Gallstones

Cause of Gallstones:

Bile stagnates in the gallbladder and becomes thick. It coagulates and slowly leads to stone formation.

Ayurvedic understanding of the root cause:

It is a kapha disorder. It is linked with underactive thyroid and slow metabolism.

Prevention of formation of gallstones:

• Take ¼ tsp of mixture of punarva, shatavari, kutki, chitrak, musta and shilajit in 5:4:2:2:3:¼ with honey thrice a day for 2-3 months.

Yoga exercises recommended:

• Bow pose
• Peacock pose
• Spinal Twist
• Narayan Pose - lying on the left side

Dietary recommendations:

Avoid the following foods:

• Deep fried foods
• Dairy foods
• Fatty foods (especially animal fat and saturated fat)

Pain management in case of gallstones:

• Cause of the pain: Pain occurs when gallbladder tries to push out the stones through the bile duct.
• Apply castor oil pack. Warm 3 tsp of castor oil and pour it on a handkerchief. Apply it on the right side of the abdomen above your navel but below your ribs. Apply hot water bottle over it. 
• In case of an acute gallstone attack, take ¼ tsp of musta, trikatu and guduchi in 4:3:6 ratio thrice a day.

Liver flush to eliminate gallstones:

• Caution: It should only be done if the stone is small and recently formed. It must be done only under the guidance of an Ayurvedic physician.
• Drink 220 gm of olive oil, 110 gm lemon juice, a freshly chopped garlic clove and ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper early in the morning on empty stomach.
• Don't eat anything till noon. Drink hot water or lime juice if you feel hungry.
• This will help gallbladder contract and release the stone in duodenum.
• Take ½ tsp of triphla with warm water at night, 
• The next day you would be able to pass some green stuff (coagulated bile) in your stool.

References:

Primary Reference: The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies - Vasant D Lad - Part 3