Almost everyone has gallstones. Gallstones are cholesterol deposits that turn into calcium crystals and stick together, forming the gallstones in the gallbladder. Whenever you eat foods with high fats, your body will secrete bile to help digestion. If you eat a high fat diet, your body works harder to digest and stones can form. Normally these stones sit quietly and do not cause any discomfort. Sometimes they block the bile duct and cause discomfort and pain in the upper-right quarter of the abdomen. There are a variety of natural treatments for removing gallstones.
Apple Juice Treatment
Dr. Lai Chiu Nan developer of the 6-Day Apple Juice Treatment suggests people drink four glasses of apple juice everyday for five days while eating a normal diet. On the sixth day, she suggests not eating dinner and mixing a glass of warm water with a tablespoon of epsom salt, stirring it together and drinking it. A few hours later, drink another glass of epsom salt water. Then two hours later drink a half cup of olive oil with a half cup of fresh lemon juice (3 fresh squeezed lemons). She then says to lie down on your right side and wait for a bowel movement. The apples soften the stones, the lemon juice helps move the stone from the bile duct, and the olive oil helps make the stones pass more easily.
Artichoke Leaf
Artichoke leaves have caffeoylquinic acid, which can increase the production of bile. This process can help to dissolve fat and cholesterol deposits in the gallbladder, which, in turn, not only prevents gallstones but can help eliminate them. The other property in artichoke leaf is cyanarinth, which can increase bile salts and help dissolve gallstones. Artichoke leaves can be found in tea form that you drink, or capsules that you ingest with water.
Turmeric
Turmeric is used in Ayurvedic medicine and can treat an assortment of ailments. Curcumin, the main chemical property that is found in turmeric can stimulate the flow of bile and the breakdown of dietary fats. Not only does this help prevent gallstones, it can also dissolve them. Turmeric can be purchased in capsules and can be taken daily. Eating foods with this yellow tasty herb can also help in the prevention of gallstones. Turmeric should be used with caution if you have hypoglycemia or diabetes.
References
- Nursing Care
- Natural Health Remedies; Janet C. Maccaro; 2006
- The Natural Pharmacy: Complete Home Reference to Natural Medicine; Schuyler W. Lininger J.R. D.C., Alan Gaby M.D., Steve Austin N.D., Donald J Brown N.D., Jonathan Wright; 1999
