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.
Jeff Smith says
Is there ANY Scientific evidence or proof for any of this? I have not found any, but have found a lot of information that what may be expelled is not gallstones?!?
Dina-Marie says
Jeff, there is a comment from a reader who had her gallstones expelled via this cleanse analyzed and they were indeed gallstones. There is info (ie. quackwatch) to say that this is a hoax but, if you have ever had a gallbladder attack and experienced the relief (long term not just short lived) that comes with this cleanse, you would be a believer. The medical industry stands to lose a lot of money if people begin to take responsibility for their health and stop relying on the routine medical procedures that are done many times for the sake of money.
Rongs says
Hi, my 11 years old daughter has been diagnosed with gall stones about 7-8 mm in sizes. I would like her to try your cleansing therapy. Is it safe for an 11 year old? Please advice.
Dina-Marie says
Rongs, I used this cleanse when I thought our children had problems with their gallbladder and they were 7 and 10 at the time - they had no problems but again, I am not a doctor and can not give you medical advise - only what has worked for me and mine.
Jackie says
Dina, I did everything to the letter. The epsom fluid ran through me before I even drank the lemon juice/oil. The next morning--nothing. It is evening. Still nothing. I see that the purpose to flush is so that stones are not reabsorbed. how long does it take to reabsorb? can I try another epsom flush?
thanks
Jackie
Dina-Marie says
Jackie, I think if it were me (and I am not a doctor so can not give medical advise) I would try doing the cleanse again. I hope this helps.
Angelica says
I have a comment about Quackwatch.... I really don't pay attention to what they have to say because they say essential oils is complete quackery. Essential oils helped me save my foot and toes having to be amputated due to staph/MRSA entering my toes. It then went into my bloodstream and I was septic. While I was in the hospital my bp dropped from 42/18 at one point. I used essential oils and ginger root to raise my bp to normal limits (prayer too) and also to kill off the infection.
Separate time I used essential oils to regenerate nerves in my hand and avoided surgery after a terrible accident that left me with 17 stitches in my hand.
Sooooo..... this cleanse would be the least of my worries when big pharma has so many side effects all the time.
Brittany says
I had some issues after pregnancy that can only be described as gallstone problems. This was a year ago totally devastated my thanksgiving dinner. I found this cleanse and it really helped. I passed some stones and I was relieved of my pain. This really worked for me. My husband is now having problems and we are about to start him on this cleanse. Why do unnecessary surgery if you don't absolutely have to.
Dina-Marie says
Brittany, my thoughts exactly! I am so glad it helped!
Randy says
I just wanted to pop in, and share my experience with everyone here. I did the cleanse about 4 months ago, after experiencing about 6, extremely painful, debilitating, attacks, on a 4 week period, and I didn't want to undergo surgery, if there was any chance I could find another option. It absolutely solved the issue, and I started another round tonight, after feeling the signs I know so well at this point!
Some observations...1)I drank Simply Apple brand, because it's pure, without additives, and did not cause the heartburn, associated with processed juices, that I'm used to. 2) Try chilling the oil/lemon juice concoction...it helped cover the flavor. 3) I didn't notice the stones until the 2nd trip to the bathroom in the am...started with tiny crumbles basically, then the 3rd and 4th times (yes, be prepared to stay near the restroom ) pea sized, then almond sized stones!!
So THANK YOU for the remedy! I'm going to try it for several months consecutively, since It seems I may be more prone to them, then I'll start a quarterly cleanse, to be safe!
Nora says
Hello I think I have been having some gallbladder issues. I want to do this cleanse..I only concern is is there any risk of a very large stone getting stuck and becoming an emerg situations
Dina-Marie says
Nora, yes, as stated in the post, this is a risk. The purpose of the apple juice is to soften the stones so they will pass easily but it is possible that a stone would be too large to pass. I have never had a problem and everyone must weigh the risk with the potential benefit of avoiding surgery. I have been willing to take the risk because I would rather have surgery as a result of trying a natural remedy than merely opting for surgery without trying an alternative.
Sunny says
As you said there is risk that stone my get stuck. My wife having stones ranging size 4 - 6 mm. I am planning to use this remedy. Any idea if this much size stones safely pass out?
Also what was the size of your stones?
Dina-Marie says
Sunny, I never knew the size of my stones before doing the cleanse and I can't tell you the size which can pass safely. The apple juice softens the stones allowing them to pass without pain but other than that, I really don't know.
Dina-Marie says
Wendy, I have never had anyone email telling me they had a stone to get stuck. While that is a risk, I do not know of anyone that it has happened to and I am sure that if it had, I would have at least an email about it.
Jenny says
I am looking forward to try this. Is it okay if I drink water after the lemon juice and olive oil mixture? Not right away but maybe before going to bed, like an hour later? Thanks.
Dina-Marie says
Jenny, I normally do not drink anything else afterwards.
Amanda says
Thank you so so much for this cleanse. I was a bit wary but I'm so glad I did it. I passed so many stones, I couldn't count them. Some were the size of grains of rice and others the size of green peas. Looking forward to living live pain free. Thank you again:)
Murtaza says
I have a 1cm gallstone. Would that be ok to perform this cleansing for this size of stone, or if you can provide with some more info on this
Dina-Marie says
Murtaza, I am not a doctor and cannot advise you concerning the size of stones which are safe to do this cleanse for. I have never known how large my stones were beforehand but the purpose of the apple is to soften the stones allowing them to pass without discomfort. Also, it would probably be different a different size for different people.
Jhanee says
Do the stones pass thru the urinary tract?
Dina-Marie says
jhanee, the stones pass through your intestines.
Anuia says
Can it be any type of apple juice? I got 20 oz down of apple juice and automatically starting having heartburn. Is this just part of the process?
Dina-Marie says
Anuia, I usually take the apple juice at several times during the day rather than all at once.
Tara says
Is it ok to use pure Apple cider instead of Apple juice?
Thank you!
Dina-Marie says
Tara, I would think that would be fine although I have never tried it.
Sara says
I drink raw organic apple cider vinegar with one squeezed lemon and water.... It usually desolves the stones. I man at my church does this so i gave it a try and got relief from it! Sometimes it takes a couple of days but it works!
Dina-Marie says
Latoya, I am sorry but I do not know.
Merni says
Hello,
I am about to start taking the first set of Epsom salt. My question is, what is the first thing I should eat or drink tomorrow morning? Also, can I still take my thyroid medication on an empty stomach tomorrow morning?
Dina-Marie says
Merni, just eat and take your medication as you normally would the morning following the cleanse.
zelda says
Can you mix the apple juice with water?
Dina-Marie says
Zelda, I don't think it would make any difference.
Beaty says
I am going to try this. Background info:
-31 year old male
-athletic / muscular build
-first instance of gall bladder inflammation (I had a long/extra fun weekend of red meat and too much alcohol)
Today is May 30th, 2015 1830 and I am beginning my first quart of apple juice. I will continue to report as the days progress.
Beaty says
Well, I did a week of apple juice. I initially started with Walmart brand but I drank it all. I then switched to Motts Pure Applejuice. It may have been psychosomatic, but I think the Pure Applejuice did a better job o relieving the pain.
At 1800 June 5, I slugged down the first Epsom Salt and again at 2000 repeated. Thats been fun. My rear end is a bit raw but better than surgery right?
I've already prepared the olive oil and squeezed four ounces of lemon juice from 3 lemons. Once I down that, I will let you know how it goes in the morning!
Beaty says
Well, its 0800 and I have not noticed any changes. I slugged down the Lemon Juice / Olive Oil Concoction last night and went straight to bed. I used the bathroom once when waking up (I think it was left over from the Epsom Salts) but did not notice any sort of stone. If anything changes I will post it. Hope others have better luck.
Angelica says
Beaty,
I was eager to hear what happened in the end. Did you indeed pass any stones or did you not? Have you retried doing the cleanse to see if you have different results?