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Treatment of gallstones with folk remedies
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Treatment of gallstone disease using folk methods can be an additional option to traditional medical therapy, but should always be carried out under the supervision of a doctor and with his permission. Folk remedies can help to alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of new stone formation, but they are not always able to dissolve existing stones. Here are some folk methods and remedies that may be considered:
Green tea
Green tea may have positive effects on gallbladder and biliary tract health, but should not be considered as a specific remedy for dissolving gallstones. Interventions in the form of gallstone treatment, especially if the stones are causing symptoms or complications, require a more serious approach and medical evaluation.
Green tea contains antioxidants and beneficial substances that can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood and bile. This can help in preventing the formation of cholesterol stones, as high cholesterol is a risk factor. However, green tea cannot dissolve stones that already exist.
If you have diagnosed gallstones or are experiencing symptoms of gallstone disease, such as pain in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen, it is important to see your doctor for evaluation and to develop the best treatment plan. Your doctor may recommend medication, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy), or other procedures depending on your condition and complications. You should not rely solely on folk remedies for gallstones.
Herbal decoctions
Some herbs such as peppermint, chamomile and immortelle can help in alleviating the pain and discomfort associated with gallstone disease. They can be used to make teas or decoctions.
Peppermint oil or peppermint infusion (such as peppermint tea) can be used as a remedy to relieve symptoms of cholelithiasis, but they cannot dissolve gallstones.
Peppermint has properties that may help reduce gallbladder pain and spasms. It can help soothe discomfort and reduce symptoms such as pain and nausea associated with gallstone disease. However, it is not a treatment for the disease itself and cannot dissolve existing gallstones.
Surgery, usually cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder), may be required to treat cholelithiasis and remove gallstones. Treatment should be supervised by a physician, and the decision to choose treatment depends on the specific clinical situation and the specialist's recommendations. You should not try to treat cholelithiasis on your own.
Chamomile may have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, and its infusion can help soothe symptoms of cholelithiasis, such as pain and discomfort. However, it does not affect gallstones directly and is not able to dissolve them.
Immortelle (or immortelle of Kazakhstan, also known as witch hazel) is a plant that is used in folk medicine for a variety of purposes. Its ingredients may have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Some people prefer to use immortelle in the form of infusions or drops to alleviate the symptoms of various diseases, including gallstones
Herea can have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties and is sometimes used in folk medicine.
Other herbs: Calendula, yarrow and other herbs can also be considered as symptom relievers.
Olive oil and lemon juice
Mixing olive oil with lemon juice and eating this mixture can stimulate gallbladder contractions and help in the removal of bile. This may help prevent stones from forming.
The procedure known as "olive oil and lemon juice" is sometimes used as a home remedy to improve the patency of the bile ducts, especially if a person has symptoms related to bile stagnation. However, it is worth noting that this procedure is not a standard treatment and should only be performed after consulting a doctor.
The procedure may look as follows:
- In the evening before going to bed, drink a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Immediately afterward, drink a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Lie on your left side and remain in this position for 30 minutes.
The purpose of this procedure is to stimulate gallbladder contractions and help bile to escape into the duodenum, which can relieve symptoms associated with bile stasis.
However, this method is not suitable for everyone, and it is not considered a replacement for standard treatment for cholelithiasis, especially if the stones are causing complications. It is important to consult your doctor before undergoing such procedures to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for your condition.
Fasting and fasting
Fasting and fasting may be used by some people as additional self-help methods to manage symptoms or risk of gallstone formation. However, their effectiveness and safety depend on each individual's specific situation and health, and their use should be evaluated by a physician.
In some cases, short-term fasting or fasting can help stimulate gallbladder contractions and reduce the risk of stone formation. However, they cannot dissolve stones that already exist.
If you are considering fasting or fasting as part of your strategy for managing gallstone disease, it is important:
- Consult your doctor: Before starting a fasting or fasting program, be sure to discuss it with your doctor to make sure it's safe and right for you.
- Use caution: Starvation or fasting may not be suitable for everyone and can lead to nutritional deficiencies as well as poor health in some cases. Try to exercise caution and monitor your condition during this process.
- Frequency: Fasting or fasting is best done under the supervision of a specialist and according to recommendations.
- Duration: The length of fasting or fasting can vary depending on your goals and your doctor's recommendations.
It is important to remember that gallstones can cause serious complications such as blocked bile ducts or gallbladder inflammation, so it is important to get medical treatment and advice from your doctor to effectively manage this condition.
Proper nutrition
Proper nutrition is important for managing symptoms of cholelithiasis and reducing the risk of complications. Following a healthy diet that limits saturated fats, reduces the intake of animal products, and increases the intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help manage the risk of stone formation. Here are some dietary recommendations for people with gallstones:
- Moderate fat intake: Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats such as palm and coconut oil, fast food, fatty meat products and high-fat dairy products. Instead, it is preferable to consume healthy fats such as olive oil and low-fat dairy products.
- High fiber intake: Include more foods rich in soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet. Fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, legumes and nuts can help improve digestion and prevent bile stagnation.
- Moderate protein intake: Consume moderate amounts of protein, preferably from lean and low-fat sources such as skinless chicken, turkey, fish and tofu.
- Avoid large portions: Try to eat small but frequent meals. This can help reduce pressure on the gallbladder.
- Limit your intake of sugar and processed foods: Avoid excess sugar, sweets and processed foods as they can contribute to excess weight gain and worsen symptoms.
- Drink enough water: Drink enough water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking: Alcohol and smoking can worsen symptoms and complicate gallbladder conditions.
- Control your weight: Manage your weight as being overweight can increase your risk of developing gallstones.
- Follow your doctor's advice: If you already have diagnosed gallstones or gallstone disease, discuss your dietary recommendations with your doctor or dietitian, as individual needs may vary.
Remember that specific dietary recommendations may depend on your condition and your doctor's recommendations, so it's important to get individualized advice and follow it.
Warm compresses
Warm compresses on the right upper quadrant of the abdomen can help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with gallstone disease.
Warm compresses can help in alleviating the pain and discomfort associated with gallstones, but they do not dissolve the stones themselves. These compresses can be especially helpful if you have gallbladder spasms or upper abdominal pain due to gallstones.
To make a warm compress, you can use a hot water bottle, a heating pad, a warm bath, or a warm wet compress. It is important to remember the following points:
- Temperature: The warm compress should be comfortable and not hot. Avoid too high a temperature to avoid burns.
- Duration: Apply a warm compress to the painful area for 15-20 minutes several times a day, as needed.
- Breaks: Periodically take breaks between sessions of warm compress application.
- See a doctor: If you have symptoms of gallstone disease, such as pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, it is important to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment. Warm compresses may relieve symptoms, but they are not a substitute for medical intervention.
Keep in mind that the pain and complications associated with gallstone disease may require surgical treatment, and only your doctor can determine the best treatment plan for your specific case.
Remember, it is important to consult your doctor before starting any folk treatments to make sure they are safe and appropriate for your case. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best treatment plan, including possible surgical removal of the stones if necessary.