Home Remedies and Herbs for Gallbladder Attack (Biliary colic)

Gallbladder attack, or biliary colic, is a painful condition related to improper gallbladder function. The gallbladder is a small sac located under the liver that stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver. Bile aids with fat digestion in foods and is released from the gallbladder and delivered to the upper small intestine or duodenum through a small tube.^{1 2} A gallbladder attack results from two diseases. Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder and cholelithiasis is the formation of gallstones. Once gallstones form, they can block the tube connecting to the duodenum. This creates acute pain or a biliary colic.^{1 2}

Gallstones are hard particles that form in the gallbladder. They consist of hardened cholesterol, calcium, bilirubin, pigment or a combination of all. Gallstones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. They also range in hardness with some being sludge-like and some gallstones being rock hard.^{1 2} Approximately 10-15 percent of the adult population has gallstones with it occurring more frequently in women than men.³

What Causes Gallbladder Attack (Biliary Colic)?

Gallbladder attack causes are due to blockage of the tube between the gallbladder and the small intestine due to gallstones being passed. Gallbladder attack causes also include inflammation of the gallbladder due to gallstone presence.^{1 2} Gallbladder attack causes are clearly due to the presence and passage of gallstones which are hardened buildups of particles. Contributing factors to forming gallstones are:^{1 2 3}

• High fat diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• Liver disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Over 60 years of age
• Female
• Pregnancy
• Multiple childbirths
• Native American or Hispanic descent

Gallbladder Attack (Biliary Colic) Symptoms

Many people have gallstones and do not present symptoms. It’s when inflammation or blockage occurs that acute gallbladder attack symptoms are felt. Gallbladder attack symptoms are different in many people and range in duration and intensity. Symptoms include:^{1 2 3}

• Sudden and intense onset of abdominal pain
• Sharp pain in the upper right abdomen
• Back pain between the shoulder blades
• Pain in the right shoulder
• Nausea, chills and vomiting
• Bloating and indigestion
• Clay-colored stools

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Gallbladder Attack (Biliary Colic)

Gallbladder attack natural remedies are aimed at breaking down gallstones and relieving inflammation that causes pain. Helpful gallbladder attack natural remedies include:

• Apple Cider Vinegar and Apple Juice - Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature and helps stop the liver from overproducing cholesterol that creates gallstones. ACV and apple juice also play key roles in dissolving gallstones. Combining apple cider vinegar with apple juice makes the taste sweeter and the effects greater.
• Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice - Mixing apple cider vinegar with lemon juice produces an acidic effect that works to eliminate gallstones. Pectin in lemon juice works to reduce gallbladder pain.
• Flaxseed Oil - Flaxseed oil is one of the top natural remedies for treating gallbladder attack symptoms such as pain and inflammation.
• Lettuce - Eating fresh, raw lettuce reduces pain, gas and bloating associated with a gallbladder attack.
• Lecithin - Turmeric contains curcumin that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities that help prevent eye disease like cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma.Lecithin is a phospholipid found in fat cell membranes. Its role is to help move nutrients and waste including cholesterol. During digestion, lecithin binds with bile and removes bad LDL cholesterol that is a leading cause of gallstones.
• Apple Juice - Apple juice is acidic and works to break down gallstones. It can be mixed with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for added effect.

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/gallbladder-disease
2. http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-gallstones.html
3. https://draxe.com/gallstones/