10 Home Remedies For Gallstones
The gallbladder is located near the liver and is used as storage for bile. When needed, this substance is secreted from the gallbladder into the rest of the digestive system where it helps the body to digest lipids.
Gallstones are formed from solids that are found in the bile and in bilirubin, which is also found in the gallbladder.
These gallstones are often harmless, but problems can occur. They can sometimes become lodged in the bile duct and this can be very painful for the patient as well as causing other unwelcome symptoms. The good news is that there are some natural remedies that can at least help to alleviate the symptoms.
Home Remedy #1: Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is often used as an ingredient in cooking to help give a bit of zest to dishes. It is common for the juice to be used but the rind is also sometimes grated and then added to recipes. In addition to being able to give a lift to meals, lemon juice may also be able to help with gallstones.
Lemons are a good source of ascorbic acid and this is thought to be able to help deal with the problem. Studies have even shown that lemon juice, when mixed with olive oil, is able to help with dissolving gallstones. To make the most of its benefits, drink 4 tablespoons of lemon juice in a glass of water on an empty stomach.
Home Remedy #2: Psyllium
Psyllium is the common name for the family of plants that includes fleaworts and plantains. It is not generally found as an ingredient in recipes, although it is sometimes used to thicken soups and other foods. Despite it not being popular as a food, it still has plenty of nutrition to offer.
Psyllium is very rich in fiber, which will help to keep the digestive system as healthy as possible. The plant is also used to make medicines and remedies to help with various digestive ailments. It can help to prevent gallstones and can also help promote bowel movements to keep everything moving along.
Home Remedy #3: Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a flowering plant that probably originated in southern England. It has since been exported widely and is found growing commercially in many other parts of the world. It is the seeds that are often used to make milk thistle extract. The plant is the national flower of Scotland.
Milk thistle has long been used as an herbal remedy for a wide range of conditions. It was often used as a treatment for problems with the digestive system, including gallstones. To use milk thistle as a remedy for gallstones, crush 3 seeds, add them to 3 cups of water, and then boil. Let it cool, strain, and then drink the solution two to three times a day.
Home Remedy #4: Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is used in many remedies. It is also found in healthy living diets and is said to provide various health benefits ranging from helping keep the skin clear to preventing cancer. It is also often recommended for people that are suffering from gallstones.
To use it as a remedy for gallstones, take a glass of fresh apple juice and stir in 1 tablespoon of unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Whenever your gallstones are causing you pain, drink the solution and the pain should subside before long. You can also drink apple cider vinegar mixed with water and lemon juice to help dissolve the stones.
Home Remedy #5: Vegetable Juice
It is well known that we should eat our vegetables, no matter how much we may not like them. Many people are fortunate in that they do like vegetables but many others find them unpalatable. Fortunately, though, fresh vegetable juices make a good compromise as they are delicious and also packed full of goodness.
Beetroot, in particular, is a good option because it helps to strengthen the gallbladder. Studies have also shown that people that eat vegetables regularly are less likely to need gallstone surgery than those who don’t. Simply take a blender and blend 4 carrots, 1 cucumber, and 1 beetroot and you have a remedy that can help ease your gallstone problems.
Home Remedy #6: Pears
Pears are delicious, convenient, and packed full important nutrients. They contain various compounds that can help to promote good health and they are also thought to contain anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to make them a suitable remedy for people who are suffering from gallstones.
Pears can, of course, be eaten just as they are. To get the most from them, though, you can try mixing half a glass of hot water with half a glass of pear juice. Drink this three times a day and hopefully your gallstone problem should improve within a couple of weeks or so. You can also add honey for flavor if you wish to do so.
Home Remedy #7: Peppermint
Peppermint has that unmistakable aroma that helps to freshen our breath and even our homes. It also tastes great and is irresistible with ice cream. What a lot of people don’t realize is that peppermint has also been used as medicine for thousands of years. It is often used to help with problems of the digestive system.
Peppermint is able to stimulate the flow of digestive juices, including bile. It also contains a compound known as terpenes and it has been shown that this can directly dissolve gallstones. To use it, add some dried peppermint leaves to boiled water, strain, and drink. Some honey can be used to sweeten it if you like.
Home Remedy #8: Wine
Millions of people around the world enjoy the occasional glass of wine. Whether as something to accompany a meal or to help you let your hair down, the popular beverage is many peoples’ favorite. Of course, alcohol should be drunk in moderation but it does also have some positive contributions to our health overall.
Studies have shown that people who drink 2 units of wine a day show a 33% decrease in their chances of developing gallstones. What’s more, half a glass of wine can also help to reduce the amount of pain caused by existing gallstones. Drink half a glass every day and it can decrease your chances of suffering from gallstone attacks.
Home Remedy #9: Yoga
Yoga is an ancient technique that helps to keep people in good shape physically and mentally. It involves putting the body into various poses that are good for the circulation and help keep us fit. It is also easy to take part in and all it takes is enough space in your home and a yoga mat.
It is thought by some that yoga can help to cure gallstones. If you are suffering, get out your yoga mat and you may have the answer to your prayers. There are certain poses that are said to be more helpful than others, such as the cobra pose and the locust pose.
Home Remedy #10: Dandelion
Dandelions originated in Europe but are now found in temperate zones around the world. They are well known for their bright yellow flowers, and for the florets that get carried on the wind to help spread their seeds. They are often considered to be weeds and are removed as such, but they can actually be very useful to us.
Dandelions have been used in medicine for as long as we can remember. Their use includes helping the digestive system and they are often used as a remedy for gallstones. Many people will make a dandelion tea, while the dandelion greens can also be added to a salad.
