Gallstones are solid particles that develop in the gallbladder. These stones may form due to undissolved cholesterol or an excess of bilirubin, a pigment that originates from the breakdown of red blood cells.

If you suspect you have gallstones, contact a doctor before starting any natural or home remedy.

Can you remove gallstones naturally?

A small, jagged stone with a chipped piece to the bottom right depicting whether yo can remove gallstones naturally in 24 hours — Colour Laboratory/Stocksy United

Doctors typically recommend medications or surgery for treating or removing gallstones. However, home and natural remedies may help remove and prevent gallstones from forming in your gallbladder.

Little evidence about the effectiveness of natural remedies exists, and more research is needed.

Natural remedies cannot remove gallstones within 24 hours. However, they may help prevent their formation, and in some less severe cases, they may help dissolve small stones.

Gallbladder cleanse

A gallbladder cleanse is a procedure that may help flush gallstones out of your body. This procedure consists of drinking a combination of juice, herbs, and olive oil for 2 or more days. During this period, you should not drink anything other than this beverage.

However, this diet can cause harm, particularly to people who have specific health conditions, like diabetes. However, scientific evidence on the efficacy of a gallbladder cleanse is rare, and more research is needed to confirm if this procedure is beneficial.

Dandelion

Historically, people have used dandelion in salads, soups, or drinks to treat digestive symptoms or infections of the gastrointestinal system.

However, no scientific evidence exists to confirm whether dandelion helps remove gallstones.

Apple cider vinegar with apple juice

Although anecdotal evidence suggests apple cider vinegar with apple juice may positively affect gallstones, no scientific evidence confirms this.

However, apple cider vinegar is acidic, and consuming it may cause severe complications for people with specific health conditions, like diabetes and stomach ulcers.

Lysimachiae herba

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners use Jin Qian Cao or lysimachiae herba, also known as coin grass, as a gallstone remedy. A 2015 study suggests this plant may help prevent and treat cholesterol gallstones.

However, Chinese herbal practitioners will likely not prescribe this herb by itself. They typically prescribe a formula of different herbs to eliminate any side effects.

This traditional Chinese supplement is available as a liquid or a powder, and you should consider contacting a professional Chinese herbalist to ensure this herb suits your needs.

Yoga

A 2021 case report stated that integrated yoga and Ayurveda, which is an ancient medicine system, may help prevent the formation of gallstones and the management of acute calculus cholecystitis. This condition results from a blockage at the main opening of the gallbladder.

The report indicates that yoga, alongside a therapeutic diet, herbs, and herbal remedies, induces bowel movements, known as purging.

However, no scientific evidence confirms that Ayurveda and yoga can help treat and remove gallstones.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may help relieve gallstone symptoms and reduce your discomfort.

While there is not yet any scientific evidence to confirm that acupuncture can help remove gallstones, experts are currently conducting a randomized controlled neuroimaging trial to confirm the effects of acupuncture on gallstone pain.

Milk thistle

Milk thistle may help treat certain gallbladder and liver issues. However, No specific research focuses on milk thistle benefits in treating gallstones.

Milk thistles supplements come in pill form. You should speak to a doctor before taking milk thistles supplements, particularly if you have diabetes, as they may affect your blood sugar levels.

Additionally, some people may also have an allergic response to milk thistle.

Artichoke

Artichoke supplements may help stimulate bile production, improving liver and gallbladder function.

This may help prevent the formation of gallstones. However, no research specifically focuses on the effects of artichoke extracts on gallstones.

Castor oil pack

Castor oil packs are well-known remedies for several conditions among natural living enthusiasts and naturopaths.

However, no scientific evidence confirms that castor oil packs have any effect in treating gallstones, and you should check with a doctor or healthcare professional before using them. You should not use castor oil packs if you are pregnant.

Psyllium husk

Psyllium husk is a soluble fiber that may help your body process cholesterol and reduce the risk of developing cholesterol gallstones.

Although an older 1999 study supported this theory, more up-to-date research is needed to confirm the benefits of psyllium husk in treating gallstones.

What prescription medications may a doctor recommend?

Doctors and healthcare professionals only recommend gallstone medications in specific situations, for example, where a person has certain medical conditions preventing surgery.

Doctors typically prescribe ursodiol (Actigall) and chenodiol (Chenix) for treating gallstones.

Gallstones can return, and people may need treatment for extended periods. Some people may require treatment for the rest of their lives.

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Surgery to remove gallstones

A surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, known as a cholecystectomy, is one of the most common procedures that surgeons perform on adults in the United States.

People can live without a gallbladder, so a cholecystectomy is the most effective treatment to remove the risk of developing future gallstones.

Summary

Removing gallstones naturally within 24 hours is impossible, and there is little scientific evidence of the efficacy of natural remedies in gallstone treatments overall. However, certain supplements may help reduce the risk of developing this condition.

Surgically removing the gallbladder remains the first-line treatment for gallstones.

Doctors can also prescribe medications that can help you pass gallstones and prevent their formation. However, doctors usually only recommend this treatment for people unable to have surgery.

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