Natural Remedies for Gallbladder Attacks

Flax Seeds

Posted by Luna (Silver Spring, Maryland) on 07/14/2012
★★★★★

Thank God for Earth Clinic and all the beautiful and good hearted people who share their experiences using alternative methods for healing! I suffered several attacks of gallblader pain in the past 17 years. Thank God I have not have one in the last three years. They stopped at all. I always wondered what made them go and came to the conclusion, after reading these posts, that it had to be the flaxseed tea. I started the tea because I wanted to lose some weight. Please give this a try. Boild a couple cinammon sticks and three teaspoons of flaxseeds in two cups of water for 10 minutes. Cover pot and let it stand for approximately 15 minutes before drinking. Add honey to taste and enjoy it. Blessings!

General Feedback

Posted by Sandy (Paso Robles, Ca Usa) on 08/28/2011

Great site- really helpful esp. Ted. Been all over. But I did want to share about my gallbladder issues. There is a good herbal formula I resort to whether it is stomach or gallbladder. It is Health Concerns GB6. One pill will take away my pain in an hour. It is an herbal formula that my natural Dr. Gave me. And you must wait and not take right after a meal. At least an hour after a meal. But I will try some of the other ideas as well.

I used to have Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue and am well and the biggest thing was food allergies. They trigger so much. I cannot eat egg (and I believe that happened because of the flu shots) I had to take two of them years ago to take care of my ailing dad. Albumen in the shots and my body rejected it and now after eating eggs my whole life I cannot have any. Eating something with egg would give me both migraine and gallbladder pain.

But that aside the other big thing is sugar. NO ONE wants to hear that but you have to stop eating it. It is sooo destructive. Think of it this way:

The strongest bone in your body is your teeth and what eats teeth???SUGAR! So what is it doing to the rest of your body?

I don't eat it anymore. I do use a little honey and agave syrup because I hate Stevia.

I am thinking seriously about the fat issue and also something else I figure out. I can go along fine until I start to exercise and then I get sick. I think when I start to burn fat my body flips out as much as if I ate a fatty meal. And the water isuse is BIG. Water is so big. No one drinks enough water. I drink nothing but water and until my pee is very light lemon colored.

Check out the water cure and learn alot!!

www.watercure.com

I am also thinking more about trying to eat a little more fat like some of the posts mentioned.

Having the herbs and all is great BUT we need the CAUSE so we can be cured otherwise we are not much better than the Dr.s with their meds and surgeries.

Apple Juice

Posted by Amanda (Yankton, Sd) on 06/22/2011
★★★★★

I have recently had issues with my gallbladder, and I read somewhere that apple juice may help prevent symptoms. I now drink at least a glass a day, I chose the all natural stuff personally, and if I have eaten something that I know will probably trigger an attack, I drink an extra glass before I go to sleep. So far, most excellent results for three weeks now, no attacks, and no pain. I wish someone else who gets attacks would try for awhile and let me know if it works for them or not. Just thought I'd share my good luck with something semi-preventative with you all.

Apple Juice

Posted by Mama to Many (Tennessee) on 02/04/2016

I wonder if you have a gallstone stuck in the bile duct? If you have tried the Apple Cider Vinegar in juice or water remedy and you are still in severe pain like that, I think I would go to the ER.

~Mama to Many~

Lecithin

Posted by Pay It Forward (PNW) on 03/12/2022 72 posts
★★★★★

Sunflower Lecithin powder works great. I use a personal blender to combine it into a hot herbal tea 2X daily (1 Tbsp ea). Granules blend easier but are challenging to find. I would buy a bag at my local health store but then I moved and need to find a new source. Back to the powder.

Coconut Oil

Posted by Noel (Manila, Phillipines) on 02/27/2007
★★★★★

Chronic gallbladder pain: I took 2 tablespoons of VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) and within 2 weeks felt much better. It also helped me in my bowel movements. I used to very irregular. Now its every day! VCO that has been extracted using a cold press method.

Artichokes and Beets

Posted by Ellen (USA) on 02/05/2022
★★★★★

My wellness Doctor suggested eating artichokes and beets daily with a little olive oil. Seems all 3 work! No more gallbladder attacks.

Apple Juice

Posted by Ursa (St. Petersburg Florida) on 09/11/2016
★★★★★

I started getting gallbladder attacks years ago. It was a terrifying, painful, and miserable experience. I learned about apple juice and began drinking it daily. I stopped having attacks. A few years went by and I pretty much forgot that I used to get attacks so regularly. I fell out of my apple juice habit. A few months later I had the worst attack I had ever had. It was paralyzing and I was busy at work and couldn't do anything about it for two hours. I used apple juice with a shot of apple cider vinegar and the attack stopped immediately. I did this plus unmixed apple juice the rest of the day. I passed a lot of stones but the pain was gone. I've been on daily apple juice since and have never had any further attacks. This time, I won't forget and won't fall out of the habit. I keep organic apple juice well stocked in my pantry and never allow myself to even get down to even my last two bottles. It's worth keeping it well stocked. I don't put vinegar in it for this. My daily maintenance is just a glass of straight apple juice, sometimes I have a small glass of juice and a small serving of apple sauce but I don't find it necessary to go apple crazy to keep the attacks away. It really doesn't take much when done daily.

Activated Charcoal

Posted by Denise (Kelowna, Bc) on 01/29/2016
★★★★★

After 25 years of suffering periodic, severe attacks of abdominal pain, I have finally figured out it has been my gallbladder. For relief, I have been relying on activated charcoal tablets (can buy at most natural food stores). After I feel the first twinge, I take 2, then two more every 30 minutes until the pain subsides. It doesn't work immediately, but it definitely helps. I don't go anywhere with charcoal.

Pickle Juice

Posted by April (Pensacola, Fl) on 07/19/2014
★☆☆☆☆

Pickle juice did not work for me.. And neither did the apple cider vinegar. Actually... Nothing works for me.

Pickle Juice

Posted by Steve (Nv) on 08/27/2017

Have you tried the Hulda Clark liver/gallbladder flush? Primary ingredients are olive oil, lemon juice, and epsom salt. They definitely will clean out the liver/gb. Google it. Sometimes it can take several flushes to see stones come out if you have. But they will come out eventually with this cleanse.

Apple Juice

Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 09/02/2013

1 T. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar in 8 oz. of water, sipped over a half an hour helps me when I have a gall bladder flair up. If that doesn't work, a castor oil pack always does. I put castor oil onto a cotton (or wool) cloth and put it over the pained area. Cover with plastic wrap and clothes. Top off with a heating pad. I usually keep it on an hour or two, but releif is usually noticed by my in 30 minutes.

Hope that helps!

~Mama to Many~

Cinnamon

Posted by Veronica (St Louis, Mo., Usa) on 03/03/2013
★★★★★

Hi- I just wanted to post something I stumbled across completely by accident. I had been having daily gallbladder pain and had tried a flush (the apples one on here) and used lemon juice daily for two weeks with some success.

Then I accidentally bought some Chai tea and it tasted funny so I added cinnamon to it- and no gallbladder pain for the last few days- WEIRD and wonderful!

Granted- this is totally my expereince and I would not presume to tell anyone this is a cure- but cinnamon is cheap and easy to add to tea - so try it and post if it works for you too.

I add about a teaspoon to a cup of tea (Vanilla chai by bigelow) either once or twice a day.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Ytk (Bend, Or) on 02/08/2012

My naturopath informed me that low fat diets can exacerbate the problem (I was on very low fat HCG diet and that caused gallbladder issues). Good oils such as olive oil need to be ingested.

Lavender Oil

Posted by Jill (Bronx, New York, United States) on 12/17/2009
★★★★★

Biliary Pain (Gallbladder, Sphincter of Oddi, Pancreatitis)

Although I had my gallbladder removed 9 months ago, I still get the classic "attack" pain every now and then. While I will get this checked out with my doctor (it is most likely a 'Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction') in the meantime I discovered a fantastic remedy that relieves the pain within SECONDS.

One drop of pure 100% essential oil of Lavender in a tall glass of water. Sip it slowly and steadily. I went from doubled over and delirious in pain to blissful relief in no less than 30 seconds (and have not had an attack since). I make sure I always have some on hand just in case though. A nice side-effect was it relaxed me so much I enjoyed a lovely afternoon nap! Lavender is on the FDA "GRAS" List (generally recognized as safe) for ingestion. Make sure whatever brand you purchase is 100% pure essential oil (not diluted with jojoba or other carrier oils... those would not be suitable for ingestion).

Flax Seeds

Posted by Anita (Dracut, Ma, United States Of America) on 07/06/2010
★★★★★

I found this flax seed tea works very well for gallbladder attacks. I have used the same recipe as Kelly but I also let it steep for 10 min after boiling. I also did not grind the seeds before boiling.

I find the texture very difficult to swallow (pardon the pun) so I dilute the tea with hot water (about 1:1) then drink two cups. The new addition of stevia sweetener was very helpful. This remedy works within 10 minutes and is very safe. I have, literally, been brought to my knees with chest and back pain, following spicy or rich foods, that can be attributed to gallbladder attacks. I drink the tea with the first signs of discomfort and have not had a severe attack since.

Lecithin

Posted by Faith (Forest Park, Ohio) on 01/04/2012

NOT EVERYONE can HANDLE the SOY, I would not recommend it for anyone because it could eventually lead to other problems. That said, FLAX SEED and EGGS are rich in lecithin, so is BEE POLLEN, make those a part of your daily regimen and you will get plenty of NATURAL lecithin!

Chanca Piedra

Posted by Art (California) on 08/29/2025 2877 posts

Hi Lynda,

Probably no supplements for a congenital defect, but with pancreatitis a known potential complication of pancreas divisum, perhaps having a plan for such an event might be worthy of consideration.

In the following literature they discuss the usefulness of melatonin for pancreatitis :

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3347751/

Here is a relevant quote :

' Melatonin is an indoleamine which is produced from L-tryptophan in the pineal gland and in the other tissue including gastrointestinal tract. Both melatonin and its precursor have been demonstrated to protect the pancreas against acute pancreatitis and to attenuate pancreatic tissue damage. In the pancreas melatonin and L-tryptophan activate complex mechanisms which involve direct scavenging of the radical oxygen and nitrogen species, activation of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dysmutase, glutation peroxidase), reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, activation of heat shock protein, and a decrease of necrosis and increase of regeneration in the pancreas. There are several arguments for the idea that endogenous melatonin produced in the pineal gland and in the gastrointestinal system could be the part of a native mechanisms for protecting the pancreas against acute damage: 1/ the melatonin precursor L-tryptophan exerts similar protective effect as melatonin, 2/ application of the melatonin receptor antagonist, luzindole aggravates acute pancreatitis, 3/ pinealectomy results in the exacerbation of acute pancreatitis, 4/ low melatonin plasma levels are associated with an increased risk of severe acute pancreatitis. These observations leads to the idea that perhaps melatonin could be used in clinical trials as supportive therapy in acute pancreatitis. '

Given these known protective effects of melatonin for pancreatitis, perhaps melatonin gel applied over the area of the pancreas combined with oral melatonin may offer a way to reach relevant local tissue levels of melatonin in the area of the pancreas as well as in the pancreas simultaneously to potentially stop a pancreatitis flare up in its tracks? Melatonin gel can also offer pain relieving effects and pain is a definite part of pancreatitis.

Given the known safety profile of both oral and topical melatonin, this is something you folks can discuss with his doctor as a potential preemptive against pancreatitis in your son and your doctor can oversee its use if he agrees on this approach.

Topically applied melatonin accumulates in the stratum corneum and releases over an approximate 24 hour period somewhat like a patch and does enter the blood and go systemic.

Just something for you and his doctor to consider given the known potential for pancreatitis with pancreas divisum.

Here is how to make melatonin gel :

https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/melatonin-gel.html

Art

Pickle Juice

Posted by Charity (Faithville, Usa) on 08/27/2017

I'd think that over and try more stuff first.

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/cholecystectomy.html

Good fats, B vitamins for digestion+ kefir, milk thistle for liver detox, those stones form in the liver and drop down into the gallbladder, chance piedra for stones, apple cider vinegar for ph, castor oil packs on liver

Throw the sink at it~~~ but try to keep it.

Instant Relief Juice

Posted by Semele (Australia) on 07/03/2014
★★★★★

I have a 4 week old child and got my first gallbladder attack at 15 weeks pregnant which put me in emergency. Throughout my pregnancy we managed avoiding attacks with a very strict diet; something as simple as lamb cutlets would strike a severe attack. towards the end of my pregnancy. I was getting a nasty attack weekly, so you know my pain threshold. My most recent attack was last week and that one put me in hospital and to compare the pain, I would have preferred to go through my labour and childbirth drug free again; and yes, the birth is fresh in my mind only being 4 weeks ago. My gallbladder attacks can be nasty; just waiting for my body to settle from birth to get surgery.

Instant relief from severe gallbladder attack:

3 tablespoons organic apple cider vinegar mixed in a juice consisting of:

2 apples; 1 beetroot; 1/4 cucumber, 1/3 lemon (rough estimates) and a couple of drops of flaxseed oil if you can get your hands on it.

Get in the shower. Hot water on your abdomen/gallbladder, arms above your head against the wall; if you have someone with you, get them to apply pressure and massage in between your shoulder blades.

it takes between 10 - 20 mins to work. But you will have instant relief!

Only on 2 occasions did I need a second drink and same process above for it to completely get rid of the pain and only twice did I end up in emergency.

Apple Juice

Posted by Michelle (San Benito, Texas) on 12/24/2013

I had an attack five days ago and still have pain that goes and comes, will it lighten up?

Apple Juice

Posted by Marie (New York) on 12/24/2013

Hi;

I believe I was having gallbladder issues and so I started with 1 tablespoon of non soy Lecithin in morning on food ..and then another tablespoon in the afternoon... I also was doing two lemons in water everyday and 2 tablespoons of ACV in water before each meal...and from advice from great lady in healthfood store have been taking two probiotics after dinner.

I also do acupressure which is called EFT.. tapping. You can look that up. Its been awhile now and maybe more than three months but my pain has subsided and feeling way better than I was. Apparantely lemons and lecithin and ACV wash out the cholesterol in the liver and gallbladder which is talked about here on EC...It might even have lowered my bp because that might have been the cause of it all along..but not sure about that one yet. You might have to tweak your own remedies but its worth it in the long run.. I wanted a cure and not just the immediate fix although the ACV and apple juice works well.

Good Luck

Bowel Function

Posted by Christian (Clacton, Essex) on 08/30/2011
★★★★★

Keeping the bowel moving is a key to stop the liver/gallbladder system gettting congested; probiotics, raw food, healthy fats, fibre such as psyillium, inulin, kefir etc. Chlorella can help normalize bowel function, and gut ecology but should be introduced slowly, and may require the help of digestive enzymes.

Artichoke extract can help, five days on followed by two days off.

if nuasea or an attack develops, lay off fats and oils for a few days, take plenty of water and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of Choline bitarterate each day in body temp water will help, especially with nausea.

A Cacommile or choline bitarterate retention enema follow by swedish bitters will help. some people do 3 enemas within 36 hours, but dont forget to drink plenty of water, fibre, moderate amounts of healthy food and probiotics.

got to normalize bowel function as priority. if constipation is present or you alternate between that and loose fatty pale stools the liver is struggling and will do so as long as bowel function is poor.

some people find a castor oil pack with hot water bottle on it, - over the gallbladder/liver area for 30 mins gives relief AFTER an enema has been given.

do keep well hydrated, especially if using enemas.

Lavender Oil

Posted by Sherry (Kalso, Bc Canada) on 02/13/2011
★★★★★

Hi I wanted to say thanks for this suggestion. I have recently started having attacks and found out I have gall bladder sludge. I checked out this site and found the lavender oil to be something I could both afford and consume without gagging. I am amazed!! It really has cut the attacks and pain down to almost nothing!! I put a drop in a large glass of water and just sip it all the time!! An extra benefit has been the freshest breath of all time! Thanks again for a great idea :)

Flax Seeds

Posted by Kelly (Cincinnati, Ohio) on 10/25/2009
★★★★★

a good remedy for gall bladder pain is to take 1 TBSP of flax seed with 2 1/2 cups of water and boil for 5min. pour off flax seed oil (rich in omega-3 fatty acids, life fish) and drink. I put some cinnamon and truvia (plant based sweetner) to taste and sip till gone. It really helped. alot of websites tell you to grind flax seed, but if you don't have a grinder, just take what you need for a week( in recipes et.),and put 1 tbsp. flax seed/1 to 1-1/2 cups water in a clear jar w/ a lid and refridgerate overnight (use distilled or spring wate of course). the flax oil will leach out and rise to the top by morning------- for the gall bladder attack though, boil and drink like a tea ASAP. It helped me. don't store too long in fridge.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Lettuce

Posted by Kelly (Cincinnati, Oh) on 10/18/2009
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

lettuce is a great remedy for some to alleviate indigestion, but for someone with a bad gallbladder it can make things WORSE. Be careful!

Apple Juice

Posted by Jennifer (Chesterfield, USA) on 03/25/2008
★★★★★

I had some sort of gallbladder blockage that was hurting so bad for over 15 hours. I didn't eat anything but I drank water and regular apple juice. The next day I was fine, the blockage had cleared.