What do Castor Oil Packs do for your Gallbladder?

Your poor gallbladder is bearing a significant workload. It has to do a lot of work to get rid of fats the liver sends and remove its excess waste. Sometimes, your cholesterol levels get higher grades when you don't watch what you eat. The higher cholesterol grades turn into crystals like bright stars and hard stones—you may call them gallstones. Want to help your tiny gallbladder release its stress? Try castor oil packs - a natural holistic therapy with no bad taste and side effects because it's a therapy, not a medication. You are wondering, ‘What do Castor Oil Packs do for your Gallbladder?’ Stop thinking, NO stress, just let your fingers stroll.

Why does your Gallbladder need to be Cleansed?

The idea of ‘cleansing’ or ‘flushing’ the gallbladder is debated in the medical community. It is here why? The gallbladder is an essential organ of your body in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, just below the liver. This organ stores the bile, a greenish-yellow fluid produced and released by the liver. The bile contains waste products, bile salts, and cholesterol; its function is to remove the wastes and emulsify (digest) the fats.

So, the bile in the gallbladder only helps digest fats and remove wastes; it has nothing to do with flushing gallstones that form when there is excess cholesterol in the liver (The excess cholesterol turns into crystals and then stones). When a person consumes plenty of water and detox fluids, his bile dilutes (concentrated bile=more stones), preventing further stone formation. Diluted bile also helps small stones pass into the small intestine and out from your body.

It's true that you cannot stop or completely prevent gallstone formation, but there are many natural and effortless ways to reduce the risk and frequency of such stone build-up. Scroll below to find out how you can clean your gallbladder naturally.

How can you Clean your Gallbladder Naturally?

Here is a list of a few natural things that help you with gallstones.

Castor oil packs

Castor oil is a potent anti-inflammatory; it reduces the inflammation of the bile duct and helps the stones pass out quickly. It also channelizes body energy, ‘Qi,’ which resonates with the frequency of stones and helps them break. (Limited scientific evidence yet approved by Ayurvedic experts).

Others with less scientific data:

Dandelion

Dandelion teas and coffees help remove gallstones.

Lysimachiae herba

It is an effective Chinese medicinal remedy to help prevent cholesterol gallstones.

Milk thistle

It helps detoxify the liver and gallbladder and may reduce the risk of gallstones.

Psyllium

It is a soluble fiber. Increasing dietary fibers can help prevent gallstone formation.

Artichoke

Artichoke extracts stimulate bile production and help the liver and gallbladder function normally. However, no research has been done on how they prevent or treat gallstones.

Castor Oil Packs for Gallbladder

Castor oil contains several vital ingredients that help your body heal. About 90% is ricinoleic acid, a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic. When applied topically, castor oil stimulates blood circulation by reducing inflammation in the blood vessels. It also promotes lymph flow and relieves any congestion in the lymphatic system.

The same goes for the gallbladder. Castor oil reduces inflammation of the bile duct and helps the stones pass into the small intestine and ultimately out of the body. Though this mechanism of action of castor oil against gallstones has not been scientifically approved, Ayurvedic experts explain this based on their experience and literature. They say by channeling Qi "energy," castor oil packs resonate with the frequency of stones and help dissolve them.

How to do Castor Oil Packs for Gallstones?

Gather Supplies

Cold-pressed castor oil
Flannel (cotton or wool) cloth
Plastic wrap
Old towel

Prepare the Area

Since you need to apply the castor oil pack for an extended period, choose a comfortable place like a couch, sofa, or bed. But to protect the bedding from castor oil stains, spread an old towel over it.

Prepare the Castor Oil Pack

Fold the large flannel cloth into multiple layers to make a pack. Take some good quality castor oil (try The Goodbye Company cold-pressed extra virgin castor oil ) in a bowl. Dip the pack into the oil and let it saturate. Then, wring the pack a bit to avoid oil drippings. You can also warm the oil slightly to help it get absorbed into the pack.

Apply the Pack

Lie comfortably and apply the castor oil pack to the upper right quadrant of your abdomen (where your gallbladder lies). Wrap the pack with a plastic sheet. You can also use a cling film sheet for this purpose. This step is essential, as the plastic sheet will retain warmth and prevent oil stains on your clothes.

Apply Heat

Before applying heat, place an old towel on your abdomen over the plastic wrap. This old towel will reduce the heat that may burn your skin. You can use a heating pad or warm water bottle for the heating step. Do not use an iron to heat the towel.

Relax and Rest

Relax, rest, or meditate for 30-60 minutes. This step is essential to rejuvenating your body, regulating your hormones and body energy, and letting the castor oil pack cleanse your gallbladder.

Remove the Pack

After one session, remove all the layers and massage excess castor oil into your skin. Then, wipe off the oil residues with an old towel. Use a mild soap for further cleaning or take a bath.

Repeat and Monitor

Repeat these steps in every session. Apply at least thrice weekly until you notice visibly good results. Monitor how your body responds and adjust the frequency accordingly.

How Often Should Castor Oil Packs Be Used for Gallbladder?

The frequency of castor oil packs for gallbladder issues like gallstones or swelling varies depending on the individual's condition and response to the therapy. Typically, it is recommended to apply the packs about 3-4 times a week for several weeks to months for the best results. Despite this, some people take a long time to benefit, while others attain the same results in less time. Nevertheless, consult a healthcare provider if you are trying this therapy for the first time or have any health concerns.

When Should You Contact a Doctor?

Firstly, it's crucial to consult an HCP if you are trying a natural therapy like castor oil packs for the first time in your life. It is to prevent allergies or interactions with medications you are taking/applying. Secondly, it is essential to contact a doctor if your symptoms of gallstones appear, persist, and become severe. These symptoms include:

Fever
Chills
Abdominal pain that lasts several hours
Jaundice
Nausea
Vomiting
Dark-colored urine
Light-colored stools

FAQs

Is it Possible to Prevent Gallstones?

Though there's no proven way to prevent gallstones completely, you can still reduce the frequency of these stones' formation and corresponding painful attacks. Here are some easy strategies you can adopt:

Maintaining a healthy body weight is essential since obesity increases the risk of gallstone formation. However, never aim for rapid weight loss, as it will increase the stone buildup; aim for gradual weight loss instead.
Lifestyle changes: At least 30 minutes of exercise or walk
Watch what you eat: Avoid bad fats and include good yet limited fats in your diet. Increase dietary fiber and antioxidants via natural sources. Also, say no to cholesterol
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of plain water to help your body flush out excess wastes and stones. Adequate body fluids also prevent stone formation by preventing the build-up of cholesterol and triglycerides.

What is the fastest way to cure gallstones?

The fastest way to cure gallstones is to remove the gallbladder surgically. Cholecystectomy is an open and invasive method to remove the gallbladder. Another intervention called Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a less invasive procedure with small incisions and a short recovery period.

How to get rid of gallstones without removing the gallbladder?

Well, you can not completely get rid of gallstones without removing a bad gallbladder, frequently making the stones. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is one way by which you can remove gallstones from the bile duct without removing the gallbladder. Anyway, lifestyle changes, gallbladder flushes (olive oil+lemon juice or apple cider vinegar), herbal medications, and traditional practices, such as castor oil packs and acupuncture, can help cleanse your gallbladder in the long run.

How long to do castor oil packs for your gallbladder?

Just like there is no proven scientific data to support the effectiveness of castor oil packs against gallstones, there isn't any document stating the exact period for which these packs will work. Experts who practice natural therapies or Ayurveda recommend using these packs regularly for several weeks to notice visible signs. Nevertheless, you can observe how your body responds to the therapy and regulate the application frequency accordingly.

What dissolves gallbladder stones fast?

Bile acids help gallstones break down effectively. If bile acids in your body are not adequately produced and released, gallstone formation increases. Suppose you frequently get gallstones and don't want any surgical treatment. In that case, medications that include bile acids, such as ursodiol or chenodiol, are the ultimate solution to dissolve the stones fast. However, the effect of medications is not faster than surgical intervention as these drugs may take months to years to eradicate the stones. Moreover, you can also try castor oil packs as a natural therapy to prevent gallstone formation in the future.

What are the symptoms of a bad gallbladder?

If you have a bad gallbladder, you may develop jaundice, dark urine, light-colored stool, or severe pain in the upper right abdomen. You may also get fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, or an abrupt fall in blood pressure. If the symptoms are mild or early detected, try managing them using natural remedies like castor oil. Nevertheless, consult an HCP if symptoms persist, become severe, or remain unaffected even after natural therapies.

Takeaway

Castor oil has been a significant part of natural holistic therapies in Ayurveda. It was known as a magical recipe that could heal everyone from head to toe. Since then, castor oil has been used by many who practice natural medicine, and its use has evolved into a more convenient and easy-to-apply way called castor oil packs.

Castor oil packs work gradually yet effectively when placed on any body part. For instance, when castor oil packs are applied to the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, the natural ingredients in the oil and the warmth of the pack altogether work to cleanse the liver and gallbladder. Though scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of castor oil packs in removing gallstones and detoxifying the liver is limited, Ayurvedic experts still believe and recommend consistent use for viable results.