How to Get Rid of Gallstones Naturally gives the recipe for a gallbladder cleanse that allows the passing of gallstones easily and without surgery. Natural remedies do work!
Do you have gallstones, sludge or know someone who does? Maybe you just want to make sure you don't? This is for you!
UPDATE: Have you read this post and still have questions about how to get rid of gallstones using this gallbladder cleanse for passing gallstones? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions section at the bottom.
Have you ever had a gallbladder attack? Talk about painful! But there is hope - here is how to get rid of gallstones naturally!
Thankfully, I have found something that works like a charm, is not invasive and lets me keep my gallbladder! Plus, it doesn't hurt - yeah!
Can You Dissolve Gallstones Naturally?
The short answer is "YES"! It is possible and has worked for me and many others as shown in the comments.
Natural Remedies for Gallstones Without Surgery
My Experience
I had my first when pregnant with our 8th child and after an all-you-can eat pizza buffet - a high fat meat! It was no fun, in fact, it was quite painful!
As a nurse, I knew that I was a prime candidate for gallbladder surgery. Having cared for gallbladder patients, I knew that it was a difficult surgery and I did not want it!
In seeking an alternative to gallbladder surgery, my father introduced me to a gallbladder cleanse, also called a gallbladder flush.
I have continued to use the recipe that I will give below, as needed with success.
Until I started the GAPS diet, I would use the flush once a year or so. Once starting the GAPS diet, interestingly, my gallbladder attacks increased during the first 8 - 10 months or so.
During this time, I did the gallbladder cleanse monthly until my attacks subsided.
Whatever the reason, the GAPS diet seemed to accentuate my gallbladder problem. My gallbladder was not functioning properly and through the process of the GAPS diet allowing my digestive system to function properly, it is now much better. The need for a gallbladder cleanse is almost unnecessary.
You might also be interested in my how to get rid of bladder infections naturally guide.
Before I give the recipe ...
Did you know that nearly 1 million gallbladders are removed yearly?
Over 20 years ago, gallbladders were removed surgically and the recovery period was slow and painful.
The traditional "open" gallbladder surgery has almost completely been replaced with the introduction of laparoscopy.
Laparoscopy uses small instruments and a lighted tube equipped with a video camera, all inserted through tiny abdominal incisions. The recovery period is quicker and less painful with a laparoscopy making it the preferred method of removal.
Unfortunately, the number of gallbladder operations has risen 40 percent since the introduction of the laparoscopy!
Perhaps the doctors would prefer to avoid severe attacks so, the gallbladder is removed with vague symptoms like bloating and gas. This equals unnecessary surgery!
Laporascopic removal of the gallbladder while used commonly is not without risk!
Accidental severing of the bile duct, which can cause permanent liver damage, occurs in 1 to 2 percent of laparoscopies—three times more often than in open surgery!
Function of the gallbladder
The gallbladder is located just under the liver and has a very important role in the digestive process.
According to Wikipedia:
In vertebrates the gallbladder (cholecyst, gall bladder, biliary vesicle) is a small organ that aids mainly in fat digestion and concentrates bile produced by the liver. The surgical removal of the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy.
To put it another way, it emulsifies fats. Think of trying to wash greasy dishes without soap. It is almost impossible.
Why? Because soap emulsifies the grease. Similarly, the gallbladder stores bile and bile acids, which emulsify the fat eaten so it can be properly transported through the intestine into the blood stream.
Bile is made in the liver, then stored in the gallbladder until the body needs it to digest fat.
At that time, the gallbladder contracts and pushes the bile into a tube--called the common bile duct--that carries it to the small intestine, where it helps with digestion. Under certain conditions the bile can harden into stones.
Types of gallstones
You may wonder how to get rid of gallstones naturally but, what about the different types of stones. Will one natural solution work for all types?
According to WebMD, there are two types of gallstones:
- Cholesterol stones made up of hardened cholesterol are usually yellow-green. 80 percent of gallstones are cholesterol stones. They are caused by too much cholesterol, bilirubin, or not enough bile salts or when the gallbladder does not empty as it should.
- Pigment stones made of bilirubin are small, dark stones. Their cause is uncertain although they tend to occur in people with cirrhosis, biliary tract infections, and hereditary blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia - these conditions cause too much bilirubin to form.
You can see both types in the photo below.
Either type of gallstones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. The gallbladder can develop either one large stone, hundreds of tiny stones, or almost any combination.
Symptoms of a Gallbladder Attack:
If gallstones lodge in any of the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the small intestines, a gallbladder attack occurs.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms have a rapid onset and may include:
- Steady pain in the upper abdomen that increases rapidly and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours
- Pain in the back between the shoulder blades
- Pain under the right shoulder
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal bloating
- Recurring intolerance of fatty foods
- Belching
- Gas
- Indigestion
An easy way to determine if your pain is related to the gallbladder is to press down below on your last rib on your right side and lined up with your nipple - if there is pain there is a good chance that you have a gallbladder problem.
Curing Symptoms Not the Problem:
The removal of the gallbladder is a procedure called Cholecystectomy. Following is information about the surgery from the American College of Surgeons.
Of the 1 million cholecystectomys or gallbladder removals that are done yearly, it is estimated that only a few thousand actually need to come out!
Sadly, as many as half of the patients continue to have pain after the gallbladder is removed.
Rather than treat the symptoms, more care should be taken to heed the warning signals and determine why the gallbladder is not functioning properly.
One way to relieve congestion in the gallbladder is a gallbladder cleanse or flush.
Healthline states:
There is no scientific evidence to support these claims, however. The body is able to cleanse and flush itself.
Medical News Today states:
A 2009 paper states that although scientific evidence to support a gallbladder cleanse is minimal, anecdotal reports indicate it may be helpful for some people.
I am not a medical doctor and do not pretend to give medical advise. But, I do want to share what has worked for me and how to get rid of gallstones naturally. That is, passing gallstones using the following gallbladder cleanse.
Even with "minimal" scientific evidence that this cleanse works, if you are one (like me) that it works for, it is completely worth giving it a try!
The following recipe is one I have used since my first attack in 2002.
I use it when I begin to experience pain in my right side, just under my ribs. It is a pain that once you have, you recognize instantly.
While I normally do not have severe pain (because I do the flush before it gets too bad), I have procrastinated and had sever pain, nausea and vomiting - all of which have been relieved for me by the following cleanse and passing gallstones.
How to Get Rid of Gallstones - Passing Gallstones Naturally
Gallbladder Cleanse Recipe
Days 1 - 6:
Drink 1 qt of apple juice each day for 6 days. Drink the apple juice in addition to your regular diet.
There is no specific time that you must drink it - I drink it throughout the day.
The apple juice contains limonoid which helps soften any gallstones and alleviate any pain you are experiencing.
Here is a link to the brand that I use: 100% Apple Juice
On the 6th day:
Do not eat anything after 6 pm.
At 6 pm, take 1 Tbsp Epsom salt with a full glass of water. Mix the Epsom salt in the water - it takes a bit of stirring. I take a big breath and down it quickly!
Around 8 pm repeat 1 Tbsp Epsom salt with a full glass of water.
Then at 10 pm - mix and drink quickly, 4 oz. olive oil and 4 oz. lemon juice.
Go to bed and in the morning you will pass any gallstones you may have. I normally have varying sizes of bright green gallstones visible in the toilet. The Epsom salt acts as a laxative to quickly remove the gallstones from the intestinal tract.
Here are links to the products that I use for this natural solution:
- 100% Apple Juice
- Epsom Salt
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice - Fresh lemon juice can also be used but since I normally have the bottled on hand so I use it.
FAQ
In an effort to make it easier for you, here are some of the most common questions that I receive about how to get rid of gallstones naturally using this gallbladder cleanse.
Passing gallstones can be done without surgery and I know your questions are important. I want to help you as quickly as possible. Hopefully, this section will help you get the answers you need when you need them. If you do not find what you are looking for, please leave a comment.
Is this gallbladder cleanse safe?
I personally have done this cleanse multiple times without any problems. I consider it safe or I would not do it.
Can Natural Remedies Have Side Effects?
You can expect diarrhea as a result of the Epsom salt. That is to be expected as the Epsom salt is used for its laxative effect.
It has been suggested by some critics that a stone may become lodged in the bile duct. In my fourteen years of experience, no one has reported this to me nor have I read reports of this happening. The apple juice is thought to soften the stones so they pass without any problems.
When passing gallstones, do the stones pass through the urine or stool?
They pass through the stool. I normally begin passing them in the next morning with my first bowel movement.
I started having diarrhea after the first dose of Epsom salt - is this normal?
Yes, this is completely normal. Epsom salt is used for its laxative effect to clear the intestines so the stones can be quickly eliminated before they are potentially reabsorbed through your intestinal walls.
How large a stone will this work on?
I cannot say how large is too large. I have never known the size of my stones while they are in my gallbladder. The apple juice works to soften the stones so passing gallstones does not cause any pain.
Will I get sick from this gallstone remedy?
I have never gotten sick from this cleanse. I normally feel full and gassy after the Epsom salt.
After taking the lemon juice/olive oil mixture, I do feel yucky but I have never vomited. (Even though I have wanted to!)
From the comments, there have been a couple of readers who did vomit after taking the mixture but again, I never have.
Can I use sea salt, table salt or rock salt instead of Epsom salt?
The other salts listed are forms of sodium chloride. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. They are two very different salts not to be used interchangeably.
Will Epsom salt raise my blood pressure?
No. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate not table salt which is sodium chloride.
Can natural remedies raise blood pressure?
The natural remedies that I have used will not raise the blood pressure. Of course, if you have an underlying condition or are in doubt, please seek the medical advice of your doctor.
What brand of Epsom salt do you use - will any do?
As long as there are no added fragrances, any will do - mine has the directions for laxative usage on the back of the package.
Here is the Epsom Salt that I use.
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What about the sites claiming this gallstone remedy is a hoax and you are not really passing stones?
There are several online sites claiming this is a hoax and I have read them. But, I disagree and if you have a gallbladder attack and try this cleanse, I think you will too.
The apple juice provides relief from the pain almost immediately. At the risk of sounding like a conspiracy theorist, traditional medicine stands to lose a lot of money if and when people begin to take responsibility for their health with natural solutions that work.
There are are several readers who have had their stones resulting from this cleanse analyzed by a lab and they were indeed gallstones.
Other readers who had ultrasounds before the cleanse showing gallstones and after the cleanse showing none. There is one reader who showed a decreased number of stones and was planning on doing another cleanse to get of rid them.
Are these really stones that result from the gallbladder cleanse?
Gallstones are not stones as in pieces of granite. There are two types of stones:
- Stones made of cholesterol stones
- Pigment stones made up of bilirubin. Like other fats, they float.
Do I take apple juice on the 6th day also?
Yes, you take it on the 6th day also.
Do I take the Epsom salt, olive oil/lemon juice mix only on the 6th day?
Yes, this completes the cleanse and is only done on the last day.
Is there an alternative to the apple juice - I don't want all the sugar?
I have never used anything else but a couple of readers report success with grapefruit juice and another with tart cherry juice.
What brand of apple juice do you use?
I use store bought that has no added sugar.
The brand that I use can be seen here 100% Apple Juice.
Can I juice my own apples?
Yes, but I have no idea how many it would take.
When do you drink the apple juice?
I drink it throughout the day - no specific time.
How much is 1 quart of apple juice?
1 quart = 32 oz = 4 cups = 0.95 liters
What type of olive oil do you use?
I use virgin olive oil. The flavor of extra virgin olive oil is just too strong for me.
This is the brand I use: Olive oil
Can I use other types of oil?
I have never tried it but I would think other healthy oils would be fine.
Do you use fresh squeezed lemon juice or store bought?
I have used both with success but, since I keep bottled lemon juice in the fridge, I normally use it.
This is the brand I use: Lemon juice
How do you get and keep the lemon juice/olive oil mixture down?
This, to me, is the most difficult part of the cleanse. It does not taste good but, if you mix it well, take a big breath and gulp it down, you can do it! After all, it is much easier than surgery! I then brush my teeth to get the taste out of my mouth.
How often can I repeat this cleanse?
I had a doctor say this could be repeated every 2 - 4 weeks for a time of healing. While on the GAPS diet, I did it monthly. Now I do it yearly as a maintenance, just to make sure nothing is building.
Can I do this cleanse while pregnant?
Passing gallstones with this cleanse can be done while pregnant. I have done it while pregnant without any problems. In fact, my first cleanse was when I was pregnant with our eighth child!
Can I do this cleanse while nursing?
I have done it while nursing without any problems.
Should I do a colon cleanse before the gallbladder cleanse?
I never have done a colon cleanse before doing the gallbladder cleanse and it still works great. Despite what others say, the colon cleanse is not necessary to do before doing the gallbladder cleanse.
After completing the gallbladder cleanse, do I need to lay on my right or left side?
I just lay down in bed and try to go to sleep. I find it more comfortable on my right side.
Do I have to go to bed after the olive oil/lemon juice mixture?
That is what the recipe says. It is easier to go to bed and go to sleep rather than stay awake and feel the effects of the Epsom salt. But, be prepared to get up and run to the bathroom for diarrhea! In my experience, passing gallstones occurs in the morning with my first bowel movement.
What type of diet do I eat during this gallbladder cleanse?
I eat a normal diet during the cleanse and afterwards. Our normal diet consists of low amounts of processed sugar, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits and veggies. Oh, and fresh raw dairy from our milk cow.
Susie says
Hi
Thank you for this I was told today that I have a gallbladder issue at the doctors they recommend me surgery but I don’t want to do that. I came across your article I’m going to give this a try but I’m confused on the last day at 10pm when I take the olive oil and lemon juice is it just that by itself or do I need to add the water and the epsom salt to??
Dina-Marie says
Susie, at 10 you just take the olive oil and lemon juice by itself.
cameron says
why dont any of the doctors or medical people or medical sites know about this solutions. Surely they are not all wrong by saying its rare to pass gall stones to any degree of solving things. in fact its stated it would take years to soften up or break apart a gall stone, and by passing one it could get caught in bile duct which will really cause problems. Can any here actually prove they had an ultrasound showing lots of stones to returning to an ultrasound showing no stones. need proof not new age ideas
Dina-Marie says
Cameron, first of all, I am a Christian and I am not interested in new age ideas either. I do want natural solutions that work and this has worked for me! Since it has worked for me I want to share it with others. You are welcome to read through the comments because there are a couple of readers who did have ultrasounds before and after doing this cleanse. And, the ultrasound showed the cleanse worked! If you have ever had gallstones, the relief that comes after this cleanse will also convince you. That being said, it is not a cure all. There is no such thing! But, I would rather try a natural solution first rather than opting for surgery first.
Joe says
I spoke to an eastern New age doctor about this on a removal, he was a GP for 25 years before he turned to New age homeopathic treatment.
This is exactly what he told me, modern medicine is taking old medical recipes and putting a patent on them to make money.
He said this exact recipe an explained this has been the same recipe for hundreds of years before modern medicine suggested surgery is the best cure
Dina-Marie says
Joe, just because this cleanse is being used by a new age doctor, does not mean that it is new age theology. My doctor, who is also a Christian uses this - it works!
tanaya chaturvedi says
Hi Dina, first of all thanks for this article - it really helped me. I have been having gall bladder pain for last 7 weeks and this really helped. However,I didn't really pass any stones that I know of and I'm not 100% yet, so would like to do it again, as my doctor is very enthusiastic about putting me on surgery next month. Can I do it with a week's gap or must I wait two weeks to try again? I would really prefer to keep my gall bladder :) Thanks for your help with that!
Dina-Marie says
Tanaya, I have done it with a week in between and did not have any problems. I certainly understand wanting to keep your gallbladder - I am the same way!
tanaya chaturvedi says
Perfect, thanks a ton! :)
Dina-Marie says
Tanaya, anytime!
Alexandra says
Hi Dina,
So I did my first flush a few months ago and had a lot of stones come out. Of course I thought I was done. But had another ultrasound and they didn't compare it to my first ultrasound. But she obviously saw stone. So I am preparing to do another one. I have joined a group on facebook and they do flushed as well. Some people done 22 flushed and have more pain than ever. I am wondering. How many have you done to get rid of all of your stones? They didn't tell me how many I have. It I am going be honest I am so scared to do so many and end up with pain like these ladies did. But I want to have faith that it will all be OK. Because there is no way I am ever having surgery.
Dina-Marie says
Alexandra, I have done the cleanse multiple times but after each time, I would have relief for a long time - like years, before another attack. Except, when I was first starting the GAPS diet. It is a high fat diet and the root problem was my digestion and that is the purpose of the GAPS diet - to heal your digestion. So, for a time, I did the cleanse monthly but, now I am back to just doing it yearly for maintenance - just to make sure there is nothing building up. I would take a look at your diet and even consider doing the GAPS diet to make sure your gut bacteria is good and you are digesting your foods properly. It has truly been amazing for me! I no longer suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, osteoporosis - food truly is medicine.
Rebecca says
I went to the chiropractor and he told me I had gallstones according to my X-ray. I decided to do the cleanse. Last night was my day 6. I had diarrhea a few times after the salt water. Then I drank the oil and lemon juice and really had to control myself and not vomit. My sleep was not peaceful but I knew it had to be done. I did not have a bowel movement throughout the night. I got up in the morning and had a BM. Lots of little green and yellow floating blobs. Totally worked!!! I’m going to do it again in about a month. So glad I did this before any pain started.
KIFAH says
hi Dina
i have done the check up and found one big gallstone , i have started with the apple juice since last Monday and will try to complete the recipe , my question is : is there any fear that the stone going to lodged in the bile duct? and is this recipe going to break the stones before passing them or it will be passed with the same size ?
thank you so much in advance Dian.
Dina-Marie says
Kifah, the purpose of the apple juice is to soften the stones so they pass without pain. I have never had a problem and do not know of anyone who did. However, a stone becoming lodged is a possibility. For me, I would rather need medical attention because I first tried a natural remedy that to opt for surgery first. That is me and everyone must decide what is best for them. I hope this helps.
Becky says
Hello!
Did you do this cleanse while pregnant? Also does it help with liver issues?
Thanks!
Dina-Marie says
Becky, as stated in the post, my first attack was while pregnant - I have done it while pregnant and while nursing and did not have any problems.
Gary says
Hi Dana,
I read through your page, the comments and I would like to try the cleanse as I prefer trying a natural remedy first. Can I mix honey with the oil/lemon juice as taste seem to be a common problem with the cleanse. Thank you.
Dina-Marie says
Gary, I would not because you don't want anything to interfere. I strictly do not eat and the one time I had a cup of coffee, the cleanse did not work as normal. Therefore, if I need it, I will sip water but that is all.
kathy harrell says
I have done this cleanse 5 times now and just had a ct scan and it shows that my gall bladder is still full of stones. What am I doing wrong.
Dina-Marie says
Kathy, I would say you are probably not doing anything wrong if you are following the instructions. Are you passing stones after the cleanse? Are you having pain? Did you have a CT scan before so as to know whether the number has decreased? Sorry for all the questions but these went through my mind.
LUISA says
Hello Dina-Marie.
Several days ago I read your article and yesterday I decided to do the treatment. I would like to ask you: How can I know or recognize that what I have passed are my gallstones? I have read your comments and you say that I can see them floating but... how can I identify that they are stones and not just normal stools? Thank you for your attention.
Dina-Marie says
Luisa, they are very different looking. They are little green floating things in various sizes. You will know.
LUISA says
Thank you for answering my questions. I was watching some videos on YouTube and now I am sure that I have passed several stones. Thank you very much for this article, it was very helpful for me. I will do a new cleaning in a few weeks to make sure my gallbladder is clean. Thank you again!
Dina-Marie says
Luisa, I am so glad it helped. Be sure to join the email club for the free checklist to follow this cleanse easily!