The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
General Feedback
Posted by Meagem (Ridgway, Pa) on 04/03/2015
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I had the attacks without the stones. found out my sisters also had the same thing ...sadly my oldest sister died from GALLBLADDER CANCER. Very rare. My youngest sister and I had adhesions so bad it squeezed our gallbladder in a very small size. mine was larger then a golf ball! ..went to local, backwoods, ER a few times when I was having attacks and they did the same stupid testing to see if I had stone ...hello you don't need stones to have attacks! Makes me mad all the testing I went through and money spent just to be wrongly diagnosed. My oldest sister went through the same ordeal. Please if they tell you you don't have stones so nothing is wrong ...go to a different hospital or dr and get a second opinion. I got lucky and found a great surgeon that knew what he was doing. gl ....oh before the surgery I was taking Dandelion root, milk thistle , apple cider ...you name it ...
Pickle Juice
Posted by Tanzie (Ca) on 10/13/2021
I'm keto and I have been for over three years August 2021 was my third year so it's just seems kind of weird that I was having issues at the beginning of the year? Now preparing for a flush I started drinking Malic acid daily I made it into a lemonade and I would drink it daily instead of apple juice to soften my stones. And I thought I had it figured out but boy was I surprised so yes I do eat plenty of fat thank you.
Triggers
Posted by Nick (Hobart, Tasmania) on 08/24/2017
Yes, I agree cutting dairy seems to work. I take Vits C D E along with lecithin depending on the meal. I have capsules and the granules. I also take flaxseed, milk thistle granules mostly daily which helps the liver too.
Chocoloate, dairy and fried foods seem to be my triggers - and eggs although if I space my poached egg meals out I seem to get away with it. I only drink almond milk now (rarely skim milk unless I have to).
Plenty of leafy greens and veg, ginger and ACV is good too.
Two Types of Gallbladder Attacks
Posted by Jewels51 (Ohio) on 02/25/2014
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I have gall bladder attacks. People must differentiate between 2 types. One type is due to gallstones and the other due to a sphincter problem called sphincter of oddi. If there are gallstones a flush might help, I don't know, since I have no gallstones based on scans. I do have spasms in my sphinter of oddi, which is a spasm in the spincter or tubes that do not allow the bile to release. WARNING if you have this particularsphincter problem fats will make it worse. Do NOT a flush involving oil or fats of anytime, it will put you in the ER. I was taking fish oil and flax oil and my gall bladder was killing me. This is because fats cause the bile to build up because they are needed for fat digestion. When you build up fats and can't release the bile because of a spasm in the sphincter that will not let the bile flow out into the digestive system, the gall bladder overfills and backs into the pancreas at times. If you do an oil flush or increase fats pain will increase!!!! Removal of gall bladder does not help this because the sphinter is not removed with the gall bladder and in fact, gall bladder removal will often make this condition worse. I don't know the cure, however, my gall bladder and pancreatic pain calmed almost completely when I stopped the flax and fish oil and cut down on fats in general. Now if anyone knows how to get the gallbladder sphincter to relax from spasm and release the bile, WITHOUT using fats or oils, I would love to know the answer so Please POST it.
Two Types of Gallbladder Attacks
Posted by Timh (Ky, Usa) on 02/26/2014 2041 posts
Jewels51: To strengthen the Liver/Gallbladder and increase the flow of bile take Triple Strengthen Lecithin
and Dr. Christopher's Liver/Gallbladder Formula. There are many herbal suppliers w/ different names to this formula. The one I used to take was called Liveron. An internet search should produce some good results, but if not report back and I can give you the list of the home made formula I use.
I also occasionally use lemon Water to help open things up down there.
Two Types of Gallbladder Attacks
Posted by Mary Lou (Cincinnati, Ohio) on 03/11/2014
To Jules51, For your spasms of sphincter of Oddi. Try 1-2 tsp of Bitters (Angostura) in water. It is in the grocery stores aisles with the drink mixes, cheapest at Walmart. It is an antispasmodic and antiflatulent. I swear by it for an upset stomach and gallbladder pain. I know it saved me from an ER visit twice in the past 20 years when I was doubled over in pain and nausea so badly I could barely speak or chew a Tums. Each time was due to meals with hidden fat, which I normally avoid. It tastes like an unsweetened coca cola, has a bit of alcohol, 44.7% by volume. Worth a try, I know I would have been in ER both times. When I can't talk, I am sick! hahaha
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Beberobozo ( New York) on 12/18/2013
★★★★☆
Hello, well I believe I was having gallbladder pain and issues so I was drinking lemons with water and doing tablespoons of olive oil.. I also added lecithin and doing acupressure. I also use ACV in water three times a day..and have added probiotics but not until just this week at the suggestion of healthfood store nutrionist and health guru.. The woman is in her 80's and works and looks great.
Now I have no idea what is making the pain less and less unless its a combination of all above but the pain has subsided a lot and feeling so much better....Please please let this be the cure.
thank You All and EC....
White Vinegar in Orange Juice
Posted by Lee (Newcastle Nsw) on 01/30/2014
★★★★★
I tried this tonight after about an hour and a half of pain, I put about a teaspoon and a half of ACV in about 150mls of orange juice and within 5 minutes I can't believe it I feel so much better, not completely gone but I am no longer in discomfort : thank you so much for this thread. I am going to try and get some sleep as it is 4:30 am.
White Vinegar in Orange Juice
Posted by Nancy (Visalia, Ca) on 09/05/2013
★★★★★
The Orange juice with vinegar really did take my pain away. I only put a little bit of vinegar and it did the trick so happy that I didn't have to go to the hospital again :)
Apple Juice
Posted by Tymere (Brideport, Ct) on 09/02/2013
So I'm having episodes with my gall bladder.. I am currently drinking apple juice and I must say it's not helping. Is there any good pills?
Castor Oil Packs
Posted by Sunny (Sunny CA) on 12/31/2022
★★★★★
I used to do it that way, now I just cut a plastic the size I need, lay it on the bathroom counter, and bend over placing the piece of plastic I poured as much castor oil on as would hold. I place a light towel over the plastic and lay with a heating pad. Easy and less castor oil waste. I use organic oil. Can be costly.
Avoid Lettuce
Posted by Trudy (Burton, Mi) on 10/16/2011
★★★★★
I have a sluggish gullbladder with no stones. I have had this problem for years and what I found is lettuce was causing most my attacks. After I stopped eating lettuce I don't have as many attacks and they are rarer than when I ate lettuce. I am now going to write down what I ate before every attack and see if there is a common link. Some say dairy products too can cause you problems. Next attack I will try the ACV and apple juice and add some baking soda in the mix for good measure. Thanks your site is awesome.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Ej (Middleboro, Ma) on 01/06/2010
Thanks everyone for the input. I'm in week 3 of this attack which is coming and going now. Gone at the moment, enough to make me think I can leave for my vacation on Friday.
Since my emergency room stay, where they told me it could be shingles or "something metastasized into the area" - loved that one - I've had a hydascan: normal function and no stones, two chest xrays: nothing, a CT scan on abd and pelvis (mostly looking for kidney stones): nothing. (Yes, I'm glowing a bit at this point from all the radiation) More acupunture, which helps temporarily. NO ONE knows what this is, even though it's obviously classic GB pain. I'm at my wits end with the medical establishment and can't believe this is what we are all paying for - soon to pay more with this Federal bill. All these tests are what drives the cost up, but the tests obviously DON'T WORK.
I've been drinking Apple juice mixed with carrot juice which makes me very gassy and exacerbates the pain. I don't know what to eat anymore.
I've used:
castor oil packs,
ACV,
lemon juice with olive oil,
stonebreaker,
gallstonex,
chinese herbs.
I take Mag citrate every night as a rule.
Use heating pad front and back alternating.
Have taken hot baths with Epsom salts
Use rebounder to move lymph fluid
Charcoal for gas - this really works!
I typically eat very low fat (less than 20 grams per day),Veggies, fruit, chicken or fish; next to no dairy or grain, so am perplexed at why this is happening at all. What more can I do to my diet to make my body work correctly? I've spent a fortune over and above my insurance premiums to try to stay well. It's disheartening and scary.
Well, enough of this rant. I'm going to try some more of your suggestions and hope that I don't end up in some Caribbean hospital over the next week or so.
My Best to you all!
Flax Seeds
Posted by Tammy (Grand Island, Ne, Usa) on 05/21/2014
I love flax seeds. I going to try the tea recipe. My daughter is having these attacks. I'm using homeopathy to help, but I like the tea idea. The homeopathy, in case any are interested, is: Biliousness for the pain and Chamomile for nausea. It takes a little while to work when it's bad, but it does work. I hope anyone that's having these pains, can use these ideas and save money from surgery.
Apple Juice
Posted by Kelly (Lakeland, Fl) on 06/19/2013
I just started having issues about three weeks ago on and off. I never was told about the apple juice. Starting today I am going to try drinking apple juice to see if that helps me. I will keep you all updated. I'm praying this helps, I can't stand the pain. If anyone has any other ideas please post.
Apple Juice
Posted by Aimee (Henderson, Nevada ) on 02/04/2016
Panting from gallstones, need immediate relief from severe pain radiating to kidneys and chest and back help.
Lettuce
Posted by Lori (Houston, Texas) on 03/07/2008
★★★★★
Thank you Kelly from Toronto, taking the handful of LETTUCE for a gallbladder attack works!! Symptoms gone in ten minutes!
Lettuce
Posted by Kelly (Toronto, Canada) on 12/14/2007
★★★★★
re: Gallstone Relief -- This is not a cure, just a way to immediately relieve an attack. All it takes is a handful of lettuce and all the pain is gone within 5-15 min. I find iceburg works better than romaine or leaf. I think it is because the lettuce makes your liver produce bile so your body stops trying to get it from your gall bladder. Works for me EVERY time!
Lettuce
Posted by Mike 62 (Denver, Colorado) on 11/11/2013
Deseree: Get the 7 1/2 lb. jar of kimchi at the asian market for $15. This has salt, sulfur, spices, and acids that dissolve gallstones. Grind up in the blender with some water and drink. Go on a raw food program or they'll come back.
Lettuce
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 11/11/2013
Hello Desiree from Florida,
So sorry for the extreme pain re gall bladder. Gall bladder attacks can come from many different directions; liver, pancreas, stones in the gall bladder and ... viruses. If this were me I'd at least eliminate the possibility (15 percent chance?) that the cause is viral and consume five tablespoons immediately of colloidal silver. Likely, a virus is not the cause but I just came across a case two months ago (gall bladder) that the cause was almost certainly viral. Cleared up with silver intake and quit using after a day and back came the attacks; and then consistent use of CS and the attacks went away completly. That one appeared to be viral.
Phosphorous
Posted by Teresa (Flippin) on 11/28/2025
★★★★★
I have had gallbladder issues for about 10 years. I was using wen Dan teng TCM for a few years great stuff if you can find it. Was talking to a holistic nurse and she told me about phosfood liquid from standard process. When I feel my gallbladder pain I take 10 drops in water and pain goes very quickly. I will then do a cleanse have not had problems for about five months now!!
Chanca Piedra
Posted by J (Tennessee) on 08/28/2025
Hello could you please tell me where I can that CP pure powder? Ty
Chanca Piedra
Posted by Lynda (Jacksonville) on 08/29/2025
Chanca piedra. I've pretty much exhausted all my usual go to alternative sites. My son 23 has pancreas divisum. A congenital issue where 2 ducts do not fuse into one main one. It's less efficient this way. For several years he's had discomfort left abdominal under ribs. Always the same spot. This led to recent imaging to find out why and how the PD was diagnosed. People who have this can be asymptomatic. Or symptomatic which can lead to acute pancreatitis attacks. We're not there yet. He does have 3 pancreatic duct stones. Composition differs from gallstones and kidney. I wonder if Chanca could help dissolve them? I just can't find ANYTHING where someone has tried this. It's usually gallstone or kidney related. Mayo does not want to do any treatment as solution could end up being worse than present symptoms ANY SUGGESTIONS? We do low fat, high protein, P enzymes, no alcohol.. etc... thanks.
Artichokes and Beets
Posted by Aj (Wa) on 10/29/2025
How do you prepare this?
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by Elizabeth (CA) on 10/14/2023
4oz is 0.12 liter
Aloe Vera Juice
Posted by sandi (san diego, ca) on 07/17/2023
Is "inner leaf" usually on the label? How does one know if we are buying inner leaf or not.
Orange Juice
Posted by Art (California ) on 01/29/2016 2782 posts
Frank,
Thanks for posting that. Can you say what orange juice you used how much you drank and if it was warm or cold to alleviate the pain?
Art
Tim's Gallbladder Protocol
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn.) on 03/17/2015
HI U Timh, , , , , , , , , , Boy, you beginning to sound like the cynic that I am. Life is getting more interesting as I age. The episode last Monday morning I hope was a gall bladder thing . I will soon know because I go to Knoxville for a test to verify if the trauma was my gall bladder. The tests so far show that it was not my heart.
I almost outsmarted myself on this deal. We do sex once a week and I take a couple of L, Arginine capsules to dilate my blood vessels. Can't afford Viagra. Anyway after my bowl of hot chili that night, I got what I thought was indigestion. When that continued then I thought it was a heart attack and took cayenne extract.
The ambulance folks gave me aspirin and nitro. My poor body did not whether to sheet or go blind. My blood pressure tanked and I thought I was gone. I began to tell my wife what to sell, about the funeral, etc.
The ER folks said to hell with a heart attack, you're going into a coma because of your low blood pressure. Anyway, the bad guys always pull through and I did. It did scare my mule.
I have gone through the EC site and learned that you have posted lots on the gall bladder thing. I would like to keep my bladder and would appreciate your comments.
Today, I passed stuff that looked like the cholesterol stones that we pass with a liver flush. I am in earnest with my Rife Machine to address my cancers and I just did an organ cleanse thing.
I worked my butt off in my working days and do not apologize for my expensive health toys.
Timh, you one of the good guys on this site and I would appreciate your comments.
==========ORH===========
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Kong (Raleigh, Nc, Usa) on 03/12/2015
★★★★★
I am using apple cider vinegar for my gallbladder, but also TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) herbs, acupuncture, strict diet...feeling much better but want to be well and avoid surgery, but not avoid it if something is getting worse or risky! Hard to know exactly what to do.
Hope others are still reading this thread and will reply. Had a gallbladder attack mid to late January of this year (2015). Went to ER, internist, gastroenterologist, then surgeon. Surgeon said remove if more painful. My symptoms aren't too painful, but are there daily, especially at night. Mild discomfort at the right ribs and left shoulder blade. Some constipation/bloating and a hard feeling at the upper abdomen near the sternum.
I started traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs (many in a formula, e.g., gold coin grass, curcumin, coptis, bupleurum, and several more that go together) and one treatment of acupuncture a few weeks ago. I now eat mostly whole grains, vegetables, fruits, some lean protein like chicken, fish, tofu, and lots of warm water with lemon, as well as some teas and of course apple cider vinegar and apple juice. In the past couple of days I added some coconut and flax seed oil and krill oil, wanting to help the intestines and also to make sure the GB will still release some bile. I take some vitamin B and C and milk thistle as well.
I mostly feel absolutely fine during the day but about 4-5 hours after a very healthy lunch start to feel a bit bloated, constipated. At night is when I notice some discomfort at the right rib area or left shoulder blade. It's hard to tell if I'm improving but my symptoms seem "managed". So I don't really know if I want to get surgery or if there are various other signs besides pain increase I should look for. Also not sure if I should look for other particular signs of improvement. I do not want to do a liver or GB "flush" but if there are signs that buildup of plaque or other gunk from cholesterol plus bile plus bilirubin and toxins are being eliminated, I hope to know. For example, somewhat green color in poop could be elimination of some of that? What happens as the liver and gallbladder start to clear up (if they do) and function more effectively? Any blood or other tests you can take for hard evidence?
Anyone else experience any of those same details or diet or supplements or treatment?
Triggers
Posted by Jill (Texas, US) on 11/01/2014
Fried foods seem to be my big trigger. But, I have found that when I feel an attack coming on, usually within thirty minutes of eating, I can drink two bottles of water, quickly, and it will greatly reduce the pain and it will eventually go away all together. Short of that, I don't eat much in large portions.
Pickle Juice
Posted by Elvia (Texas) on 08/26/2017
NOTHING has worked for me..having my gallbladder removed in 2 weeks.
Pickle Juice
Posted by Tanzie (Ca) on 10/13/2021
I found out the stone is just too big and I take four capsules of magnesium glycinate and I stir it vigorously and water it won't all dissolve but then you drink it as fast as you can you're relaxing the opening is where the stone is stuck. Also if you have any kind of a anxiety medication I take a Ativan also. I'm anxious to try the pickle juice myself maybe pickle juice with some magnesium powder?
Triggers
Posted by Marcy (Rochester, Ny) on 06/16/2014
I had a gallbladder attack that put me in ER, but I declined the surgery because I want to heal myself and keep my parts, so have been doing research. I found and explanation for why coffee is helpful to prevent gallbladder problems, but not after:
"Coffee induces cholecystokinin release and gallbladder contraction, which may explain why patients with symptomatic gallstones often avoid drinking coffee. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10499460
Two Types of Gallbladder Attacks
Posted by marsh (Colorado) on 06/13/2023
Hi Timh,
Would you share your homemade mixture? Thanks!
White Vinegar in Orange Juice
Posted by Dee (Mel, Australia) on 06/22/2013
That's so amazing!!!! How much vinegar did you add in a glass of orange juice. Your answer can help many out here in Pain. So please reply soon. Thank you.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Ironbutterfly (Buffalo, NY, USA) on 01/29/2013
About two weeks into trying to heal my gallbladder. Still being very careful with foods. Had to stop taking the Food Enzyme with Betain. Constipation, sporadically and gas ( belching and flatulence following eating) seem to be the only issue, right now... and my spleen is swollen.
In place of the Betaine/Food Enzyme.. I added papaya. For the spleen, trying black strap molasses. coconut oil pulling, in the Am, prior to breakfast. Still no ( or little) gluten, no dairy unless it is by accident, lean meat, no hydrogenated oils... I had powedered creamer the other day and my stomach was immediately on fire. No or very little sugar. Beets, when I am not out of them... hard to find the fresh ones, locally. Hypothalimus resetting with a homeopathic. Raw vitamin for women. B-complex
Any other suggestions are welcome and thank you! What is up with my spleen....ugh.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, USA) on 01/30/2013 2041 posts
Ironbutterfly: the health of the spleen is dependent mostly on the health of the liver, and the health of the liver is somewhat dependent on the health of the gallbladder.
First do a gallbladder cleanse. Fallowing the cleanse start taking liver support herbs like Milk Thistle Seed, Turmeric Root, Artichoke Leaves, Dandelion Root. Some form of Hepatitis could be active, so read up on the symptoms and maybe take some BHT or Chanca Piedra to clear out any possible viruses.
Parasites like the Liver Fluke is possible and can be severe, read up on the symptoms and maybe a round of anthelmintic (natural or pharmaceutical).
Frankincense
Posted by Aubrey (Long Beach, CA) on 03/19/2024
Hi how are you, I wanted to know more about what oil exactly of frankincense did you use and did you do directly or use a carrier oil and out it in front and back of gallbladder did it help with the pain only or to dissolve them as well? Thank you. I'd really appreciate it.
Pickle Juice
Posted by John (Andrews, Tx) on 01/09/2016
Does the pickle juice type matter?
Pickle Juice
Posted by Cody (West Virginia) on 05/13/2022
I don't really have pain, just severe nausea, plus the morning sickness with it causes an all day vomiting fit everyday. Will pickle juice help with my nausea and vomiting?
Flax Seeds
Posted by Kelly (Cinti , Ohio) on 02/14/2011
Another good remedy for gallbladder attack is put 2 cups of water to boil, add 1tbs. Of flax seed, boil for 5 min. Boiling leeches the fs oil out of the seed and it will soothe an attack. It is tasteless so you can add a little cinnamon or sweetener.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Ej (Middleboro, Ma) on 12/23/2009
★☆☆☆☆
I'm in the midst of what I believe is a gallbladder attack now that had me in the hospital on Saturday. Ultrsound showed nothing, so they escorted me out. I've never had pain like this, even with kidney stones. I tried Belladonna and followed with acupuncture which seemed to work yesterday, but BD alone is not working today. My acupuncturist is now off for the holiday. I've tried ACV and have been drinking warm apple juice only for days but it doesn't relieve the pain. I've read a lot of literature on flushes and had been using gallstonex (with artichoke) but am concerned about trying to increase bile flow while I have this pain. Not sure what to do at this point. Any suggestions would be welcome. The allopaths don't seem to care.
Lecithin
Posted by Rose Fenton (Bournemouth, England) on 12/24/2008
★☆☆☆☆
Have just read about lecithin helping gall-stones, and I have been taking lecithin in granules for about a year, mixed in foods, but am still getting gall-bladder attacks. I have five small stone in the gall-bladder and one stone blocking the bile-duct. I also take plenty of apple juice and other juices and also milk-thistle and aloe vera juice. As I am very ill and weak anyway with a muscle disease, I want to avoid surgery if at all possible. Can anyone suggest anything else to ease these attacks. I went about 6 months without any and they have all started again.
