How Herbal Remedies work in Gall Stones

Gall bladder is a small pear-shaped organ that is 3-6 inches in length. It is located beneath the liver and small intestine by small tubes known as bile ducts.

The most common disorder of the biliary tract is gall stone formation. In modern medicine, the formation of gall stones is known as cholelithiasis. The prevalence of gall stones is much more in middle-aged women.

• The most important factor in gall stone formation is bile super saturation with cholesterol which can be correlated with Vikrit Kaphasanchit in Pittashaya as per Ayurveda.
• As per modern medicine, there is a phenomenon of deficiency of anti-nucleating factors and accelerated nucleation of cholesterol monohydrate crystal which is somewhat similar to Kapha-Pitta samsarga.
• Another mechanism known as hypo-motility of gall bladder can be co-related with Margavarodhajanya Vataprokapa.

Gall Stones According To Ayurveda

Gall bladder stores Pitta, hence the organ gall bladder is considered as Pittashaya in Ayurveda, and the stone so formed is known as Pittashmari in Ayurveda.

According to Ayurveda, the causative factor of gall stones is kaphaprakopa nidanasevan, which leads to the accumulation of Kapha at first, which mixes with the Pitta already present in it.

• The mixture of Kapha and Pitta in Pittashaya leads to the formation of biliary sludge (viscous material) which cause an obstruction in the passage of Vata.
• Hence, Vata dosha gets aggravated and converts this viscous material into a dry and solid form (Vartaswarupa) known as Pittashmari (gall stone).
• The Accha Pitta which is generated in the second stage of digestion bears similarities with bile, which is stored in the gall bladder.
• Master Sushrut has mentioned ‘Pitavabhasata’ (yellow appearance of the body) as one of the symptoms of Pittasanchaya (accumulation of Pitta).
• Pitavabhasata in modern medicine is due to the increased secretion of bile.
• Hence, Achha Pitta can be considered as bile on the basis of similarity in its location, functions, and abnormality.
• Therefore, Accha pitta is generated from the liver and stored in the gall bladder, hence gall bladder is considered as Pittashaya.

तत्रासंशोधनशीलस्यापथ्यकरणी: प्रकुपित :श्लेष्मा मूत्रसम्प्रिक्तो अनुप्रविश्य वस्ति मश्मरी जन -यति (सु। नि ३ /३ )

Meaning: In this shloka, the cause of stone formation is described. According to this shloka, when the body does not detoxify properly and due to wrong lifestyle and eating habits, stone formation takes place.

What are the Causes of Gall Stones?

• Due to too much cholesterol and bilirubin in bile.
• Gall bladder does not empty correctly, due to this bile may become very complicated, which contributes to the formation of gallstones.

What are the Symptoms of Gall Stones?

Most of the gall bladder stones are asymptomatic. Some of the symptoms are

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Swelling and tenderness
• Abdominal pain which is severe and intermittent.
• Flatulence
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Yellowing of the skin

How Ayurveda can Help in Gallstones?

Ayurvedic treatment for gall stones eliminates the need for surgery by assisting the body to pass out stones in a natural way. Planet Ayurveda offers herbal remedies which are highly effective in dissolving stones along with remedies that cleanse the liver and restore its function.

Herbal Remedies of Planet Ayurveda For Gall Stones Include

1. Liver Detox Formula
2. Punarnava Capsules
3. Arogyavardhini Vati
4. Navkarshik Churna

1. Liver Detox Formula

Liver Detox Formula of Planet Ayurveda is an herbal formulation which helps in the proper functioning of the liver as bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gall bladder. Liver disorders such as liver cirrhosis, fatty liver, blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia are also responsible for bile pigment formation. The stones in the gall bladder are made up of cholesterol, liver detox capsules help in reducing cholesterol formation.

Ingredients used in Liver Detox Formula are

Sr. No.	Botanical Name	Common Name	Quantity
1.	Picrorrhiza kurrao	Kutki	200 mg
2.	Boerhavia diffusa	Punarnava	100 mg
3.	Andrographis paniculata	Kalmegh	50 mg
4.	Solanum indicum	Makoy	25 mg
5.	Chicorium intybus	Kaasni	25 mg
6.	Achillea millefolium -yarrow	Biranjasipha	25 mg
7.	Tamarix galluca	Jhavuka	25 mg
8.	Capparis spinosa	Himsra	25 mg
9.	Terminalia chebula	Haritaki	25 mg

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water are recommended.

2. Punarnava Capsules

Planet Ayurveda’s Punarnava Capsules are prepared using the standardized extract of the herb Boerhavia diffusa. It is one of the famous herbs used in the treatment of gall stones since ages. This herb is good for the liver and helps in keeping the liver healthy and functional.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water are administered.

3. Arogyavardhini Vati

Arogyavardhini Vati is a classical Ayurvedic formulation which helps in the detoxification of the body. It reduces cholesterol levels by improving liver functions. It balances all the three doshas Vata, Pitt, and Kapha and used as a catalyst with other medicines.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Navkarshik Churna

Navkarshik Churna is one of the best formulations of Planet Ayurveda, which contains herbs that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Thus, this Churna provides relief from pain associated with gallstones.

Ingredients of Navkarshik Churna are

Sr. No.	Herb used	English name	Botanical Name	Quantity
1.	Amla	Indian gooseberry	Emblica officinalis	22.22 gm
2.	Haritaki	Chebulic myrobalan	Terminalia chebula	22.22 gm
3.	Bahera	Belleric myrobalan	Terminalia bellerica	22.22 gm
4.	Vacha	Sweet flag	Acorus calamus	22.22 gm
5.	Neem	Margosa tree	Azadirachta indica	22.22 gm
6.	Manjistha	Indian madder	Rubia cordifolia	22.22 gm
7.	Katuki	Picrorrhiza	Picrorrhiza kurrao	22.22 gm
8.	Giloy	Tinospora	Tinospora cordifolia	22.22 gm
9.	Daruhaldi	Barberry	Berberis aristata	22.22 gm

Dosage: 1 teaspoonful twice a day with plain water after meals.

Diet and Lifestyle

• Milk and milk products should be avoided.
• Non-vegetarian, junk food, carbonated drinks should not be consumed.
• Alcohol, tea and coffee should not be taken.
• Include herbs such as turmeric as it stimulates the liver to secrete more bile.