Natural Remedies For Gallstones

Gallstones can occur in the body when cholesterol becomes saturated to take the form of solid. Cholesterol is one of the compounds found in the bile. It may cause severe pain, inflammation, infection and at times jaundice. Medication is taken in case of emergency but herbal and natural remedies are quite effective in preventing the formation of gallstones.

Diet of a high-fiber, low-fat, low-cholesterol rich in vitamin C and E may be taken to prevent the stone formation. All the vegetables and fruits that are high in fiber and vitamins, low in fat and cholesterol free can prevent growth of gallstones.

Dandelion And Milk Thistle: These herbs are very useful to promote the flow of bile and stop the formation of stones in the gall bladder. These herbs contain taraxacin in dandelion and silymarin in the milk thistle to stimulate the bile production to reduce the chances of stone formation. These both herbs may be taken as tea or taken in tincture and eaten even steamed. Mix green leaves of dandelion with the fresh leaves of milk thistle to be eaten in raw form to flush out stones in the gall bladder.

Turmeric: It is usually used in every food of Indian kitchen to cure for variety of ailments. It contains curcumin which stimulates bile ducts, liver and gall bladder. It is used in raw powdered form to be mixed in milk to be taken in the morning to prevent the formation or growth of stones.

Artichoke Leaves: These leaves contain caffeoylquinic acid which can increase the production of bile to help dissolve the fat and cholesterol. It contains cyanarin compound also which help to stimulate bile to flush out stones. It can be used in capsule form to be taken thrice in a day to erase out stones from the gall bladder.

Oregon Grape: It may increase the blood flow to the liver to enhance bile production. This may be mixed with dandelion and milk thistle to be taken in tea form to flush out stones. It may further be combined with other herbs like chamomile, marshmallow and slippery elm to decrease gallbladder inflammation. It can be taken in capsules also twice in a day to erase stones.

Herbal Gallstone Tea: Try this herbal tea to help ease the passing of gallstones.
1. One  tsp Oregon grape root powder
2. Two  tsp marshmallow root
3. Two  tasp dried dandelion leaves, or 1 tsp root
4. One tsp peppermint
5. Four cups of water water

Simmer roots in water for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add dandelion leaves to it and steep for 15 minutes.  After straining out drink immediately or refrigerate. Use as a tea throughout the day, preferably after meals.

Mint Oil: Several studies have shown concentrated mint oil capsules can, if taken for several months, help break down small gallstones. Wild yam is another herb that increases bile flow and is also said to lessen the pain of gallstones. Like rosemary, it is an antispasmodic herb.

An ultrasound is needed to definitively diagnose gallstones. Gallstones can sometimes become very serious and painful, and they should not be self-diagnosed or self-treated under any circumstances. If you want to pursue natural treatment for gallstones and their symptoms, consult your physician beforehand. Only a qualified naturopathic doctor can properly determine whether or not alternative treatments will be safe and effective in your case.