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.
DM says
How does any of the mixture make it up the bile duct into the gall bladder?
Dina-Marie says
DM, it is the amount of oil in the digestive tract that triggers the liver and gallbladder to flush bile to take care of the oil.
NJ says
Hi Dina-Marie, Thank you for sharing your experience of the gallbladder cleansing. I have been reading about the gallbaldder cleansing after I found out that I have a gallstone size of 12mm from the ultrasound scan. Thank you for the reassurance that it is safe to perform even when one is pregnant and nursing. One question that is weighing on my mind is it essential to cleanse the colon before and after the gallbladder cleanse to avoid any trapped stones stick to the intestine walls? . Thank you again.
NJ
Dina-Marie says
NJ, I have never done a colon cleanse beforehand and have not had any problems. I would recommend doing what you are comfortable with!
Jenna says
First let me say how much I appreciate an RN promoting natural remedies. It’s refreshing.
I’ve done this cleanse once in full after a trip to the ER left me with the recommendation for removal of my gallbladder. My attacks were lasting all night long, 6-8 hours and I felt like my entire core was on fire internally. I had several of them before a high fever kicked in so I dragged myself in concerned about infection. They did an ultrasound and it was chock full of what looked like pea sized stones. I asked if there was an alternative to surgery as of course was told no. I told them I would get back to them on scheduling knowing full well there was something available...our bodies are designed to heal themselves. Sure enough within 15 minutes of searching I found a cleanse like this one. The only difference was no epsom salt. I followed it and sure enough, out the stones came and I didn’t have any issues again for a couple years. I did get some discomfort after starting a keto diet so I stopped and started another cleanse. I do not remember why I didn’t finish beyond the Apple juice but the pain had completely vanished and I was fine again for a couple more years. Now I’m in the middle of a cleanse because I started experiencing attacks again a few days ago. They are very mild in comparison to those 8 hour ones I was having. My symptoms were different this time too and I didn’t make the connection until I had the first attack which was accompanied by a low grade fever. I was getting pain in my right shoulder blade which is relatively normal for me because it’s where I carry my stress. I didn’t get the discomfort in my side like I did before. Needless to say after the first set of attacks (they came in 2’s lasting about 10 minutes each) I went out and got my apple juice and some low fat foods. I have noticed fat, even healthy ones irritate it further. I’m on day 3, had 2 sets of short attacks on Friday, was fine all day Saturday, and then had about an hour long one today. Still mild in comparison to previous experiences but painful nonetheless. I read flax tea is supposed to help relieve the pain...it didn’t work for me. Then I read adding ACV to apple juice would relieve it quickly so I tried it, as much as my body hates ACV unless it’s a salad dressing. I read lie down on right side to increase bile flow and put pressure on left side (pancreas) to relieve pain. That seemed to work. By then I was exhausted so I decided to go to bed early and unfortunately made the mistake of lying down on my back...I ended up running to the bathroom and throwing up all the ACV. After that the pain slowly subsided completely within about 15 minutes and I am now currently lying in bed on my side. Will continue with day 4 of ONLY apple juice tomorrow. Not looking forward to day 6...the oil and lemon juice is definitely not pleasant in taste or texture so plugging of the nose and chugging is the best way to go. I will be trying with avocado oil this time since it’s much milder in flavor. I haven’t decided if I’m doing the epsom salt yet. I got moving pretty well just with oil last go ‘round. Also in case anyone is wondering, of course organic juice is best to avoid pesticides however, if organic isn’t in your budget, this works just fine with the $1.50, 64 oz bottles of 100% juice with no added sugar from Walmart or wherever you shop.
Dina-Marie says
Jenna, thank you for your encouragement and I am glad you finding relief!
Reg says
Can not find any information re: apple juice containing limonoids, grapefruit juice yes, but not apple juice. My wife is allergic to citrus so opted for apple. I understand that limonoids soften the stones. Please advise re: apple juice and limonoids.
Dina-Marie says
Reg, yes citrus does contain a large amount of limonoids and you are getting that with the lemon juice but apples have it also and taken over the week preceding the cleanse help not only soften but also with the pain.
Bridgette says
Hi Dina-Marie,
Firstly, congratulations on your family. Wow- 10 kids! What an achievement.
I was diagnosed with gallstones last month (May 2019) due to some slight pain in my upper, right abdomen just under the ribcage. The pain subsided but through an ultrasound it was confirmed I have stones.
I did a cleanse last week (Dr. Axe liver and gallbladder cleanse) but unfortunately I did not pass any stones. I know this because I had another ultrasound this morning that showed the same (stubborn) stone still in the duct. :-/
I'm going to try the cleanse recipe that you have on your website this go around but I'm wondering how soon I can do this since I just did a cleanse last week....... I've read you should wait a month before doing another cleanse....
Also, I've read Ox bile is good to take after a cleanse to help build back up the bile. I'd like your thoughts on this, please?
Thanks so much for your help.
Dina-Marie says
Bridgett, I have not taken Ox bile so really can't say. I hope this helps and yes, I have normally waited for a month between cleanses but have done it as instructed by my doctor for eczema every 2 weeks for a short period of time.
Nadira Jeffrey says
Good morning Dina,
Congrats! On a motherhood of 10 children I gather your life is very exciting every day. God bless you!
However, I have acid reflux as well as gallstones. I am scheduled for surgery in August. But a mutual friend convince me to do some researches and cancelled the surgery, because it works. Also, her mom has the surgery and regretted having hers taken out.
So, here I am researching and found your website. I will definitely try your remedy and pray that it works.
Thank you for sharing your alternative remedy that worked for you. Before I go, I am a little against pregnant mothers using the remedy because of the Epson salt and which may cause early delivery in some pregnancy.
Nevertheless I will certainly try it and will be happy to report my result.
Thank you!
San says
..sounds effective..will try it..n will definitely be back to give z feedback...been suffering n want an easy way of getting rid of z gallstone..thanksssss for helping by sharing ur personal experiences...💕
Gabriela Correa Vazquez says
Can you coat your tongue with organic honey to be able to tolerate the olive oil going down?last time i spit all the oil out, cuz it didnt make it down.
Dina-Marie says
Gabriela, I have never done that but if you try, let me know how it works!
Tina says
Hi
I've done this flush annually for almost 10 years and no more gallbladder attacks. However I am due to have a frozen embryo transfer in a few days and would desperately like to do the gallbladder flush again soon. Can I do this flush if I'm pregnant?
Dina-Marie says
Tina, I did my first one while pregnant and did not have any problems but you will have to decide if it is right for you to do - I just want to share what has worked for me!
Edna Byington says
Hi DM,
I am now doing your gallbladder cleansing recipe, as i told that i got a gallstone also from my ultrasound and i don't like surgery also. So today is my 6th day and just done drink the epsom salt, before i took the epsom salt, i felt i have already diarrhea lol is it normal? One more thing can i drink more apple juice or water? And after the olive oil and lemon can i eat any food or not? I am a Filifina (from Philippines) but i lived now in Tenesse USA so sorry For my speech.. not good in english yet.. Have a good evening..God Bless and thanks for your help for your recipe..
Dina-Marie says
Edna, I only drink water after the epsom salt mixture. And, yes, diarrhea is normal. You are doing great!
Edna Byington says
Hello DM,
It’s Edna again, i want to thank u for your help about your recipe, and it works for me, I’ve done the flush and saw some dark green stuff when i go to the toilet that morning for my 7th day, But i still felt some discomfort a little bit on the right side on my rib it is like a bit pinching there. Is it that mean that i still have stone? Do i need to do it again after 2 weeks?
Thank u so much for u, you are a great Blessings for us..
God Bless u always..
Dina-Marie says
Edna, I would give it a day or two - sometimes I feel a bit of discomfort just from the contracting of the cleanse. Otherwise, you might want to wait a month and repeat but it is completely up to you. Thank you for your encouragement!