Gallstones are small stones that are created in your gallbladder. They can be as large as a golf ball and block the flow of bile if they become too large or get suck in your bile duct. Too much cholesterol in the bile, insufficient bile salts and your gall bladder not emptying enough all can cause gallstones, reports the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House (NDDHIC). Home remedies may be used to help remove small stones, but the NDDHIC states the following symptoms require immediate medical attention: pain for longer than five hours, nausea and vomiting, low-grade fever, yellow skin or eyes, or clay-colored stools.
Fiber
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends adding fiber to your diet. Foods containing fiber include apples, potatoes, whole grains, legumes and leafy greens. Flax meal is also an abundant source of fiber. The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders uses the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine's guidelines of 38 g of fiber per day for men, and 25 g for women.
Green Tea
Green tea can be used to treat gall bladder disease, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center, however it warns that you need to consult a trained herbalist, as gall bladder disease is a serious condition. Green tea extract contains antioxidants. The university suggests 250 mg to 500 mg of green tea extract daily. It also advises using a decaffeinated product.
Turmeric
The herb turmeric is used as a cooking spice and has a thousand-year history in healing in Indian medicine. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that turmeric, known in Latin as Curcuma longa, be taken as an extract. It advises that people take 300 mg three times a day to support the liver and gall bladder function. Because this herb can cause thinning of the blood, those on blood thinners need to consult with a medical professional, as should anyone starting an herbal regimen to treat gall bladder disease.
Globe Artichoke
Globe artichoke, or Cynara scolymus, is an herb used to support the function of the gall bladder. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking two to three doses of the extract of this herb daily, in 250 mg to 500 mg doses. There is no research to back up claims that this herb will remove gallstones, but the university states it may help strengthen and tone your body's systems.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, is a well-known herbal remedy used to support the liver and gall bladder. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests a dose of 80 mg to 160 mg two to three times a day to help with liver and gall bladder detoxification. Because there is no research to prove that this herb removes gallstones, you should consult a medical professional before beginning this therapy.
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