Gallstones are small, solid particles that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver. The gallbladder holds bile, a digestive liquid made by the liver which breaks down fats. If the balance of substances in bile is disrupted, Gallstones may form. These stones may be as tiny as a grain of sand and as big as a golf ball.
Cholesterol Gallstones: These are the most common type of Gallstones and are yellow in colour. They mainly consist of hardened cholesterol.
Pigment Gallstones: These smaller and darker stones (usually brown or black) form when your bile has too much bilirubin, a product from the breaking down of red blood cells.
Gallstones are called "Pittashmari" in Ayurveda. The term “Ashmari” means stones and “Pitta” means one of the three energies that are believed to control the body’s physiological activities. Pitta dosha governs metabolism and digestion, such as the production and flow of bile in the gallbladder. Pitta imbalance may lead to formation of stones, which suggests that excess bile or bilirubin may be responsible for the formation of Gallstones.
Pittashmari (Gallstones) is usually explained as a result of diet, lifestyle and metabolic disturbances that disturb Pitta balance. Ayurveda concentrates on restoring this balance with dietary changes, natural herbs and lifestyle adjustments for Gallstones treatment without surgery. Understanding and managing this dosha imbalance may prevent Gallstone formation and maintain the health of the gallbladder and liver.
Gallstones often form when the balance of substances that make up bile is disturbed. Several factors lead to this imbalance, which causes these solid particles to form in the gallbladder. Knowing these causes may help prevent Gallstone formation.
The most common Gallstones causes are:
Excess Cholesterol: The liver may excrete more cholesterol than bile can dissolve, which may result in cholesterol Gallstones.
Excessive Bilirubin: Certain diseases, like liver cirrhosis or blood disorders cause the liver to create excess bilirubin, leading to pigment Gallstones.
Bile Concentration: If the gallbladder doesn't empty completely or often enough, bile may become very concentrated, causing Gallstone formation.
Diet: High-fat, high cholesterol and low fibre diets can raise the chance of developing Gallstones.
Weight: Obesity or being overweight raises the risk of Gallstones, particularly among females.
Rapid Weight Loss: Very rapid weight loss can lead to Gallstones because the body metabolises fat and increases cholesterol in bile.
Age: People over 40 are at higher risk for Gallstones.
Gender & Hormones: Women are at greater risk of Gallstones compared to men, particularly if they've had more than 1 pregnancy, use hormonal contraception, or have undergone hormone replacement therapy.
Genetics: A family history of Gallstones may increase your risk.
Diabetes: Fatty acids (called triglycerides) are generally higher in those who have diabetes, raising the risk of Gallstones.
Gallstones don't always cause symptoms, but they can be uncomfortable and sometimes very severe. Identifying these Gallstones symptoms early may help with timely treatment and avoiding complications.
The most common symptom of Gallstones is usually severe pain, felt on the upper right corner of the abdomen. This pain may radiate to the centre of the abdomen, back, or even the right shoulder.
These are other symptoms that accompany the Gallstone pain symptoms, especially during a Gallstone attack.
Feeling full or bloated after eating fatty foods, which can be uncomfortable and persistent.
Gallstones can also be frequently linked to signs of indigestion , for example heartburn, gas, and acid reflux.
Another common symptom is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes from a blockage of the bile duct which prevents bile from reaching the intestines.
When bile flow is obstructed, urine and stool colour may appear different.
These might indicate gallbladder or bile duct infection (known as cholecystitis or cholangitis).
If a Gallstone blocks a bile duct, it can cause sudden and acute pain that can flare up quickly and require urgent medical care.
While not as common, some people may experience weight loss related to Gallstone complications.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic Gallstones treatment using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root cause of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, the focus of the treatment is to provide holistic healing, balance and stability.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientifically developed blends that help restore your body's equilibrium and emotional stability.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: These calming practices support your mental health and complete wellness.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Methods like Panchakarma and therapeutic massages to cleanse the body and support emotional health.
Dietary & Lifestyle Recommendations: Expert advice on changing your diet and lifestyle to promote better health.
Ayurveda offers several herbal medicines for treating Gallstones, enhancing bile production, dissolving stones and soothing inflammation in the body. These natural treatments aim to balance the body's energy system, specifically the Pitta dosha associated with gallbladder problems.
Here are some effective Ayurvedic herbs used for the management of Gallstones:
Turmeric (Haldi/Halada): The presence of curcumin in turmeric makes it a choleretic and anti-inflammatory herb. Taking warm milk with turmeric after meals helps to dissolve Gallstones and improves liver health.
Aloe Vera (Kumari): It acts as a cholagogue and helps cleanse the gallbladder. Aloe vera gel mixed with honey and taken as a juice is known to treat Gallstones.
Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris): Gokshura has alkaloids and phytosterols that can help combat Gallstones. Gokshura powder is also believed to detoxify the gallbladder.
Kalonji (Nigella Sativa): Loaded with thymoquinone, Kalonji is a lipotropic and anti-inflammatory antioxidant. The seeds of kalonji are known to dissolve Gallstones when taken internally on an empty stomach.
Black Pepper (Kali Mirch/Maricha): It improves liver and gallbladder function due to its choleretic properties. Black pepper powder with warm water before meals aids digestion and prevents Gallstones.
Ginger: This common spice stimulates the gallbladder, improves digestion and decreases nausea to help prevent and treat Gallstones.
Garlic: Known for its ability to expel bile and stones, garlic also has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Dandelion: It is believed to cleanse the liver, increase bile flow, and dissolve Gallstones.
Bhumi Amla: Known to dissolve Gallstones, reduce inflammation, and restore function of the liver and gallbladder.
Manjistha: Cleanses blood, removes toxins & reduces inflammation to support liver health.
Bhringraj: Known to improve bile flow and promote liver function as a digestive agent.
In Ayurveda, Gallstones are associated with an imbalance in Pitta dosha, linked with metabolic processes & bile production.
Yes, stress indirectly contributes to Gallstone formation by disrupting digestion and aggravating the Pitta dosha, resulting in imbalanced bile production.
Although home checks can't diagnose Gallstones, symptoms such as sudden severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and nausea may indicate Gallstones and prompt a professional Ayurvedic consultation.
An Ayurvedic Gallstones diet includes fibre-rich foods, low-fat dairy products and avoiding deep fried and spicy foods to maintain a healthy bile composition.
Yes, staying hydrated helps dilute the bile and keeps cholesterol from concentrating, reducing your risk of Gallstone formation.
Yoga poses like Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) and Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) promote digestive health and may ease Gallstones symptoms.
To prevent Gallstones, Ayurveda recommends regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management through meditation and yoga, and proper sleeping habits.
Smaller Gallstones can be dissolved completely with Ayurvedic treatments and natural herbs but larger ones usually require medical intervention.
The duration of Ayurvedic therapy for Gallstones is dependent upon the size and number of stones and individual’s response to the treatment.
Ayurveda offers safe and natural remedies to manage Gallstone symptoms and dissolve small Gallstones but it is important to consult an Ayurvedic doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Improvement in digestive health, reduction in discomfort and pain and improved overall well being could be indications of improvements from Ayurvedic treatments.
Ayurveda recommends peppermint, dandelion and milk thistle as herbal teas to support liver health and Gallstone management by promoting bile flow.
Yes, children can develop Gallstones, and Ayurveda treats this with gentle dietary modifications and herbal remedies customised for children, specifically targeting liver health and digestion.
