Gallbladder Stones (Gallstones)/ Cholelithiasis

Ayurvedic Treatment for Gallbladder Stones (Gallstones)/ Cholelithiasis

The gallbladder is an organ that lies underneath the liver. Bile is secreted from the liver and is stored in the gallbladder. Then gallbladder contracts which lead to bile secretion into the intestine. During this process of contraction of the gall bladder number of hormone levels increases. Due to this some of the chemical which exists in the gallbladder solidify into large stone or several small stones which get stored in the gallbladder which is usually silent but can lead to pain sometimes. Gallstones are also popular by the name Cholelithiasis which means a condition where stones which can be present in either the gallbladder or the common bile duct. This stone can block the passage of the normal flow of the bile if they get lodged in the ducts carrying bile from the liver to the small intestine. These ducts are the hepatic duct, cystic duct, or the common bile duct.

Incidence and Prevalence

Gallbladder stones can be seen from the age of 15 years to 85 years but are most commonly seen in the age group of 31 to 60 years. The prevalence of Gallstones is around 6% to 9% in adults. Age, Gender, diet, and sedentary lifestyles play a major role in the prevalence of gallstones.

Causes

It is found there is no specific cause of gallstones but it is found that the people suffering from gallstones usually have excess Cholesterol, excess Bilirubin, and history of obstruction in the bile duct. There are 3 types of gallstones namely cholesterol gallstones, pigment gallstones, and mixed gallstones. Cholesterol Gallstones is the most common type of gall stone which is composed usually of cholesterol that is secreted by the liver and is yellow-green. Pigment gallstones are usually composed of calcium salts or bilirubin and are dark brown or black. Mixed stones are cholesterol stones that are acted by the bacteria of the body and immune cells used to break down bilirubin. The chemical composition of the stones gets disturbed and they resemble pigment stones to some extent.

Risk Factors

Females and obese have a high risk of developing gallstones. Pregnant women or women consuming birth control pills produce large amounts of estrogen hormone which increase the cholesterol concentration in blood and bile and may produce gallstones. High fat and high cholesterol regular intake increases cholesterol in bile leading to the formation of gallstones. History of high cholesterol and gallstones.

Signs and Symptoms

Gallstones are usually silent and do not produce any signs and symptoms. But it is observed that if they are not treated for many years may produce the following symptoms. The presence of excruciating pain is usually felt in the upper right part of the abdomen. Colic pain due to obstruction in the bile ducts followed by nausea and vomiting. Inflammation associated with fever and chills are seen in case of infection in the gallbladder due to gallstone Swelling, tenderness, inflammation of the pancreas, bloating, indigestion, and heartburn are other symptoms in the gallstones.

Ayurvedic View

In Ayurveda, gallbladder stones are correlated to ‘Pittashmari’ which is caused by the vitiation of all the three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Excessive consumption of pitta food like hot, spicy food and high amount of alcohol, etc. causes the formation of stones. Excessive Kapha food like fatty heavy foods mixes with the pitta and produces a highly sticky mixture whereas Vata causes this mixture to dry up and mould it into the shape of the stone. The treatment focuses on liver cleansing medication and herbs which restore the function of the liver. Panchakarma treatments like Herbal enemas and induced purgation also play an important role in the treatment.