The gallbladder is a small pouch shaped organ, which maintains the bile flow to the intestines during digestion. However, the gallbladder can sometimes become hardened and filled with stones, a condition known as cholelithiasis or gallstones. Gall bladder stone can cause a lot of pain and discomfort and finding relief can be a challenge. If you’re struggling with gallbladder stones, there is hope.

Ayurvedic medicine offers a safe and effective alternative to invasive procedures as surgery. Ayurvedic treatment for gall stone can help to dissolve stones, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation in your body. It will help you to find relief from gall bladder stone and also prevent cholelithiasis from recurring.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the most effective Ayurvedic remedies for gall bladder stone treatment.

What are gall bladder stones?

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that sits just below the liver. It stores bile, a yellow-greenish fluid produced by the liver and released into the small intestine during digestion. Bile helps to break down fats absorb fat-soluble vitamins in the digestive process.

Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder, made up of cholesterol, bilirubin and calcium salts. They can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.

Type of Gallstones

• Cholesterol stones: mainly made up of cholesterol
• Bilirubin pigment stones: primarily made up of bilirubin and calcium salts
• Mixed stones: consists of cholesterol gallstones, salts and bilirubin pigment stone

Symptom of gall bladder stones

Gallstones can induce “gallstone attack” or , a severe and sudden abdominal pain that can become worse very fast. The pain usually ranges for 20 -30 minutes or for several hours in some cases. Gallstones pain is felt in the upper abdominal region just below the ribs on the right-hand side. It can also spread to your side or shoulder blade.

Other symptoms include:

• Digestive discomforts and pain after eating a fatty meal.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating, gas, constipation and indigestion
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Acid reflux, GERD and heartburn
• Fever and chills
• Jaundice and yellowish skin, tongue and eyes
• Pale color stools
• Itching
• Dark urine
• Low hunger and irregular appetite
• Skin rashes and foggy memory

If gallstones become large enough, they can block the common bile duct, a condition termed as acute cholecystitis. This can lead to serious complications like pancreatitis.

Diagnosis of gallstones

Gallstones are typically diagnosed using imaging tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. Your doctor may also order blood tests to check for signs of infection or other problems. If gallstones are suspected, your doctor will likely recommend gallbladder removal surgery.

Causes of gall bladder stones

The most common cause of gallstones is an imbalance in the gallbladder’s ability to break down cholesterol. Other possible causes include obesity, pregnancy, certain medications, and a high-fat diet.

1. High cholesterol
2. Extreme weight loss
3. Fatty Liver and Liver Disease
4. Kidney Disease
5. Too much fasting with intake of fatty diet
6. Hormone therapy and birth control pills
7. Pregnancy
8. Obesity and being over weight
9. High fat diet
10. Health conditions as diabetes, thyroid disease and pcos in which metabolism is compromised

Gallstones formation: This is how it happens

Gallstones typically form due to two reasons:

• There is reduction in helpful enzymes due to poor liver function or poor gallbladder function. Thus, the gallbladder is not able to dissolve and break down the substances such as cholesterol, calcium salts and bilirubin in the bile. At high concentration, these substances can crystalline and settle as stone like material inside the gall bladder.
• There is too much cholesterol, bilirubin and calcium salts in the bile due to underlying health conditions. This also leads to crystallization of the salts as gallstones.

Additionally, both of these processes makes the bile very thick and viscous, making it hard to flow. Thus bile flow to and from the gall bladder goes down, increasing the chances of formation of sludge and stones inside the gall bladder.

The Risk factors for gall bladder stones

There are several risk factors for gallstones, including age, gender, diet, weight, and certain medical conditions. People who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk for gallstone formation. Other factors that can increase your risk of developing gallstones include having a family history of gallstones, eating a high-fat diet, and being over the age of 60.

Health complications when gallstones are not treated

If gallstones are not treated, they can also block the bile duct and cause an obstruction. This can lead to serious health complications like pancreatitis, biliary colic, and gallbladder disease. If gallstones are large or causing complications, surgery may be necessary to remove the gallbladder.

Conventional treatment options for gallstones

There are several treatment options for gallstones, depending on the severity of the condition. In some cases, gallstones can be treated with diet and lifestyle changes. If gallstones are large or causing complications, surgery may be necessary to remove the gallbladder. Other treatment options include oral dissolution therapy and gallbladder removal surgery.

Ayurvedic Treatment for gallstones

Gallstones are referred as “Pittashmari”, wherein “Ashmari” means stones or calculi and “Pitta” denotes the imbalanced Pitta dosha of bile in the gall bladder.

Ayurvedic treatment for gallstones focuses on gallbladder cleanse and liver flush, as well as improvement of digestion. Some of the most effective remedies include detoxification therapies like panchakarma, herbs like milk thistle and dandelion root, and dietary changes.

Here are the objectives of gall bladder stones Ayurvedic Treatment:

• activate the gall bladder, so as to make it contract and empty excess bile into the intestines
• stimulate the liver to secrete more bile and avert accumulation of cholesterol in the fluids
• promote liver healing and support liver function
• reduce cholesterol levels and help in losing weight

1. Ayurvedic medicines for gallstones treatment

Ayurvedic treatment to dissolve and treat gallstones involves potent cholagogues, choleretics and hepatoprotective herbs that help to stimulate bile production and help to dissolve gallstones, thus providing effective natural ways to flush out gallstones and improve gallbladder function. Some of these herbs include:

Ayurvedic Herbs that stimulate bile production and dissolve gallstones

– Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

– Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

– Garlic (Allium sativum)

– Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus amarus)

– Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia)

Ayurvedic herbs to reduce cholesterol levels in the body

– Guggul (Commiphora mukul)

– Triphala

– Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabium)

– Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

– Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

Ayurvedic herbs to remove blockage from bile ducts

– Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri)

– Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

– Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)

– Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

– Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Ayurvedic herbs that can make the bile thin and support healthy liver function

– Yellow dock (Rumex crispus)

– Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

– Burdock (Arctium lappa)

– Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)

– Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

2. Diet and foods to prevent & treat gall bladder stones

Some dietary changes that can help with gallstones include:

Avoiding high -fat foods: A high-fat diet can increase the risk of gallstone formation. It is important to avoid fried foods, processed meats, and full-fat dairy products.

Increasing fiber intake: Fiber can help to reduce cholesterol levels in the body and promote healthy digestion. Foods that are high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Eating more healthy fats: Healthy fats can help to reduce inflammation and promote gallbladder health. Good sources of healthy fats include olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.

Limiting sugar intake: Sugar can contribute to gallstone formation by increasing the amount of cholesterol in the gallbladder. It is important to limit sugar-sweetened beverages, desserts, and processed foods.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine slow down liver function, affect bile quality and increase the risk of gall bladder stone formation. It is best to limit or avoid these substances altogether.

Avoid fried and spicy foods: Fried and spicy foods can trigger gallbladder attack and worsen gallstone symptom. It is best to avoid these foods when possible.

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help to thin the bile and prevent gallbladder stone formation. It is important to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.

Sip on herbal teas: Herbal teas can help to promote gallbladder health and relieve gallstone symptoms. Some good options include dandelion tea, milk thistle tea, and chamomile tea.

3. Ayurvedic Lifestyle changes for gallstones treatment

Some lifestyle changes that can help with gallstones include:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for gallstone formation. Losing weight can help to reduce the risk of gallstones.
2. Exercising regularly: Exercise can help to promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of gallstone formation.
3. Reducing stress: Stress can contribute to gallstone formation by affecting digestive function. Managing stress with relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can help to reduce the risk of gallstones.
4. Quitting smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for gallstone formation. Quitting smoking can help to reduce the risk of gallstones.
5. Manage your blood sugar levels: If you have diabetes, it is important to control your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can contribute to gallstone formation.

If you are struggling to make these lifestyle changes on your own, it may be helpful to consult with an experienced health care professional. They can provide guidance and support to help you reach your goals

4. Helpful Yoga asana for gall bladder stones

Yoga can be an effective treatment for gallstones. Yoga helps to promote healthy digestion and reduce stress levels. It is also beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight, stimulate the liver and gallbladder. Some helpful yoga asanas for gallstones include:

Paschimottanasana: This asana stretches the muscles of the back, shoulders, and chest.

Dhanurasana: This asana stretches the muscles of the back, shoulders, and chest.

Bhujangasana: This asana stretches the muscles of the back and spine.

Yoga is a gentle and effective way to improve gallbladder health. It is important to consult with a yoga instructor before beginning any new practice. They can help you choose the right asanas for your needs and abilities.

Takeaway

Gallstones can be a very painful and debilitating condition, but there is hope. With the right treatment, you can get rid of gallstones for good and find relief from your symptoms.

If you are suffering from gallstones, don’t hesitate to seek out professional help. Ayurvedic doctors are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of gallstones and can create a personalized treatment plan to suit your needs.

Consult with Medhya’s Ayurvedic Doctor to get your personalised health plan involving prescription for Ayurvedic medicine, diet, yoga and lifestyle guidelines.

FAQ

Can gallstones go away without surgery?

Although many people believe that surgery is the only way to remove gallstones, this is not always the case. In a large number of cases, gallstones can be dissolved using natural methods, such as Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that takes a whole-body approach to health. One of the tenets of Ayurveda is that imbalances in the body can lead to disease. As such, Ayurvedic treatments focus on restoring balance and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. Ayurvedic medicine is an effective way to treat stones without resorting to surgery.

What triggers gallbladder pain?

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that sits just below the liver. Its main function is to store bile, a yellowish-green fluid produced by the liver that helps to break down fats. However, the gallbladder can also be a source of pain for many people. Gallbladder pain is often caused by gallstones, hard deposits of cholesterol that form in the gallbladder. These stones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball and can cause severe pain when they become lodged in the bile ducts. Other causes of gallbladder pain include inflammation of the gallbladder walls (cholecystitis), tumors, and infection. Most of the cases of gallbladder pain can be treated with proper treatment.

What is biliary sludge?

Biliary sludge or gall bladder sludge is a thick, viscous material that can form in the gallbladder. It is made up of cholesterol, bile pigments, and calcium salts. This can happen when the liver is not able to process cholesterol properly. Bile is normally stored in the gallbladder, where it is released when fat enters the intestine. However, if the bile becomes too thick and viscous, it may not be able to flow out of the gallbladder. As a result, biliary sludge can lead to gallstones and other health problems. Sludge can be caused by a variety of factors including diet , obesity, pregnancy, and certain medications. Ayurvedic doctors typically recommend a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol as a treatment for biliary sludge. In some cases, herbs and other supplements may also be recommended.

NON SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF CHOLELITHYASIS (PITTASHMARI): A CASE STUDY

Ayurvedic Management of Cholelithiasis (Pittashmari):a case study

A Case Study on the management of Pittashmari w.s.r. to Gall Bladder Stone