Gallstones self-care can be initiated to help eliminate small gallstones and to prevent the build-up of new stones. Some home remedies you can prepare include black radish juice and dandelion tea, as they contain natural anti-inflammatory properties.
While gallstone self-care can be effective for small stones, gallstones can vary in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. Very large stones can only be removed with shock wave therapy or surgery.
It is important to highlight that gallstones self-care could only be started if approved by your doctor or gastroenterologist. Moderate to severe symptoms should be assessed by your doctor and medically treated. Read more about the symptoms of gallstones and the treatment options available.
Home remedies
Some home remedies you can prepare for gallstone self-care include:
1. Black radish juice
Black radish is a root that contains substances that prevent cholesterol from accumulating in the gallbladder, helping to prevent and get rid of stones that form there. It can also be used to decrease the amount of fat in the liver.
Ingredients:
- 3 black radishes
- 1 glass of ice water
- 1 teaspoon of natural honey
Preparation method:
Wash the radishes, place in the blender with ice water and honey, and blend until completely smooth. Then pour into a glass and drink twice a day.
2. Dandelion tea
Dandelion is a plant known for fighting digestive issues, mainly acting on the liver. It is also a potent diuretic that increases urine production. Dandelion tea can also be used to help get rid of gallstones, as it also stimulates the bile flow.
Also recommended: Dandelion Tea: Health Benefits, How to Use & Side Effectstuasaude.com/en/dandelion-teaIngredients:
- 10 g of dry dandelion leaves;
- 150 ml water;
Preparation method:
Boil the water and add the dry dandelion leaves, cover the pot, and let the mixture sit for ten minutes. Then strain and drink. This can be taken up to three times a day.
3. Artichoke
Artichoke is a plant popularly used to treat health problems like anemia, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, and pneumonia. Some studies show that the plant can also be used to get rid of gallstones.
Ingredients:
- 2 to 5 ml of artichoke extract
- 75 ml (2.5 oz) of water
Preparation method:
Dilute the artichoke extract in the water and take up to three times a day.
4. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil found in the leaves can help eliminate gallstones. This type of oil is best consumed as a tea.
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons of dried whole or ground peppermint leaves or, two or three fresh leaves;
- 150 ml (6.5 oz) of boiling water.
Preparation method:
Place the peppermint leaves in a cup of boiling water. Let the mixture infuse for five to seven minutes and then strain. This tea should be drunk three to four times a day, preferably after meals.
Also recommended: Peppermint Tea: 7 Health Benefits & How to Preparetuasaude.com/en/peppermint-tea5. Milk thistle
Milk thistle is a natural remedy that is used for liver disease and for gallstones, as the main compound of this plant is silymarin. You can buy the extracts of this plant in natural health stores in capsule form, but you can also take milk thistle as a tea.
Read more about the benefits of milk thistle and how to consume it.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of crushed milk thistle fruit
- 1 cup of water
Preparation method:
Boil the water and add the crushed milk thistle fruit. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, strain, and drink three to four cups a day.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric is another medicinal plant that can be used to get rid of small stones. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, it can also help to fight pain and gallbladder inflammation. The curcumin present in the plant also helps to regenerate tissues after surgery.
How to use: Consume 40 mg of curcumin daily in capsule form. This quantity is able to reduce the gallbladder volume by 50% in just a few days.
Considerations prior to use
Home remedies for gallstones can be consumed to help eliminate small stones from the gallbladder.
Larger stones can block the bile ducts, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In the presence of these symptoms, you are advised to seek urgent medical care.
Before using these natural options, you should consult a doctor, who will evaluate the signs and symptoms presented by the person and indicate the most appropriate treatment, which may or may not include home remedies.
