Home Remedies for Gallstones

No home remedy can dissolve gallstones or replace medical care. Home care can only help you cope with mild symptoms while you arrange a medical review, and avoid triggers.

What may help

• Smaller, lighter meals: large or fatty meals trigger the gallbladder to contract
• Regular meal times: long gaps let bile concentrate
• Warm water and a gentle walk after meals for comfort
• A food diary to spot which meals bring on pain

What to avoid

• "Gallbladder flush" or "liver flush" with olive oil, lemon juice or apple juice. There is no good evidence that these dissolve stones. What people pass is usually soap-like clumps of oil, not stones. A flush can trigger a painful attack or block a duct.
• Fasting or crash diets, which raise the risk of stones
• Hot oil massage or pressing on the painful area
• Painkillers beyond label doses without advice

Ayurvedic home practices

Warm, easily digested food and a regular routine are common Ayurvedic suggestions. They are interpretive and supportive only. Do not take herbal products for stone dissolving, as they are unproven and some can harm the liver.

When home care is not enough

Fever, jaundice, pain lasting over 5 hours, repeated or severe pain needs same-day medical care. Call 112 or 102 in an emergency.