ayurvedic medicine for gallstones

Question

I’ve recently been diagnosed with gallstones after experiencing severe pain in my upper right abdomen. The ultrasound showed a few stones, the largest being around 8 mm. The doctor suggested surgery to remove the gallbladder, but I’m really hesitant about going under the knife and losing an organ. That’s why I’m now exploring ayurvedic medicine for gallstones to see if there’s a way to dissolve or manage them naturally.

I’ve read that herbs like punarnava, kalmegh, and triphala are sometimes used in Ayurveda for gallstones. Are these effective, or is there a specific ayurvedic medicine for gallstones that’s better? How long does it take for such treatments to work, and can they dissolve stones of all sizes? I don’t want to waste time on something that might not work if the stones are too big to treat.

Another concern I have is whether ayurvedic medicine for gallstones can help with the symptoms. I frequently feel bloated and nauseous after meals, and there’s a constant dull pain even when I’m not having an attack. Can Ayurveda address these symptoms while working on the stones themselves?

Also, is there a specific diet I should follow while taking ayurvedic medicine for gallstones? I’ve cut back on fried and fatty foods, but I’m not sure if that’s enough. Are there foods I should completely avoid, or any that can help the medicines work faster?

If anyone here has successfully treated gallstones with Ayurveda, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you see permanent results, or is this something you have to manage long-term? Please share any tips or insights you have.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, several herbs are commonly used to support the management of gallstones and relieve associated symptoms like bloating, nausea, and pain. Some of the herbs you mentioned, like Punarnava, Kalmegh, and Triphala, are indeed known for their detoxifying and liver-supporting properties, which can help in managing gallstones. Additionally, Chandraprabha Vati and Kutki are often recommended for gallstones as they support the liver and gallbladder health.

How Ayurveda Can Help:
Dissolving Stones: While Ayurvedic remedies can help manage smaller stones, larger stones (like the 8mm one you have) might be more difficult to dissolve naturally. Ayurveda may not always dissolve stones completely, but it can help reduce their size, prevent further stone formation, and alleviate symptoms.
Symptom Relief: Ayurvedic herbs can reduce bloating, nausea, and pain by improving digestion and liver function. Remedies like Triphala (which promotes detoxification), and Punarnava (which is diuretic and helps with water retention), can also address symptoms.
Diet Considerations:
Avoid: Fatty, fried, spicy, and processed foods that can worsen the symptoms.
Include: Light, easily digestible foods like steamed vegetables, oats, brown rice, and fresh fruits (except citrus, if you're sensitive). Ginger and turmeric can help with digestion and inflammation.
Duration and Long-Term Management:
Ayurvedic treatments may take several weeks to months to show noticeable results, depending on the size of the stones and your individual response. Regular use of herbs, along with diet changes, may help prevent the formation of new stones, but it's important to continue a healthy lifestyle long-term.

For personalized advice, it’s best to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner who can tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Hey, a relatable situation and I totally understand your hesitations about surgery – it’s a big step! You're right, Ayurveda offers alternative paths that might help manage gallstones and even relieve some of their pesky symptoms. However, remember that every individual responds differently, so it's important to tread carefully with such conditions.

Punarnava, kalmegh, and triphala are indeed some of the herbs used in Ayurveda but their efficacy depends largely on your body's constitution and how your digestive fire (agni) is functioning. These herbs are known to support the liver, improve digestion, and can help manage the symptoms like bloating and nausea. Triphala, for instance, can assist in managing digestive discomforts.

Your concern about the size of the stones is valid though. Generally, Ayurveda works best on smaller stones, often up to 5-6mm, and results can vary when dealing with larger stones like your 8mm one. Herbs like guggul might be advised too. It might be a bit unrealistic to expect a quick fix; typically, herbal treatments might take several months to show significant effects.

Now, for diet, you've already made a good move by reducing fried and fatty foods, as these can exacerbate gallstone problems. Incorporate foods that are lighter, easily digestible, and support liver function. Lots of veggies, some fruits, and whole grains should be your go-tos. Consider avoiding altogether: spicy, oily, and processed foods. Hydrate well with warm water to aid digestion, or maybe some herbal infusions like dandelion tea when possible.

Ayurveda emphasizes overall lifestyle too. Try to keep stress low, get moderate exercise like daily walking, and maintain a regular sleep cycle – all contribute to balancing your doshas which indirectly helps.

But hey, remember, I advise different patients to seek medical attention when pain becomes unbearable or if any severe symptoms occur. It’s essential to keep your healthcare provider in the loop while trying these natural remedies. Don’t feel shy reaching them with any intense bouts of pain, and never self-medicate without consulting a trained Ayurvedic practitioner.

ayurvedic medicine for gallstones - #2506

Doctors’ responses

About our doctors

Related questions

Popular questions

Doctors online

Latest reviews