Understanding Gallstones in Ayurveda

Gallstones, known in Sanskrit as “Pittáshmarii” (pittá = bile, áshma = stone), are solid deposits that form in the gallbladder due to excessive bile impurities. In layman’s terms, the condition is often referred to as “Pittápáthurii”, with “páthar” meaning stone.

This condition is often seen in those with a sedentary lifestyle and a rich diet, especially among affluent individuals and housewives, as per traditional observations.

---

Common Symptoms of Gallstones

Symptoms may vary from mild to severe, depending on the stage of the disease. Some common signs include:

• Sharp pain on the right side of the abdomen, especially after eating
• Nausea and vomiting after meals
• Temporary relief after vomiting
• Loss of appetite in chronic cases
• Weakness or fatigue

These symptoms are usually more prominent when the stones block the bile ducts.

---

Root Causes of Gallstone Formation

In Ayurveda, gallstones are linked to the dysfunction of the liver, which plays a crucial role in:

• Secreting bile
• Purifying blood
• Transforming chyle into blood

When excess impurities and acidic substances are present in the bloodstream and chyle, they are excreted into the gallbladder via bile. Over time, these impurities crystallize, forming stones of various shapes and sizes.

Initially, the body may expel small stones naturally, but chronic cases result in larger stones that cannot be removed easily. This leads to severe pain and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

---

Ayurvedic Treatment for Gallstones

Yoga and Mudra Practice

Incorporate the following yoga practices for natural relief and bile regulation:

Morning Routine:

• Utkśepa Mudrá
• Yoga Mudrá
• Diirgha Pránáma
• Padahastásana
• Násápána
• Ágneyii Mudrá or Ágneyii Pránáyáma

Evening Routine:

• Agnisára Mudrá
• Karmásana
• Sarváuṋgásana

These help in enhancing liver function and easing bile flow.

---

Ayurvedic Diet Plan for Gallstones

Foods to Avoid:

• Non-vegetarian items
• Fried foods and ghee
• Spicy or oily food
• Alcohol and intoxicants
• Constipation-inducing foods

Foods to Include:

• Plenty of water (4–5 liters daily)
• Fresh fruit juices
• Lemon water
• Alkaline foods

Fasting Recommendation:
Fast on Ekádashii, Amávasya, and Púrńimá with lemon water. Avoid dry fasting. On severe days, take only lemon-water.

---

Dos and Don’ts for Gallstone Patients

Do:

• Maintain regular physical activity
• Prioritize liver-friendly, alkaline foods
• Include lemons in the daily diet (both as food and medicine)

Don’t:

• Skip hydration
• Indulge in rich or oily food
• Lead a sedentary lifestyle

---

Natural Ayurvedic Remedies for Gallstones

Remedy 1:

Boil one myrobalan (Haritaki) seed in cow’s milk, discard the seed, and drink the milk warm on an empty stomach.

Remedy 2:

Take equal parts of:

• Myrobalan (Haritaki)
• Muthá (Cyperus rotundus)
• Lodhá (Symplocos racemosa)
• Banyan fruit

Extract the juice and take two tolas (approx. 24 grams) every morning on an empty stomach.

💡 Note: This remedy also shows benefits in managing early-stage diabetes.

---

Final Thoughts

Gallstones are a serious yet manageable condition when addressed with the right Ayurvedic principles, dietary discipline, and lifestyle modifications. By restoring liver function and balancing bodily impurities, natural treatments can help dissolve stones and prevent recurrence without surgery.

Find safe Ayurvedic treatment for acidity that soothes stomach discomfort naturally.

Find effective home remedies for kidney stones explained in detail here.

Frequently Asked Questions:-

Trusted External Resources

For more information on Ayurveda, yoga, and natural wellness, explore these authoritative resources:

• Ministry of AYUSH – Government of India
• United Nations – International Day of Yoga
• World Health Organization – Traditional & Integrative Medicine
• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH, USA)
• The Ayurvedic Institute