Gallstones

Gallstones are described as hard and stone like deposits that form inside the gallbladder.

The size of gallstones may vary. Some stones can be as small as a grain of sand, whereas, others may be as large as a golf ball.

A gallstone may be brought about by various causes. Some gallstones form because of too much cholesterol in the diet.

Other stones form if the gallbladder fails to empty the bile into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, properly.

The gallbladder’s main functions are to concentrate and store the bile. The bile is a yellow, blue or green fluid secreted by the liver cells. The bile is stored in the gallbladder in between meals.

On eating, the bile is released into the duodenum for the breakdown of lipids through the process of emulsification.

During the early stages, gallstones usually do not have symptoms. However, as the gallstone progresses or increases its size, sharp and severe abdominal pain in the right upper or middle abdomen is usually experienced.

Pain in the abdomen is worsened by eating fatty or greasy foods. Jaundice, or yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin has also been reported.

Natural Cures for Gallstones:

In addition to preventive healthy eating, some natural cures may be used to get rid of gallstones.

There is a wide variety of herbs and plants that stimulate the flow of the bile from the gallbladder into the duodenum.

Dandelion and Milk Thistle:

Dandelion and milk thistles are effective home remedies for gallstones. These herbs contain taraxacin and silymarin to flush out the stones.

These herbs can be taken as a tea or tincture and can be eaten raw.

Oregon Grape:

Oregon grape increases the production of bile. It can also be combined with dandelion and milk thistle.

When mixed with herbs such as chamomile and slippery elm, which contain soothing properties.

Oregon grape decreases gallbladder inflammation.

Rosemary:

Rosemary is another home remedy for gallstones. It stimulates bile production and relieves spasms in the bile duct.

Rosemary also aids in fat digestion.

Wild Yam:

Wild yam, a natural cure for gallstones, works by increasing the bile flow.

It relieves bile duct spasms and alleviates the pain associated to gallstones.

Quebra Pedra:

Taken as a tea, Quebra Pedra can relieve pain associated to gallstones.

Take two teaspoons of this herb and mix with 500 mL of water.

Consume this drink throughout the day.

Continue drinking Quebra Pedra for a month or two.