calcium stones. This preparation was also found to be safe (13).
- Warm 1 cup of pure, cold-pressed castor oil in a pan.
- Soak a piece of cheesecloth in the warm oil and squeeze out the excess oil.
- Put the wet cheesecloth over the right side of your stomach where the gallbladder is located.
- Cover the cheese cloth with a plastic sheet.
- Place a hot water bag on the plastic sheet for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Follow this treatment at least 3 times a week until you recover completely.
9. Pears
Pears can also provide relief from gallstone pain and other symptoms. The pear fruit is rich in sugars, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, amino acids, etc.
Arbutin, chlorogenic acid, catechin, quercetin and triterpenes are the major bioactive constituents of pear and are also present in the peels. The phenols in pears possess strong antioxidant property. The triterpenes present in pears are responsible for its anti-inflammatory property which help combat gallbladder inflammation (14).
The compound pectin present in pears helps soften cholesterol-filled gallstones, which in turn get flushed out of your body easily.
- Mix ½ glass of pear juice with ½ glass of hot water. Mix in 2 tablespoons of honey. Drink this juice 3 times a day for 2 weeks.
- Alternatively, peel and de-seed some pears. Cut the pears in small pieces and cook them in water for about 20 minutes. Eat a bowl of the warm cooked pears twice daily for 2 weeks.
10. Wine
Researchers from the University of East Anglia found that wine can actually help prevent gallstone attacks. They studied the diets of 25,639 people over 10 years. Those who drank two units of wine (a medium-sized glass of wine) daily reduced their risk of developing gallstones by one third (15).
Alcohol consumption in moderate amounts is said to decrease the risk of gallstones from 10 to 50 percent in comparison to abstainers (16).
When suffering from gallstone pain, drink ½ glass of wine and within 20 minutes you will get relief from the pain. In fact, ½ glass of wine daily can also reduce the amount of gallstone attacks by as much as 40 percent.
Note: One needs to be very cautious with alcohol as a remedy for gallstones. It should not be an excuse for drinking wine. Those who have abstained need not develop a habit of drinking alcohol for the sake of getting rid of gallstones, as the cons of alcohol consumption outweigh the pros.
Before taking any of the herbal remedies such as dandelion, peppermint or milk thistle, make sure to first consult your doctor as they may not be suitable in some cases.
Also, along with these remedies, you need to drink plenty of water. Water helps keep bile in the gallbladder and assists the body in breaking down fat that could otherwise worsen your condition. For maximum benefits, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.
Expert Answers (Q&A)
Answered by Dr. Sudeep Tanwar MBBS (Gastroenterologist)
Can gallstones pass through urine?
No, when gallstones move out of the gallbladder, they enter the tubes that join the intestine (the cystic duct and bile duct). If these stones do not get stuck in these tubes they then pass out of the body in the stool.
As the urinary tract is not involved in this process, gallstones do not pass through the urine.
Can drinking plenty of water help with gallstones?
It is important to remain adequately hydrated to keep healthy. Both liver and kidney function are negatively affected by dehydration.
Maintaining hydration (2-3 litres of water per day) helps keep the intestinal liver system (entero-hepatic circulation) working well and bile flow normal.
Does the pain from gallstones come and go?
Yes, the pain from gallstones can come and go.
Typical biliary colic is caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct. Gallstones are however mobile structures and as a result the blockage can be temporary allowing pain to pass. Gallstone blockage can also cause infection and inflammation during which the pain can be of a different character.
Can gallstones be cured without gallbladder removal surgery?
In selected cases, medication which aims to dissolve the gallstones (oral dissolution therapy) can be effective. Oral dissolution therapy can, however, take months to work and is normally only effective for small cholesterol stones.
Endoscopic stenting of the gallbladder (endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting) can also be used to prevent symptoms, but stents may need to be changed and in some cases symptoms may persist despite successful stenting.
Is beer considered beneficial for gallstones?
There is some evidence that mild alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of developing gallstones. Regardless, this evidence is weakand I would not recommend consuming more than 14 units of alcohol per week.
What food items can trigger a gallstone attack?
Bile is made by the liver and helps our body digest food including fats. The function of the gallbladder is to store bile. After we eat any food, the gallbladder contracts and empties the bile into the digestive tract. Gallstone attacks can be triggered by contraction of the gallbladder.
The consumption of fatty foods, more than any other type of food, results in the contraction of the gallbladder. As such, avoiding fatty foods can be a useful strategy to prevent gallstone related pain.
What are the drawbacks of leaving a gallstone untreated?
In addition to severe pain, some of the complications caused by gallstones can be serious or even fatal!
Gallstones can obstruct the cystic duct of the liver causing cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder). Cholecystitis should be treated with antibiotics but even with antibiotic therapy the gallbladder can rupture; this can be life-threatening without an emergency operation.
Gallstones can also pass into the tube that drains the liver into the intestine (the common bile duct). Gallstones can block this tube causing severe complications. These include infection (cholangitis), obstruction of liver drainage (jaundice) and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Again, these complications can be serious or even life threatening.
Gallstones stuck in the common bile duct are best removed by a specialised endoscopic procedure called ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography).
Please enlighten our readers on how to prevent gallstones.
As cholesterol is used by the body to make gallstones, avoiding foods with high saturated fats can help reduce the risk of developing gallstones.
Foods with high saturated fat content include butter, ghee, cheese, paneer, cakes and biscuits. I would recommend eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (5 portions a day).
Being overweight increases the amount of cholesterol in the bile so it is important to maintain a normal weight to reduce your risk of developing gallstones.
About Dr. Sudeep Tanwar, MBBS (Lond), MRCP (UK), FRCP, FEBGH, Ph.D. (UCL): Dr Tanwar qualified from Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital Medical School in 2001 and is on the GMC specialist register as a consultant in Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Internal Medicine. In 2014, he was appointed as a Consultant Gastroenterologist with a specialist interest in HPB medicine and interventional endoscopy at Barts Health NHS Trust. Dr. Tanwar is also an honorary consultant at the Royal Free Hospital London.
Alongside his expertise in minimally-invasive diagnostic techniques, Dr. Tanwar also performs complex endoscopic procedures such as enteral stenting and ERCP. He also has the largest experience in the UK of endoscopic gallbladder stenting as a non-operative procedure for symptomatic gallbladder disease (endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting).”
Resources:
- Friedman GD. Natural history of asymptomatic and symptomatic gallstones. Am J Surg. 1993;165(4):399-404. doi:10.1016/S0002-9610(05)80930-4.
- Gallstones – Causes – NHS.UK. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gallstones/causes/.
- Chekroune M, Benamara S. Gallstones-dissolving capacity of lemon (Citrus limon) juice, Herniaria hirsuta L. extract and lemon juice-based natural vinaigrette in vitro. Indian J Tradit Knowl. 2017;16(2):197-202. http://dlibrary.univ-boumerdes.dz:8080/bitstream/123456789/3329/2/Malika Chekroune%2C Résumé.pdf.
- Kligler B. Peppermint Oil. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/67ca/f71840bc726676755c8531f6c6bd9fa576cc.pdf.
- Goerg KJ, Spilker T. Effect of peppermint oil and caraway oil on gastrointestinal motility in healthy volunteers: a pharmacodynamic study using simultaneous determination of gastric and gall-bladder emptying and orocaecal transit time. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2003;17(3):445-451. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01421.x.
- Somerville KW, Ellis WR, Whitten BH, Balfour TW, Bell GD. Stones in the common bile duct: experience with medical dissolution therapy. Postgrad Med J. 1985;61(714):313-316. doi:10.1136/pgmj.61.714.313.
- Spirling LI, Daniels IR. Botanical perspectives on health Peppermint: more than just an after-dinner mint. J R Soc Promot Health. 2001;121(1):62-63. doi:10.1177/146642400112100113.
- Alan R.G. Nutritional Approaches to Prevention and Treatment of Gallstones. Altern Med Rev. 2009;14(3). http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/746362/21703173/1358792106653/Nutritional+Approaches+to+Gallstones.pdf?token=qWFhmgFJV3cYSt2o8YtVgACZuVY%3D.
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- Schwesinger WH, Kurtin WE, Page CP, Stewart RM, Johnson R. Soluble dietary fiber protects against cholesterol gallstone formation. Am J Surg. https://www.americanjournalofsurgery.com/article/S0002-9610(99)00047-1/abstract
- Sweeney B, Vora M, Ulbricht C, Basch E. Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale ) by Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Herb Pharmacother. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/J157v05n01_09
- Kaur A. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum): A review. researchgate.net. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Neeraj_Sethiya2/post/Does_anyone_know_of_antinutritional_factors_in_milk_thistle_Silybum_marianum/attachment/59d61dd479197b807797a5df/AS:273628455735296@1442249515692/download/MILK+THISTLE+%28SILYBUM+MARIANUM%29+_+A+RE.
- Hisatsugu T, Igimi H, Nishimura M. Dissolution of human gallstone. Jpn J Surg. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02468933.
- Li X, Wang T, Zhou B, Gao W, Cao J, Huang L. Chemical composition and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of peels and flesh from 10 different pear varieties (Pyrus spp.). Food Chem. http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/24444971.
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My mother’s side everyone had to have their gallbladder taken out. My mom’s was about to burst it was so full of stones. I started to get the pain under the rib and was told to change my diet or i’d end up like my mom. Well, that was 20 years ago. I don’t eat Fried or greasy foods except french fries 1 or 2 times per month. I also drink apple cider vinegar straight up or mixed with water or over my salads (mother’s nature) and fresh lemon juice mixed with water a SEA Salt. The sea salt “balances” the Acid in the stomach. Works G R E A T when I have an upset stomach.
Tks for sharing this recipe, I am going to put this in action because I come from a family with gallstone problems. But what I’ve read about this article here the symptoms I have them. I don’t have insurance so I’m going to have to do home remedies and once again thanks for the info
Where can I get Apple cider vinegar ?
Apple Cider vinegar available in most of the General Stores
you can get apple cider vinegar at health foods stores or supermarkets make sure it reads braggasr mother
Everywhere
where can I get Milk thistle? please advise this is required for the treatment for my wife suffering from gall bladder of stones
I have gall bladder pain. Waiting on tests right now to see if it is stones. I have been told from the last set of tests there is sludge in the gallbladder. The last month has been painful.I read on line that apple cider vinegar, the real dark stuff, can help ease the pain. Thinking I would give it a try as I have a 2 week wait to get in for ultrasound. It worked the first time within a about an hour and helped for the whole night and the next morning. I have taken it again today and it has helped again immensely.May not have any properties to soften stones but sure helps with sludge! I took 1/4 cup mixed in apple juice not from concentrate.
I read various articles on the net of gall stones flush out. I tried drinking apple juice in breakfast lunch and dinner and at bed time had Olive oil with 3 lemon juice. Next Morning I did not get any urge to go to the toilet which was expected as per the article. Ans when I did go I could not see any green stones in my stools. Does it mean I have no stones? Or did it not work. My sonography mentioned that my gallbladder is swollen. I’m scared now. I don’t wana go thru an operation to remove gallbladder. Pls suggest. 🙁
You need to open the bile ducts with 2 Tbs. Epsom salts mixed with apple juice before lying down to go to bed. Once at like 8pm then another dose at 10pm then lie down on your right side with your knees up to your chest. Then by the morning you should have passed many stones
You can also try drinking more of the Epsom salt mixture upon waking up
You need to first open the bile ducts with 2 Tbs. Epsom salts mixed with 1 cup apple juice then drink 2x before lying down to go to bed. Once at like 8pm then another dose at 10pm then drink the olive oil apple juice mixture right after. Then lie down immediately on your right side with your knees up to your chest. Then by the morning you should have passed many stones
You can also try drinking more of the Epsom salt mixture upon waking up
guys who ever had gallstones avoid these things u will defenately feel differance the size of the stone also decreases…..1.tomatoes 2.palak 3.cauliflower 4.banana 5.oranges 6.eggs 7. drumsticks 8.chickoo……yes avoid these and avoid spicy and oily food…..completely avoid ghee and fatty foods…..if u want to eat non-veg u can eat but remove all the fat,i remove fat with scissors both frm chicken and mutton and cook with less oil and Masala…..the above 8 items hv been removed frm my food so i am better now my stone size also decreased……drink lots of water but i actually forget to drink as i am always bzy with my 30 months old kid…..he never eats anything hmmmmmmm i am struggling behind him……well coming to the topic i hd suffered a lot with these gallstones i hd 2 seveare attacks tht i was admitted in hospital docters forced to hv surgery but i decided nooo……by lot of survey i found tht v can handle gallstones….. hmmmmm from last 2 months i am fine no attacks but ya still i have multiple gallstones with little bit size was decreased……tk care all of u dnt worry…..
I was diagnosed of having a gallstone. I tried almost all home remedies just to get relief from gallstone attacks. Most home remedies I tried lessen the pain (lemon, apple cider, ginger, etc) but the pain seems to increase in the next attack.
In November 2014, I was told to take pure cacao (to be taken like HOT chocolate), NO sugar and NO milk. Then, I also started drinking guava leaf tea (guava leaves boiled in water). Surprisingly, the pain from my chest going towards my back (behind the ribs) was removed. I was also able to eat some meat and some fried food last Christmas & New year 2015. I still have my gallstone but I am now more in control of my life. I am sharing this from personal experience. For those who are having gallstone attack, I hope you may also find a home remedy that fits you. God bless!
I was diagonised with gallstones last year. Never operated them out.but whenever I look at fatty foods and I think about gallstones I get attacks( a lot of pain ) is there any way I can change this. Thanks
After lunch today I felt the attack and they lasted for about four hours until i washed a lemon and ate it with its peelings without sugar I relaxed on my couch and the pain started fading in about 20minutes I was very ok. I guess this is the best home remedy for gallstones. Thanx very much
this works for kidney stones or gallbladder. a friend of mine was suffering so bad with such a back ache and side ache. he went to a iridoligist. probably spelled wrong. he looked into his eyes and told him he had kidney stones. here’s the recipe he gave him to do and lo and behold it worked and they never came back again. he was told to stop at the store on the way home and buy a lb. of fresh aspargrus and a 32oz bottle of classic coco cola. eat that raw all day long until gone followed by the classic coke until gone. he was mowing the lawn on the tractor and ate that all raw and drank the cola and it was gone and no more stones nor back ache. he went back was checked by this homepathic dr. the iridologist and no more stones. he lived another 2o years or more and never had another attack. you have to make sure it’s the classic cola not the plain. was amazing so I told others that were bothered and they looked at me like I was crazy but they tryed it and took them away.
@Donna Bailey. So you don’t eat anything except the asparagus and the cola all day or I could have Break, Lunch and dinner. Thank you.
So…I tried to find classic coke in the store today and I don’t think it exists anymore. Do you know what else can be used. I wonder what was different about the classic coke as apposed to regular coke.
Oh boy! Coke will cause so much distress with gas
Prevention is better than cure.
But if symptoms show up, avoid fast food, oily food, even non veg food if possible (because it takes 72 hours to digest than veg food which takes just 4 hours), drink plenty of water because your body requires it for 24 hour body cleaning, i.e. removing wastes from body, remember, everything dissolves into water, so it is an important substance. As most of patients say, use apple cider ans vitamin c citrix fruits.
Thanks for the information It has helped me so much.
It was really a useful information for me because I have 2-3 stones. Even though I had no complaint still the information will help to reduce my stones
I have one large gallstone 13mm, I want to try the apple cider vinegar and apple juice and lemon juice, I pray to the Lord that my gall stone was dissolved, in Jesus name Amen.
Mine is over 20mm dear. I am going to try the Apple Cyder Vinegar and believe that God will help me. I had an attach last Friday. It was so severe that I thought I was dying. It took over an hour and eventually it was over. God please heal me.
Thank you for these helpful information. God bless you guys.
Thank you for the info.
Starting immediately…..
Thanks for all those useful informations.
I was told by the doctor that I had gall stones, and this kinda freaked me out.Got admitted twice because of the attack and the only solution the doctors said was a surgery ,I have to go through a surgery to remove this stones……but I don’t want any surgery so I’m gonna try the apple therapy and hope it works.Lord be with me!
I’ve been suffering with gallstones for about three weeks now and been to the Er three times with excruciating pains. Each time they sent me home saying I need surgery it’s the only thing that will help me. Just say this site and went to the store to buy some lemons, lemon juice, apple juice, and apple cider vinegar. I surely am hopeful, because I am at my wits end. Can’t take this pain anymore.
I have had stomach pain for 2 weeks and just tried the apple juice and olive oil . It completely wears you down with the pain.
Going to the doctors tommorow , as i am not sleeping , off work and just feel awful.
God Bless us all with this pain.
Amen.. I feel you its really painful
Thank you all for sharing your experiences and knowledge, it is a wonderful thing you are all doing.
Just had my fisrt bout with a gallstone attack.
Will try some of these remedies.
Thanks again, Max
A few years ago I was experiencing some pain, especially after eating fast foods (fries and burgers). I tried the apple juice and apple cider vinegar (I also love to take a few sips of pickle juice)…..a few days later I experienced major pain. Was just about to go to the Emergency Care clinic, went to the bathroom and passed what evidently was a gallstone. It was the size of a small marble, rather round, but not green……I try to use the apple juice and apple cider vinegar as a preventative measure. Sure don’t want to experience that major pain ever again.
your common bile duct is smaller in diameter than a small marble. so it’s physically impossible for it to be a gallstone that you passed.
I’ve heard of many people passing gall stones and yes it hurts but it’s been done Cali.
Thanks to everyone for information
I first had an attack 5 years ago while on holiday in Thailand, I thought I was dying. It was 2 more years until a scan found an 18mm gallstone. The consultant said an operation could go okay, but then again he said they could cut the wrong part, and I could turn yellow and die. After this I did a lot of research, it seems drastic to remove a gallbladder when its the stones and not the gallbladder that’s the problem. Since then Ive put on 3 stone in weight,and rarely have any problems with pain. I am going to try apple cider vinegar,and see what happens. It has to beat an operation. I think I got gallstones when I gave up drinking cola. I think the acid must have helped keep the gallstones at bay.
I was tested to have Small Gallstones By USG Screening of Abdomen in the report it was mention:
Gallbladder : Partially Distended & Shows tiny Calculus.
The Authorised Physician and my family doctor said that I am having small gallstones and the solution they mention was to do the operation since I was afraid of it I started looking for some remedy measures and found some remedyon this site
I was looking for some remedy measures but still unable to find any I will start drinking lemons since it is best solution possible for me. Hope that it will work.
Was suffering all day from severe pain leading towards back and ribs. Read this article and tried the wine it took ten to fifteen minutes and I must say the pain was dramatically reduce. Thanks
I have just been released from hospital after a severe attack over the weekend and doctors recommending removal of the Gall Bladder. The site shows a white wine in the picture. Is there any suggestion regarding white or red wine. I have seen much literature recommending the virtues of red wine in moderation for general well being.
Hi, I have also found pineapple juice from good organic pineapples to be affective for the pain of gallstone attacks. Is it also an anti-inflammatory?
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PS My gallstone attacks were triggered by an avocado. I thought they were a healthy food, obviously not healthy for me.
Avocados are healthy, but the oil and fat is what your Gallbladder doesn’t like. Thats a lot of what it collects. Avocados are obviously an oily and fatty food. Different foods trigger different things for different people! Glad you found out what doesn’t work for you.
thanks all, am encouraged, at first I was misdiagnosed to have fibroid,. now gallstones I will try this remedy hope it works for me.
thank you all am also recovering form gallstones attack, your comments are helpful
I had severe gallstone attacks last year, with the ultrasound showing multiple stones, I took docs meds on and off for a year, as i refused surgery to remove the gallbladder, then left the meds as the pain subsided.
Last week i had a strong attack that lasted for three days, i took fresh ginger and juice of a lemon on a daily basis, in addition to olive oil and grinded black seeds (similar in shape to sesame seeds) with a teaspoon of Honey first thing in the morning and before bed for a whole week… Guess what?….. my ultra sound today revealed only one stone remaining in the gall bladder!
God bless home remedies!
Hello!
I have gall stones,had a bad attack last night…if you can remember,
What is the name of the black seeds?
Thank you!
Hi all. I hd been for an usg since i had pain in my lower left abdomen..the result was a simple ovarian cyst. Thts not my worry..hv been priscribed meds fr tht by my gynac.
Additional to this..the usg report says multiple gall stones..6-7 in no. largest 8 mm..
This scared the shit out of me.
I dont hav any pain..no discomfort..
just occasional acidity ( which i guess every 1 has).
My husbnd n me went to MD physician..he advised removal of gall bladder by laproscopy..
We went to a surgeon ( as refferd by the MD physician)…as expected he advised laproscopy…and explained the procedure.
But….i dont hv any problems..with the gall stones yet..
So we did a lot of reserch ..nd iv started the one week flush..
Having apple cider veniger with apple juice 4 times a day
Today is 4th day..
on the 6th day…supposed to hv olive oil+epsom salt+ lemon juice..
Expecting to flush out my SILENT gall stones..
plz pray fr me…cz its affecting me a lot mentally.
Last year I started having very loose stools after every meal, that was met with severe abdominal pain. I was told that I probably had IBS and I needed to change my eating habits. I was prescribed some medication, which honestly did not help stop the poohs. After three months it seemed to stop and would hit once or twice a week. Last Monday I started feeling super bloated and gassey. The pain was just awful. I finally went to the ER this past Monday and it was confirmed that I have gallstones. I am working on curing this on my own, but wanted to know if anyone else had or has issues with the poohs?
I myself also suffered from abdominal pain and back pain because of gall stone and good thing i saw a blog how to get rid of the gall stone by eating easy digest food and drinking apple juice for the whole day and before going to bed prepare 1cup of extra virgin olive oil 1cup of calamansi or lemon put straw for sipping . Lay down on your right side position elevating your body, sip a small amount of olive oil then the calamansi juice. Do it every after 15minutes make sure you drink everything. After drinking sleep. Do not stand up or change position. In the morning u will experience the effect if u have gall stone u will see it in your poop, it is greeny like raisin shape but different sizes.depends. if that happens u will be relieved from the pain. U can do the process anytime again if you want it is safe and help u cleansed as well. Gudluck guys!
It makes no sense that diabetics should avoid dandelion. It’s actually beneficial to diabetics because it helps to balance blood glucose levels and improves metabolic functions. I’m type 2 diabetic, and it’s one of the herbs I use to keep my blood glucose and A1c in normal, non-diabetic range, without ay drugs.
im having a gallbladder pain today. And I dont have any apple juice, apple cider nor lemon. 😭😭😭 Idk what to do its so painful. Pls help. Im still 17 and tha doctor told me that im too young to have these gallstones. I was admitted to the hospital last May 2017 and I celebrated my bday there. I was so scared when the doctor told me tht i need to have a surgery. Good thing that one of the pedia told me that It can be treated. Please guys help me. i have an attack today, 😭😭
Thank you for all your suggestions … I was just diagnosed today to have gall stones. I’m sure this info will help.
Today my doctor told me that I have multiple gall stones with 1 max size of 8.4mm.
There is no pain but I am really scared. Can anyone please advise me how can I get rid of these stones without surgery.
Back in the 1980’s, ( I’m old! lol) I had my gallbladder removed due to pain and the amount (74) of stones I had.
Almost immediately (and for years after) I experienced diarrhea on a daily basis. Now I suffer with IBD.
To top it off, maybe 3 years ago I started to have severe gallbladder pain attacks again. Went to doctor and was told that as long as the surgeon leaves the tube (duct) during surgery, one can experience an accumulation of stones again. So years and years of suffering was for what?
The best remedy I have found for pain is to take 1tbsp of apple cider vinegar in 8oz of apple juice. For me it knocks out the pain within 30 minutes.
Is it ok to mix everything on this list together and drink it? or would that be bad? i say go big or go home. the pain is killing me and ruing my life!
Hi all, I have gallstones 2.0 cm in diameter . And found out that liver is infected . Now im scared Cause im too young to have this. I already have a love letter now to surgeon but im really scared since i been into CS twice . Now im drinking apple cider vinegar mix into i glass of water every morning with an empty stomach . Thanks GOD , the pain is gone but i dont know if gallstones are gone too. ! . , Is it really effective in dissolving gallstones ?
A few years ago I was diagnosed with gallstones. I was advised to have an operation to remove my gallbladder but just ignored it. Once the attacks started, the pain was both debilitating and unbearable. I had a particularly large gallstone lodged straight into the exit to the tube and it got stuck there. I ended up getting random attacks. I tried all kinds of remedies but nothing would make the pain go away. The big gallstone was too big to go through the tube. After 6 months of enduring excruciating pain I ended up having surgery and removed my gallbladder. The ONLY thing that made the pain go completely away for me was lying in a bathtub with hot water. Of course the moment I got out of the bathtub the pain would start again… So I pretty much lived in the bath tub:) Try it for instant temporary relief. Best of luck to all of you.
Diagnosed with gallstones in my liver, had operation to take part of the liver away that had gallstone in, the operation caused an incisional hernia, had a scan which revealed MORE gallstones in the liver, awaiting second opinion from another consultant, GP suggests going through the ‘compensation’ route.
It doesn’t make sense that so many of you are saying use acidic things (like the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice) to ease stone pain. I am undergoing my first and very severe attack and the emergency room dr plus all other research says stay away from anything acidic as that makes it worse. PS we don’t know what caused mine as my diet consists of none of the things that are known to cause stones. I agree with CK the only thing helping me is hot baths but can’t do that at work…I spent all day in er yesterday and now $350 plus tests costs I don’t know about yet poorer with no answers except to know my pain is stones and not a heart attack or appendicitis like many told me…