Homoeopathic Remedies for Gallstones
Small stones in the gall bladder are common, and many people are not aware they have them
until a distressing episode occurs. If a gallstone moves into the duct that carries bile, and
stretches it or gets stuck, distressing symptoms (such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting,
fever, chills, even jaundice) can result. Some remedies may be helpful as first-aid for pain
relief, but medical care is required in these situations. A constitutional remedy chosen by an
experienced prescriber is the most appropriate way to treat deep-seated, serious, or chronic
conditions. Remedies below have been helpful to some people with gallstones. They are
mentioned here to introduce a few of the possibilities homoeopathy can offer, and not as
recommendations for self-treatment.
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also
“Using Homoeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homoeopathy?
Berberis vulgaris: This remedy may be indicated when stitching pains extend from the
gallbladder region to the stomach and sometimes to the shoulder. Sharp twinges radiating
outward can be felt in the groin and pelvic bones and may seem to come from the lower back.
Pain can be worse when the person is standing up, and from changing position. The person may
be constipated and have a tendency toward gout or joint pains. Rapidly changing states (sudden
thirst, then thirstlessness; hunger, then a loss of appetite) can point to this remedy.
Calcarea carbonica: When a person needing this remedy has gallbladder problems, the
abdomen may feel swollen on the right and be very sensitive to pressure, with cutting pains
that extend to the chest and are worse from stooping, The person feels worse from standing,
worse from exertion, and better from lying on the painful side. Calcarea carbonica is
often indicated for people who tire easily, feel cold and sluggish with clammy hands and feet,
crave sweets, and tend to feel anxious and overwhelmed when ill.
Chelidonium majus: This remedy is often indicated when pain extends to the back,
right shoulder, and shoulder-blade. The abdomen is distended, with a constricting feeling as
if a string were pulled across it. Pain is worse from motion, and lying on the left with the
legs drawn up may help. The person may feel nauseous, especially after eating fat or drinking
something cold (warm drinks stay down more easily). The person may feel tired, worse from
being cold, and worse in the early morning.
Colocynthis: Cutting, cramping pains that make a person double over or want to lie
down and put hard pressure on the abdomen may indicate a need for this remedy. Pain in the
upper right abdomen, extending to the shoulder, may also be seen. A person needing this remedy
may have aggravated physical symptoms after feeling angry or emotional, especially after
suppressing those feelings.
Dioscorea: This remedy is indicated when abdominal pain from gallstones is relieved
by bending backward, and is worse when the person is bending forward or lying flat. Standing
up and moving around in open air can also bring improvement. Pains can spread to the back,
chest, and arms, or may shift around. The person tends to feel worse in the evening and at
night, and also when lying down.
Lycopodium: This remedy is often indicated for people who have chronic digestive
problems with abdominal bloating, flatulence, and discomfort. Problems are worse from eating,
and the pains may extend from the right side to the left. A person who needs this remedy
typically craves sweets, prefers warm drinks, and may feel worse in the late afternoon and
evening.
Nux vomica: Constricting pains that travel upward, stitching pains, and a swollen
feeling in the upper right part of the abdomen suggest a need for this remedy. Digestive
cramps and nausea, along with a general feeling of chilliness, are likely. The person may
crave fats, strong spicy foods, alcohol, coffee and other stimulants, and feel worse from
having them. Irritability and impatience are usually pronounced when this remedy is
needed.
Podophyllum: This remedy is sometimes indicated in liver and gallbladder problems
when soreness is felt in the upper right part of the abdomen along with a feeling of weakness,
sinking, or emptiness. Heat may also be felt in the area. Constipation with clay-colored
stools that are dry and hard to pass may alternate with watery diarrhoea.
Homoeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homoeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homoeopathy? and Understanding Homoeopathic Potencies.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes
only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical
experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not
necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before
making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.