Gallstones
Gallstones are formed within the gallbladder. A gallbladder is an organ that stores bile, which is excreted by the liver.
Bile, a solution made up of water, salts, lecithin, cholesterol, and other substances. Changes in the concentrations of these substances can become unbalanced, and form gallstones.
Gallstones can be as small as a grain of sand, or they can be as large as an inch in diameter.
An estimated twenty million Americans have gallbladder disease. The sole function of the gallbladder is to store the bile our livers produce to help us digest fats in the small intestine.
Patients who have begun to feel the pain of gallstones report that symptoms increase exponentially when they consume fatty foods, and often find a bit of relief in the initial stages by changing to a very bland diet.
When gallbladder disease begins, the bile in the gallbladder becomes concentrated and then it gets thicker. This thickened bile, cholesterol, and bile salts form into gallstones.
The actual, painful, gallbladder attack happens when gallstones block the opening between the gallbladder and liver. At this point, pain as severe as a heart attack begins in the right side of the upper abdomen, or lower chest.
Home Remedies for Gallstones
Diet
Diets low in saturated fats, and high in healthy fats, like Omega 3 Fatty acids and olive oil. Any visible fat should be trimmed from meat. High fat content dairy should be avoided in favor of low fat substitutes.
Avoid fried foods, processed foods and snacks, like cheese spreads, potato chips, nuts. Fat is the culprit, and should be avoided at all costs, especially if you are on hormone replacement therapy, which puts you at increased risk for gallstones.
Losing body fat can be helpful if you have a family history of gallstones, or are at risk for developing them. A healthy diet of green veggies, soluble fiber like oats, avocado seed extract, and also a good exercise program can be beneficial.
Chinese Herbs
Chinese herbs have been used for centuries to promote an internal balance, and prevent certain diseases.
A mixture available online and in health food stores, containing 300mg of Glauber’s Salt, 143mg White Vanadium, 513mg Talcum powder, 171mg of Radix Curcumae, 143mg of Radix Scrophulariae, 171mg Radix Glycyrrhizae, and 143mg of Flower Lonicerae, taken in doses of three tablets daily, acts as an antidotal, analgesic, and purgative.
It is used to dissolve both gallstones and kidney stones. It will relieve inflammation and relieve the pain while breaking down the stones, and allowing them to be purged from the body.
Herbal Relief
- High cholesterol is one of the reasons Gallstones can form. Red Yeast Rice taken daily can help to reduce cholesterol.
- Crampbark helps with inflammation and to smooth muscles.
- Ginger helps to convert cholesterol to bile acids and as a result can help prevent the formation of Gallstones.
