Gallstones form from calcium salts or cholesterol in the bile that the liver stores in the gallbladder. They start out small and will not cause any trouble if they go through the bile ducts before they can get bigger.
However, a stone can grow quickly enough to block the bile ducts that connects the gallbladder to the liver and small intestines. When this happens, the bile duct will try to force it out. At best, these attacks will cause severe pain. At worse, a patient could be rushed to the hospital and subjected to surgical operation.
Men are less likely to develop gallstones, but that doesn't meant they are invulnerable. As a person grows older or put on unhealthy amounts of weight, he or she becomes more likely to suffer painful attacks. (Related: The benefits of acupressure on gallbladder health.)
Prevent gallstones with these home remedies
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You can keep gallstones from appearing inside your gallbladder by taking one of these herbal remedies every day.
Alfalfa not only detoxifies the liver, it also provides the organ with much-needed nutrients. Dissolve a 1,000 milligram (mg) tablet in warm water. Drink this concoction twice per day.
The leaves of the boldo tree can be turned into a herbal tea. Consuming three cups of boldo tea each day improves the production of bile, which carries small gallstones out of the bile ducts before the pieces get bigger.
The same bile-releasing effect can be achieved by taking recommended doses of gentian bitters. Made from the root of the gentian, the bitters can also decrease appetite.
In addition to promoting bile production, the greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) can help deal with the painful spasms. Mix 15 to 30 drops of the herbal tincture in 1/4 cup of water. This remedy should be taken thrice a day.
To get rid of unhealthy cholesterol that can turn into gallstones, take 600 mg of milk thistle each day. This is available in supplement form.
For lowering cholesterol levels in the liver itself, there is soy lecithin. The recommended daily dose is 2,000 mg.
Finally, turmeric stops cholesterol from crystallizing into gallstones. Three 125 mg capsules will provide you with enough of this anti-cholesterol compound.
Use peppermint and prickly ash to relieve the symptoms of gallstone attack
The aforementioned treatments should be avoided if you are currently suffering from acute attacks. Instead, take either of these two natural medications to manage the pain of passing large gallstones.
Peppermint can alleviate the painful spasms of bile ducts. Consume 200 mg of this essential oil three times a day.
Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum ailanthoides) is applied externally. Combine the herb with warm water, wrap the resulting paste in cloth, and press the poultice upon the skin over the gallbladder. Apply as many times as necessary.
Get prickly ash from either a certified practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine or a trusted shop that sells Chinese medicinal herbs. Ask for Tian He Gu Tong, the Chinese name for the herb.
Furthermore, there are certain disorders that increase your chances of developing stones in your gallbladder. If you suffer from constipation, recently lost a lot of weight, or stick to a diet with few calories, you are more vulnerable to getting a gallstone. On the upside, amending these health issues will help protect your gallbladder from acute attacks.
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