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Gallstones are basically hard stone-like deposits, which get formed inside the gallbladder. The gallbladder is an essential organ of the body placed behind the liver, on the right side of the abdomen.

Gallstones occur in various sizes ranging from a grain of sand to a golf ball. As per a research done by American Medical Association, about 80 per cent of gallstones develop due to cholesterol deposits in the gallbladder. Some other factors include high levels of bilirubin and concentration of bile in the gallbladder, pregnancy, diabetes, obesity, liver ailment, sedentary lifestyle and oily and fatty diet. It is said that people who are above the age of 60 and females are at a higher risk of gallstones.

In many cases people do not get to know about the development of gallstone in their body. However, when the gallstone hinders the bile duct, it can cause sudden pain especially on right side of the abdomen, back pain, vomiting, indigestion, bloating and clay-colored stools. The pain caused by gallstones may last for a few minutes to several hours.

Since gallstones are very painful, therefore they should be treated immediately. Besides medical treatment, gallstones can be treated through home remedies too. So, we bring to you a few such remedies. Have a look!

1. Peppermint

Peppermint helps in digestion by stimulating the flow of bile and several other digestive juices. Moreover, it contains a compound called terpene, which helps in dissolving gallstones. Besides, peppermint can ease spasms and relieve acute pain.

All you need to do is boil one cup of water. Now add a spoon of dried and crushed peppermint leaves. Remove from the flame and then, let it steep for at least five minutes. Now strain it and then add a teaspoon of honey to it. Stir well and savor a cup of this peppermint tea.  Consume it daily for about two times in a day. Also, try drinking it between your meals for best results.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Owing to its acidic nature, apple cider vinegar hinders the liver from producing cholesterol. It is this cholesterol level in the body, which is one of the major reasons behind gallstones. All the more, apple cider vinegar plays an important role in dissolving gallstones and reducing pain.

Just add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of apple juice. Stir well and then drink it whenever you get a severe attack of gallstone. This will surely ease your pain within 15 minutes.

Alternately, add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of lemon juice in a glass of warm water. Consume this solution in the morning on empty stomach. A regular consumption will definitely dissolve your gallstones.

3. Castor Oil

Castor oil possesses medicinal and healing properties, which help in minimizing the size of gallstones. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which further reduces inflammation and pain. Using castor oil packs ensure a positive impact on immune and lymphatic systems.

Take one cup of cold-pressed castor and slightly warm it up in a pan. Now soak a piece of cloth in this warm oil and then, squeeze out the excess oil. Now place this cloth on the right side of your stomach and cover it with a plastic sheet. Now place a hot water bag on top of it for about half an hour. Follow this remedy thrice a week till the stones get healed completely.

4. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice too is helpful in keeping gallstone attacks under check. It basically hinders the liver from making cholesterol and thus speeding up the recovery process. It contains a compound called pectin, which is helpful in reducing gallbladder pain. Also, the presence of vitamin C in lemon juice dissolves the cholesterol and thus helps in its excretion from the body.

Just drink fresh juice of four lemons every day on empty stomach. Later, drink a glass of water. Do it at least for a week.