Naturopathic Treatments For Gallbladder Stones

Gallbladder stones are largely a result of lifestyle issues, although sometimes they can be caused by another disease, genetics or medication, which means they can be treated with improvements to one’s lifestyle.

Gallstones often react well to naturopathic treatments, and so if you’ve found that you’re prone to them, finding a naturopathic doctor who can help you with simple at-home remedies can be the difference between suffering and relief.

Here at the Liberty Clinic, I’ve worked with many patients who suffer from gallstones, and find naturopathic treatments for gallstones can help address your gallbladder issues.

Last week, we talked about gallstones and how you can make some lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing these as well as treatment options.

Today, we’ll go into the naturopathic treatments available for gallstones.

But first, let’s quickly recap what gallstones are.

Recap: What Is A Gallstone?

A gallstone is a lump of hardened tissue and fluids – such as cholesterol, calcium and bile – which clog ducts in the gallbladder.

The gallbladder supports good liver function by storing bile, so when the liver is stressed or unwell, the gallbladder is sometimes also compromised.

There are two types of gallstones – cholesterol stones and pigment stones.

The former is more common, usually yellowish-green in colour, and made largely of cholesterol, as the name suggests.

The latter is smaller and darker, made up of bilirubin, a naturally occurring substance in your body that originates from the breakdown of red blood cells and stored in your gallbladder.

Gallstones are linked with a number of lifestyle concerns, including poor diet, obesity, quick weight loss, and certain medications, as well as pregnancy, diabetes, and genetic factors.

Naturopathic Treatments For Gallstones

Most of these items below are simple options you can self-administer at home, making them easy to adapt to your lifestyle.

However, you may need help discovering which of the above options is best for you.

Each of the below treatment options may have a different effect depending on your unique condition.

It’s best to come see me for a consultation before beginning any of the treatment options listed below, to better guide you in treating your gallstones.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been used as a natural treatment for several disorders, such as indigestion, and it has also been used to help break down gallstones.

If you find it too harsh to drink on its own, try diluting it with water.

2. Dandelion

You’ve probably yanked your share of dandelions out of your lawn over the years, but what you may not know is that this wild flower has medicinal properties.

Dandelion has been a longstanding liver cleansing agent, but it can also be effective in treating gallbladder and bile duct problems.

The leaves are easily incorporated into salads, or dried and drank as a surprisingly soothing tea; the roots (dried, roasted and ground) are particularly effective and delicious as a natural coffee.

3. Acupuncture

Acupuncture, arguably the oldest form of medicine still performed today, can help alleviate your gallstones.

Because acupuncture can reduce inflammation, and inflammation of the gallbladder is commonly linked with gallstones, acupuncture can be an effective treatment option.

Acupuncture may also help alleviate back pain and nausea, two symptoms commonly associated with gallstones.

4. Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husks have been used not only to protect against the formation of cholesterol gallstones, but it has been found to help the cardiovascular and pancreatic systems as well.

Psyllium husks are made using the seeds of the plantago ovata plant. It is a soluble fibre that acts as a gentle laxative.

5. Artichokes

Artichokes are a delicious addition to your meal, and the good news is that they are amazing for healthy gallbladder and liver function, as well as stimulating bile production.

While it’s helpful to include artichokes in your diet, I may recommend you take artichoke supplements for a more concentrated dose.

Before you start taking these on your own, it’s very important you speak with me, because one side effect could be a gallbladder attack if a bile duct happens to be obstructed, which can be extremely painful.

6. LysimachiaeHerba

Also known as ‘gold coin grass’, lysimachiaeherba is a traditional Chinese remedy for gallstones.

Available as a powder or a liquid, it has been used for centuries for treating and preventing cholesterol gallstones.

7. Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle is another ‘ancient’ recipe for detoxing your liver, and can be taken in capsule, tablet or tonic form.

Because healthy liver function helps prevent gallstones, it makes sense to incorporate this – to some degree – in your treatment.

Milk thistle has many benefits, including relief from diabetes, ragweed allergies, and possibly even hormone-sensitive cancers.

Questions? Ask Dr. JJ

Some of the solutions above will be better for you than others, and knowing which is most appropriate can be challenging without plenty of research and experience.

If your gallstones symptoms are acute or are getting progressively worse, please go to your nearest hospital for emergency assistance.

As a naturopathic doctor, I have a great deal of expertise helping people with this common ailment, both in determining the underlying cause, with recommending lifestyle changes, and with naturopathic treatments such as the ones above.

Call now and reserve your consultation so that we can help you prevent a painful – but often avoidable – occurrence of gallstones.