19 Home Remedies for Gallstones Your Body Will Love

by DailyHealthPost Editorial

home remedies for gallstones

7. Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husk is an incredibly rich source of soluble fiber. This kind of fiber binds to cholesterol in your system, helping to prevent gallstones from forming in the gallbladder (14). Aim for between 10-25 grams of soluble fiber daily (15).

8. Dandelion

Advertisement

Dandelion, in the form of dandelion greens or as a dandelion root supplement, contains a beneficial compound called taraxacin.

Taraxacin encourages the liver to emit bile, which helps keep the flow of bile moving through the gallbladder (16). Note: Do not use dandelion root if you are diabetic.

9. Milk Thistle

Like dandelion root, milk thistle contains a compound that helps stimulate and release bile from the liver. The compound in milk thistle is known as silymarin (17). A bitter substance, most people enjoy milk thistle in tea with honey or in supplement form. Unlike dandelion root, milk thistle is safe for diabetics (18).

10. Castor Oil

Castor oil is a favorite home remedy for several conditions, gallstones being just one of them. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory with some pain-killing properties. Find instructions for an effective castor oil compress here.

Advertisement

11. Pectin

Pectin is a substance found in a variety of fruits. Consuming pectin helps to expel bile and soften gallstones, helping them pass through the bile ducts (19,20). Pectin is also found in fruits, so feel free to indulge in some sweet snacks.

Fruits that contain the highest amounts of pectin include apples, pears, apricots, guava, gooseberries, plums, all citrus fruits, and more (21).

12. Alcohol (in Moderation)

A study conducted at the University of Ulm in Germany found that individuals who enjoyed alcohol in moderation had a lower risk of gallstones (22). This was further confirmed by another study that established drinking 14 grams of alcohol daily reduced the risk of gallstones by as much as one-third (23). There are, of course, other benefits to enjoying alcoholic beverages in moderation – particularly with red wine.

Consuming a half-glass to a glass of wine during a gallstone attack may help reduce the pain in just a few minutes.

13. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese (having an unhealthily high amount of body fat) is one of the biggest contributing risk factors for gallstones. Excess body fat is associated with an increase in cholesterol levels, which increases the likelihood of cholesterol gallstones (24). Take the necessary steps to reduce weight and body fat to healthy levels without crash dieting, which can further increase the risk of gallstones.

Advertisement