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Natural Remedies for Gallstones

Ashwini Kulkarni Sule
Gallstones are the bits of saturated cholesterol, stuck in the bile duct. Their size can range from a tiny pebble to as large as a golf ball. Although they do not necessarily pose a threat, it is better to get them treated. On that note, this story provides you with some natural remedies for gallstones.
Gallbladder is a small pear-shaped sac located behind the lobes of the liver. The main function of the gallbladder is to collect, concentrate, and store bile, produced by the liver. Bile is required for the proper digestion of fatty foods.
Whenever, you consume food rich in fats, the intestine signals the gallbladder to release the required amount of bile. The bile is dispensed through a small duct, called the common bile duct. Gallstones begin to develop when the amount of bile is not sufficient to saturate the cholesterol, thereby leading to the crystallization of cholesterol.
Apart from cholesterol, gallstones also consist of small amount of chalk and bile pigments. As there are no particular symptoms associated with this condition, most people are unaware of their presence until detected in the X-ray. They can be very painful, if they are particularly large and stuck in the bile duct.
Most people go for the surgical method of removing the gallbladder, so as to get rid of the stones. However, this method involves several side effects, such as diarrhea for about two years post surgery. Moreover, it also elevates the chances of cancer of colon. Interestingly, many people are now resorting to natural remedies for gallstones.

List of Natural Treatment Methods

Gradual Cleaning Methods

Taking 20 ml olive oil with fresh juice of half a lemon twice a day helps in gradually reducing the gallstones. In addition to this, you can also eat a small, finely chopped piece of raw garlic. This is a good home remedy, that helps in intensifying the cleaning mechanism further.
For the permanent removal of the stones, you can incorporate black seed oil in your daily diet. Start will 5ml initially, and increase it gradually to about 15 ml per day. It may result in loose bowels for some days, but it is only an indication that the remedy is working.
Within few days, the function of liver and other internal organs will improve considerably. If you observe a healthy lifestyle and follow a proper diet, the gallstones are less likely to come back.

Flushing Method

Eat only organic apples on the day you wish to flush. Raw apples are a better option. Do not eat anything else on that day. While going to bed, warm two-thirds of a cup of olive oil, mix one third of a cup of lemon juice in it and sip it slowly. Then, lie down on your right side.
Draw your right leg close to the body and try sleeping in the same position. In the morning, the gallstones are likely to pass in the stool. This method needs to be repeated several times for achieving desired results.

Warm Aromatic Compress

Pour 2 tsp grape seed or sweet almond oil in a bowl and place in the pot of simmering water. Add 2 drops rosemary and 2 drops lavender essential oils and remove the bowl from the pot. Massage gently on the area beneath the rib cage on the right side of your body.
Place a towel on the area and stand a hot water bottle upon it. Relax for about 15 minutes and repeat the procedure alternatively. Pregnant women should avoid the use of rosemary oil. You can also go to an aromatherapist or an acupuncturist for help.

Diet

If your diet consists of low fiber, high fat foods, your likelihood of developing gallstones is increased. Hence, incorporate fiber rich vegetables and fruits in your diet. Similarly, avoid fried foods, dairy products, red meat, highly refined and processed foods, like pastries and fizzy drinks.
Incorporate olive oil, oily fish, nuts and seeds, and foods rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids in your daily diet. Drinking plenty of water also prevents the formation of gallstones.
Natural remedies are very effective, but they need to be repeated several times for acquiring the desired results. However, the biggest advantage of any remedy of natural origin is that it is free from any side effect. However, if the problem is intense, you will have to consider surgery.
Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.