Positive Health Online

A female colleague of mine in her mid 40s of average height and build is suffering from gallstones and has given me permission to share her experiences with others through this article.

Approximately 15 months ago she was disturbed from sleep by a sharp pain in the thoracic area of her back that radiated through to the sternum. The pain was so severe that it kept her awake for the majority of the night, and she decided to seek emergency medical advice whereupon she was subjected to a series of tests that proved inconclusive. When she contacted me and we discussed the symptoms she was experiencing, I decided that the homeopathic remedy Bryonia matched the similimum. Therefore, I prescribed Bryonia 30c three times a day for 7 days and at the end of this time she reported that her symptoms had subsided.

A few weeks later the severe pain again disturbed her sleep and once again she sought emergency medical advice, but as this was the second recurrence, the hospital admitted her and carried out further tests that eliminated the possibility of blood clots or heart conditions. It was finally decided that she should be sent for a scan; eventually a diagnosis of gallstones was reached. The recommendations given to her included following a low-fat diet and that she be referred for surgical intervention. She declined the surgery option preferring to take a natural approach to see if she could keep this condition under control.

Gallstones are considered more likely to be an issue for females who are over the age of 40 and overweight. There are three types of gallstones classified by their composition: cholesterol stones, bile pigment stones and those of a mixed combination.

The cells of the liver cells produce bile and approximately half of the bile that is secreted in between meals is diverted to the gallbladder, a small muscular sac, for storage. The rest of the bile produced by the liver flows directly into the small intestine. With up to 90% of the water in bile being absorbed into the bloodstream, the remaining bile is very concentrated. Bile assists in the digestion and absorption of fats and is responsible for the elimination of certain waste products from the body, including excess cholesterol.

Inflammation of the gallbladder wall can be due to the presence of gallstones; the conventional method of treatment is to reduce the pain associated with inflammation, and once this acute phase has passed, consider the removal of the gall bladder. However, if the gallbladder is removed, the person may subsequently suffer with diarrhoea because the gallbladder is no longer assisting in the digestion and absorption of fats.

Taking a holistic view of the treatment plan, I prescribed the homeopathic remedies Lycopodium and Berberis Vulgaris, as these remedies have an affinity for the liver and the digestive tract. I am aware of liver and gallbladder flushes and treat the information contained within these with respect, since each person is individual, and the 'flush' may not be suitable for everyone due to the size of the stones. For example, if the stones have been forming for quite some time they could be rather large, and if someone undertakes a 'flush' there is the possibility that a stone could become stuck in the small bile duct as it is making its way out of the gallbladder. If you think you have gallstones and want to undertake a flush, please consult your doctor first.

Naturally the diet was fully discussed, and among the recommendations made was to include one green apple, two radishes between meals and drinking five cups of chamomile tea daily for 21 days. Nutritional supplements to support the system were also included. Reducing the amount of saturated fat and refined carbohydrates, as well as alcohol and caffeine is beneficial, as in increasing the amount of fresh vegetables and whole grains. Stress levels should also be addressed.

As this was an acute flare up of a chronic condition, the case was originally reviewed on a weekly basis for four weeks; at each meeting the lady reported improvements to her overall wellbeing. The Lycopodium and Berberis Vulgaris were repeated, and she continued to improve on these remedies. At the third visit where we discussed her symptoms in depth again, it was decided that the remedy Chelidonium was needed as this too has an affinity for the liver. She continues to make regular visits and keeps a careful watch over her diet to ensure that she is doing all she can to prevent the recurrence of the inflammation.

We have worked through any stressful situations as and when these have occurred in her life, and she has been pain free for over one year.

Whilst homeopathic remedies are available to purchase in major health stores with the added benefit of being non-toxic and non-addictive, please remember that chronic conditions do require professional help.