Natural Health

Herbs And Your Safety

dr natural — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:19:15 +0000

Natural health, particularly herbs have shown impressive results that they actually do work and therefore form a part of getting a healthy lifestyle. However before using any of them it is best to find out more about them and also consulting with your physician before taking any. This is especially if you are taking prescription drugs or have some medical condition that may not quite agree with some natural products. In the natural, the body has allergic reactions and sensitivities, meaning that some of the herbs used by an acquaintance may not have the same effects on you on some level. When taking herbs the same rules of taking prescribed medicine apply. That is, they should only be taken in small amounts and if they work, doubling the dosage will not make them work any faster. The following are just pointers and they do not necessarily define their interactions with prescribed drugs. That subject should be addressed by your physician.

Some supplements are not to be used with OTC drugs

Mixing a supplement with these and doctor’s drugs is not the best idea entirely. Sometimes they worsen the condition instead of alleviating it. Good examples are Coumadin, ginkgo biloba, vitamin supplement and aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding internally if taken in combination.

Need for consulting a physician

It is really recommended before going the herbal way. If you are nursing, pregnant or having some medical condition like diabetes, seeking a doctor first is gravely important. Even for the dietary supplements that seem normal and safe could prove to be disastrous in some situations. Most of these contain active ingredients that have biological effects and how safe they are is not really guaranteed. It is not worth risking your life when all that is needed is a doctor’s opinion before taking the supplements.

Not so smooth a surgery

Before undergoing elective surgery it is best to inform you doctor about all the vitamins minerals and herbal supplements you have a record of using. A three or two week break from all these is needed before the surgery is done. This prevents supplement-drug conflicts that could potentially affect the blood pressure and heart rate, increase bleeding, and this are not the things that you want when undergoing such a delicate procedure like surgery.

For short term use:

Bilberry Leaf, Black Walnut, Blessed Thistle, Borage, Cascara Sagrada, Comfrey, Sheep Sorrel, Uva Ursi, Yohimbe, Sarsaparilla, Senna Wild Cherry, Sassafras, Sage, Goldenseal, Coltsfoot, Gentian, Chaparral, Elecampane, Horsetail, Ephedra, Flax, Rhubarb, Guarana, Juniper Berries, Nettle Root, Licorice, Mullein, Lobelia, Lungwort.

When nursing or if pregnant avoid:

Yarrow, Vitex, Wormwood, White Sage, Watercress, Cascara Sagrada, Comfrey, Catnip, Club Moss, Cinnamon, Chervil, Celandine, Celery,Motherwort, Hyssop, Juniper, Mace, Lemon Grass, Licorice, Lobelia, Barley Grass, Alkanet, Ashwaganda, Aloe, Anisestar, Angelica, Anise, Blood Root, California Poppy, Blue Cohosh, Blue Flag, Buckthorn, Blue Vervain, Borage, Blessed Thistle, Bladderwrack, Black Cohosh, Barberry, Basil, Bitter Melon, Fenugreek, False Unicorn, Coltsfoot, Cubeb, Ephedra, Dong Quai, Sassafras, Sage Pleurisy, Prickly Ash, Rosemary, Rhodiola, Red Clover, Uva Ursi Sarsaparilla, Tumeric, Senna, Shepherds Purse, Turkey Rhubarb, Horsetail, Feverfew, Horehound, Ginger, Golden Seal, Guarana, Gravel, Mugwort, Pennyroyal, Muira Puama, Parsley, Osha, Puama, Oregon Grape, Myrrh

If under blood thinning medications:

Alfalfa, Angelica, Cramp Bark, Cubeb, Yohimbe, Sarsaparilla, Meadowsweet, Red Clover, Gingko, Dong Quai

Use under expert supervision:

Tonka, Calamus, Horse Chestnut, Mandrake, Licorice, Lovelia, Poke.

If in the past you suffered from renal dysfunction or inflammation, liver disorders, kidney and kidney stones:

Cubeb, Yohimbe, Uva Ursi, Essiac, Sumac, Horsetail, Hyndragea, Suma, Sheep Sorrel, Juniper Berries, Penny Royal, Kava Kava, Parsley Root, Yellowdock

Do not take these if you have ulcers or serious digestion and/or liver problems. It may cause Gastrointestinal upsets:

Yohimbe, Black Haw, Blue Flag, Chapparal, Turmeric, Club Moss, Trivulus, Crampbark, Solomans Seal, Devils Claw, Eucalyptus, Pygeum, Eucalyptus, Elecampane, Parsley Root, Licorice, Liberia, Ginger, Essiac, Gentian.

Avoid toxicity by avoiding high dosage of the following. Keep that sun tan to a short period if internally using:

St John’s Wort, Angelica, Celery Seed, Rue, Orange Peel

If taking medication, have a medical condition pregnant or nursing consult a doctor before using. If experiencing abdominal pain or diarrhea discontinue. Use for short term and stick to the dosage:

Yohimbe, Turkey Rhubarb, Senna, Cascara Sagrada, Buckthorn, Aloe.

Nervousness, tremors, insomnia, nausea and lack of appetite mean that you should discontinue the usage of these. Seek medical advice to use if pregnant, nursing, having difficulty in passing urine, having heart or thyroid diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure. Obey the medication and keep where the children have no access to:

Ephedra, St. Johns Wort, Yohimbe

Avoid these if you have a record of liver and kidney ailments. Cease using if you feel nauseated, feverish, tired or gets jaundice.

Boldo and Chaparral

Summer Natural Healthcare

dr natural — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:15:17 +0000

Ten natural remedies to help you cope with everything from sunburn toinsect bites and stings.

1. Aloe Vera

Soothing, cooling, pain-relieving and healing, aloe vera is effective against bacterial and fungal infections and inflammation. Use it on athlete’s foot, cuts and spots, and for softening hard skin on elbows, hands or heels. The gel soothes itchy,sensitive or cracked skin and eczema,and forms a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss from dry skin.

How to use Aloe Vera

Choose a product that contains at least 80 per cent stabilized aloe vera gel with a polysaccharides content of between 1200 mg and 2000 mg per liter. Apply as often as you like.

2. Apis Mel

Try this homeopathic first aid remedy for urticaria (nettle rash), bites and stings, heat rash, hay fever, stinging sore throats, hot headaches, dizziness,or a summer head cold.

How to use Apis Mel

Take 2 tablets every hour for up to10 doses (1 tablet for children).When symptoms start to improve take less often. If pregnant, avoid Apis mel.

Buy Apis Mel here

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar makes a potent remedy for many summer ailments.It is soothing and has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to use Apple Cider Vinegar

For digestive bugs, hay fever, catarrh,feverish head colds and tickly throats,add I tsp cider vinegar to a glass of water and sip at intervals. Stir in 1 tsp clear honey for extra benefits. Dab cider vinegar neat onto bumps,bruises, insect bites and wasp stings.Add 2 tbsp to 600 ml cold water and use to sponge sunburn and make a compress for feverish headaches. For athlete’s foot, add 4 tbsp cider vinegar to 1.5 liters tolerably hot water and soak the foot, or feet, for 15 minutes a day. To speed healing, add 2 crushed cloves of garlic.

4. Distilled Witch Hazel

This is a useful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.

How to use distilled Witch Hazel

Make a cold compress for inflamed,tired or stinging eyes, sprains, sunburn, burns and heat rash. Keep the lotion in the fridge. To use, empty into a bowl, add ice cubes and soak a clean cotton flannel in the liquid. Wring out the flannel and apply to the affected area for 30 minutes, refreshing the flannel as it warms. Dab neat onto mosquito and other insect bites and stings to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

Buy Witch Hazel Astringent Pads here

5. Fresh Cucumber

Cucumber is soothing, cooling and anti-inflammatory.

How to use fresh Cucumber

Grated or liquidized, the pulp and juice can be applied directly to sunburn, prickly heat, hives, eczema, cold sores and ant stings. Slices of cucumber placed over closed eyes for 10 to 15 minutes helps relieve dry, puffy or hay feverish eyes. Make cucumber water by simmering 1 grated cucumber in 1 liter water for 15 minutes. Cool and use as a wash for large areas of sunburn (or add to bath water), or as a footbath. Soak a flannel in cucumber water to make a compress for congested headaches and fevers, or use it as an eyewash. Keep cucumber water in the fridge and use within 2 days.

6. Honey

Locally produced, non-heat-treated honey is a storehouse of medicinal properties. The World Health Organization recommends it for traveler’s diarrhea – just ½ tsp on an empty stomach can ease gastric irritation and act as a gentle antibiotic on several types of irritating bacteria in the digestive tract, including salmonella.

How to use Honey

To replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea, add 1 tsp clear honey and ¼ tsp salt to 300 ml bottled water and drink freely. Taking 1 tsp of local honey daily for several weeks before your usual hay fever season can help reduce symptoms. The sugars in honey have a calming effect on the brain and 1 tsp honey an hour before bedtime may help you sleep on hot summer nights. As an antiseptic it helps draw out poisons and speeds healing when applied directly to cuts and wounds. Add a little chopped fresh thyme to 1 tsp of honey and take 3 times a day for summer coughs.

Caution: Do not give honey to babies under1 year because of the risk of infection from bacterial spores in the honey.

7. Hypericum And Calendula Tincture

This soothing, healing and antiseptic tincture has a variety of uses.

How to use Hypericum and Calendula Tincture

Add 4 to 5 drops to a cup of cooled, boiled water to bathe cuts, grazes, skin infections, bites and stings. You can use this lotion to prevent bites. Neat tincture on a cotton bud can help to heal small injuries, bites and cold sores. For sand, grit or foreign bodies in the eye, add 3 to 4 drops to a little cooled, boiled water and use as an eyewash. For minor burns and scalds add 10 drops tincture to a cup of cooled, boiled water. Fold a pad of gauze in the solution, cover the burn for 30 minutes and keep re-soaking the gauze without removing it. Soothe sunburn by spritzing the skin with this same dilution in a plant spray or atomizer bottle.

Buy Calendula Ointment here

8. Impatiens

Tempers can flare as the temperature rises – both in adults and children. Impatiens can help to calm them down, relieve tension, increase patience and restore harmony.

How to use Impatiens

Take 4 drops on the tongue or in a little water as required.

Buy Impatiens here

9. Ledum Pal 6C

This is the homeopathic remedy for puncture wounds, especially where there is puffy, purplish skin, severe bruising and stinging pain.

How to use Ledum Pal 6C

Try this remedy first for dog bites, wasp stings, horsefly and sandfly bites and to prevent infection in cutsand grazes. It is also good for eye injuries when there is persistent pain. For cuts and grazes take 1 dose every 2 hours for up to 6 doses, then 3 times a day for up to 3 days. For stings, bites and eye injuries, take every 2 hours for up to 6 doses.

Buy Ledum Pal 6C here

10. Peppermint Oil

This is an excellent all-round remedy for summer holidays.

How to use Peppermint Oil

For hay fever and summer catarrh, add 3 drops peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water and use as a steam inhalation. Inhale 2 drops peppermint oil from a tissue to relieve jet lag, travel sickness or mental fatigue. Rub 1 drop into each temple and behind the ears to ease headaches (dilute in 1 tsp grapeseed or sweet almond oil if you have sensitive skin). To beat indigestion, sickness or diarrhea, add 1 drop (no more) to a cup of hot water and sip slowly. Add the juice of a lemon to make a cooling drink to counter the effects of hot weather. To cool hot or itchy skin conditions, such as hives and sunburn, add 1 drop peppermint to 30 g unperfumed cream and apply as required. Use with caution on children and people with sensitive skin. To repel mosquitoes and other insects, put 1 drop in 1 tsp carrier oil and dab on wrists, ankles and behind ears, or drip 2 drops into a candle if eating outdoors. Soothe aching feet in a footbath with 2 to 4 drops peppermint added and afterward apply the above cream as a cooling lotion. Dab neat oil onto cold sores. If pregnant, avoid peppermint oil.

Buy Peppermint oil here

Natural Remedies For Greying Hair

dr natural — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:15:05 +0000

Hair turns grey because of the loss of pigment granules in the cortex of the hair as we age. The rate and age at which this happens is largely determined by our genes. Premature greying can be caused by poor diet, illnesses such as thyroid disorders, pernicious anemia and stress.

Dietary Advice For Greying Hair

Eat a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, nuts, seeds, fish, dried fruit and polyunsaturated vegetable oils. It has been suggested that certain nutrients, such as B-complex vitamins, folic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and zinc, can slow down the greying process. Food sources include wholegrains, wheatgerm, brown rice, lentils, pork, eggs, liver, seafood, yeast, molasses, nuts, fruit and vegetables. Supplements may also help. Try taking 50 mg vitamin B complex, 250 mg PABA, 400 mcg folic acid and 15 mg zinc daily.

Complimentary Remedies For Greying Hair

A rinse made from sage leaves can darken grey hair if used once a fortnight. (For fair hair use chamomile flowers; for red hair use hibiscus.) Make an infusion using 15 g dried sage leaves to 600 ml boiling water. Allow to infuse for 1 hour. To apply, bend over a basin and keep pouring the infusion over your head until the hair is saturated. Leave for 30 minutes before rinsing out. For chamomile and hibiscus, use 25 g dried flowers to 1.2 liters water.

Natural Remedies For Gout

dr natural — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:15:52 +0000

Gout causes excruciating pain and inflammation in joints, and sometimes fever. Elbows, knees and knuckles can be affected, but it is usually the big toe. Caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints, it sometimes runs in families and is common in very overweight people. Acute attacks of gout may require medical treatment.

Dietary Advice For Gout

Try to keep your weight down and avoid foods high in purines, which contribute to a build up of uric acid crystals. Purines are produced when you digest red meat, organ meats, game, oily fish, fish roe, pulses, mussels, anchovies, sweetbreads, coffee, chocolate, yeast extracts and alcohol. Research also suggests a link between too much sugar and gout. Drink 2 to 3 liters of filtered or bottled water and diluted fruit and vegetable juices a day. Eat onions, leeks and garlic for their anti-inflammatory benefits and diuretic vegetables such as celery and parsley. It has been suggested that eating 225 g of cherries – which contain antioxidants called proanthocyanidins – a day may help eliminate uric acid.

Complimentary Remedies For Gout

Add up to 6 drops of diuretic essential oils such as juniper berry, cypress and lemon to the bath and use in a whole body massage (10 drops essential oil to 25 ml carrier oil). To reduce swelling make a cold compress, using 4 drops juniper berry to 600 ml cold water. Soak a flannel, wring it out and apply to the affected joint until the cloth warms. Refresh in the water and reapply for a total of 20 minutes. Repeat every two hours if necessary. If pregnant, avoid juniper berry oil.

The homeopathic remedy Arnica 6c can help when joints are hot, painful and sensitive to touch. Rhus tox 6c is good- for hard, painful swelling in the big toe. Take 1 tablet every 2 hours for up to 12 doses during an attack.

Natural Remedies For Glue Ear

dr natural — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:15:08 +0000

This common condition of the middle ear usually affects children and results from repeated ear infections, colds and upper respiratory infections. Repeated courses of antibiotics for ear infections have also been implicated. The ‘glue’ refers to thick yellow mucus. This is produced by the lining of the middle ear and reduces hearing. Children with a glue ear need medical attention. A tiny plastic tube called a grommet may be fitted into the eardrum to allow the middle ear to drain.

Dietary Advice For Glue Ear

The build-up of mucus may be encouraged by a food sensitivity, for example to wheat or dairy products. If you suspect a food sensitivity it is best to eliminate possible allergens under the guidance of a nutritional therapist, but you can try replacing milk and dairy produce with goat’s or soy milk to see if this helps. Eating garlic, onions, celery and parsley may help reduce mucus. Base your child’s diet on fresh fruit and vegetables (especially leafy greens), wholegrains, lean meat and fish.

Complimentary Remedies For Glue Ear

To alleviate earache warm 1 tsp grapeseed or sweet almond oil in an egg cup placed in a bowl of hot water (takes about 5 minutes to warm to body heat). Stir in 1 drop tea tree essential oil and 3 drops German camomile (or lavender). Lay the child with the affected ear uppermost. Then, using a pipette, put several drops into the ear and seal with a little plug of cotton wool. Do this in the morning and at bedtime. Covering a warm hot water bottle with a towel and laying it against the child’s ear may relieve pain.

Tissue salts may help. Try Kali mur 6c if there is thick mucus and Ferr phos 6c if there is severe pain. Give 1 tablet 4 times daily for a week. Cranial osteopathy has proved effective in treating some children.

Natural Remedies For Glandular Fever

dr natural — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:15:40 +0000

Glandular fever, also known as infectious mononucleosis, is a viral infection most common in teenagers and young adults. It is caused by either the Epstein-Barr virus or the cytomegalo virus. Both viruses are spread in saliva, and this has earned glandular fever the nickname ‘the kissing disease’. Symptoms include a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes (glands), headaches, a fever and exhaustion. Glandular fever usually lasts for about 6 weeks, although it can take months to restore energy levels and some people experience recurrent attacks of fever and weakness.

Dietary Advice For Glandular Fever

A short fast can help activate the immune system to fight the virus. Drink plenty of fresh fruit and vegetable juices, water with a dash of fresh lemon juice and herbal teas for 24 hours. Over the next 24 hours continue with the fluids and eat only fruit, salads, lightly steamed vegetables, small amounts of wholegrain cereals and a little fish, poultry and eggs for protein. Exclude all refined and sugary foods from your diet, and avoid alcohol and caffeine until you have recovered.

Supplements that can speed recovery include 1 to 2 one-a-day garlic capsules and 500 to 1000 mg vitamin C a day.

Complimentary Remedies For Glandular Fever

As soon as you feel ill start taking echinacea tincture to enhance immunity.

To support the immune system and relieve aches and pains take an aromatic bath using 6 to 8 drops of any of the following essential oils, or a combination of 2 or 3: lavender, juniper berry, tea tree (6 drops max), Scots pine (6 drops max), rosemary, helichrysum.

For additional benefits briskly rub the following mixture into your skin after your bath: 25 ml grapeseed or sweet almond oil, 3 drops tea tree, 4 drops lavender.

You could also add 2 drops tea tree, 2 drops lemon, 4 drops helichrysum (or rosemary) to 2 tsp carrier oil and apply to swollen lymph nodes (glands) 2 to 3 times a day. This mixture is quite strong, so do not apply to the whole body.

To ease a sore throat and help kill the virus, gargle with the following 2 to 3 times a day, making a fresh mixture each time: 1 teacup warm water, 2 tsp cider vinegar, 1 drop lemon essential oil, 1 drop tea tree, ½ to 1 tsp clear honey. Stir well.

Professional herbal, homeopathic or traditional Chinese medicine may help.

Natural Remedies For German Measles or Rubella

dr natural — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:15:50 +0000

Symptoms include a high temperature, swollen lymph nodes (glands), a pink rash and, possibly, conjunctivitis. Most well-nourished children with German measles simply need rest, fluids, food according to their appetite and something to bring their temperature down if necessary. German measles causes most concern in pregnant women, who should see a doctor if they have been in contact with someone with rubella.

Dietary Advice For German Measles Or Rubella

Drink plenty of water, diluted unsweetened fruit juice and vegetable juice, especially when the fever is high. This is particularly important for children, who lose body fluids much faster than adults. Weak chamomile tea sweetened with a little honey helps bring down a fever. Add 1 chamomile tea bag to a teapot, fill with boiling water, add 1 to 2 tsp honey to sweeten and leave to cool. Give children under 6 years 2 tsp 4 to 5 times a day. Children over 6 can have half a cup at intervals throughout the day. Adults and children over the age of 10 can have a full cup. Once your appetite returns begin by eating citrus fruits, grapes and bananas, soup and wholemeal toast, gradually re-introducing a normal diet.

Complimentary Remedies For German Measles Or Rubella

Sponging the body with tepid water has long been recommended, but there are now worries that any initial cooling of the body may be followed by a reflex rebound of body temperature to an even higher level. So it may be better not to sponge if the temperature is above 100°F. If below, add 2 drops German camomile and 2 drops lavender to 600 ml tepid water and agitate the water. This aromatic water is suitable for children over 4 years. If you have an electric vaporizer, use the following blend as a fumigant to help prevent the spread of infection: 4 drops tea tree, 4 drops lemon, 4 drops lavender.

Homeopathy can be helpful. Try Euphrasia 6c in the early stages, especially if your eyes are painful in bright light, Belladonna 6c if you are very hot, have a rash and your eyes are pink. Pulsatilla 6c is good for an itching, hot rash, sore throat and cough. Adults should take 2 tablets, children 1 tablet, every 2 hours for up to 6 doses, then 3 times a day for 2 more days or until symptoms improve.

Natural Remedies For Gastritis

dr natural — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:15:35 +0000

Inflammation of the stomach lining is known as gastritis. Symptoms include heartburn, flatulence, nausea and vomiting, especially after eating. Possible causes include alcohol, certain foods, certain drugs (especially aspirin) and bacterial infection. Relaxation techniques and gentle exercise – such as yoga, meditation and swimming – can help relieve associated stress.

Dietary Advice For Gastritis

Avoid smoking, alcohol, coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, curried and spicy foods, which are known triggers. Eat small, regular meals and avoid going without food for long periods of time. Base your diet on vegetables, fruits, wholegrains and wholefoods, avoiding refined carbohydrates such as white bread, cakes and biscuits. Studies have shown that honey, especially Manuka honey from New Zealand, has an antibacterial effect. Take a dessertspoonful with each meal during an attack.

Complimentary Remedies For Gastritis

Use the following warm aromatic compress to ease abdominal pain. Warm 2 tsp grapeseed or sweet almond oil in a bowl placed over a pan of simmering water. Remove from the heat and add 2 drops marjoram and 2 drops lavender essential oil. Rub gently over the abdomen. Cover with a thick towel and place a hot water bottle on top. Relax for 15 minutes.

An infusion of goldenseal can help tone irritated mucous membranes. Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 tsp powdered herb and leave for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink 3 times a day.

You could also try one of the following homeopathic remedies every 30 minutes for up to 4 doses: Nux vomica 6c for nausea in the morning after eating, wind, stomach ache with an inclination to vomit; Bryonia 6c if it feels as if there is a stone lying in your stomach, you are irritable and feel better for lying still. For a burning feeling in the stomach, excessive thirst, empty belching resulting in vomiting, try Phos 6c. If pregnant, avoid marjoram oil and the herb goldenseal.

Recommended Ready Made Natural Remedies For Gastritis

Gastronic Dr – Natural remedy to support healthy digestive systems and help maintain normal food digestion.
Acid Free-Flux – Homeopathic remedy that relieves gastritis, acute acid reflux and heartburn.

Natural Remedies For Ganglion

dr natural — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:15:59 +0000

This rubbery, compressible, cyst-like swelling develops on the tendons or joints, usually on the wrist, but it can also occur on the knee or ankle. It is usually painless and harmless. A ganglion can be removed by surgery, but it frequently disappears of its own accord. However, it is wise to have any unusual lumps or swellings checked by a doctor.

Complimentary Remedies For Ganglion

Regular, firm massage can help a ganglion disperse. Add 2 drops juniper berry and 2 drops lemon essential oils to 2 tsp grapeseed or sweet almond oil and use the pads of your fingers and thumb to massage over and around the ganglion, and around the wrist and hand area, for 10 minutes every morning and night. It’s also wise to exercise the affected area for several minutes 2 or 3 times a day. If pregnant, avoid juniper berry oil.

Natural Remedies For Gallstones

dr natural — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:15:36 +0000

These hard stones, composed of cholesterol, chalk and bile pigments, accumulate in the gallbladder or bile duct. They are more likely in people who have a family history of the condition, or diabetes, or during pregnancy. However, the most likely sufferers are overweight, middle-aged western women.

Dietary Advice For Gallstones

A high-fat, low-fiber diet is the most common contributory factor in gallstones. The problem is also exacerbated by irregular meal times, frequent dieting and too much sugar. A low-fat diet is essential in susceptible individuals. Reduce fried foods, dairy products, red meat, highly refined and processed foods such as pastries and fizzy drinks. Increase your dietary fiber by eating brown rice, bread, wholewheat pasta and plenty of fruit and vegetables. An increase in essential fatty acids can also help, so include foods such as olive oil, oily fish, nuts and seeds in your diet. Drink plenty of water (about 2 liters a day) as gallstones have been linked to dehydration.

Complimentary Remedies For Gallstones

A warm aromatic compress can help relieve pain. Warm 2 tsp grapeseed or sweet almond oil in a bowl placed over a pan of simmering water. Remove from the heat and add 2 drops rosemary and 2 drops lavender essential oils. Rub gently over the right side of your body beneath the ribcage. Cover with a thick towel and place a hot water bottle on top. Relax for 15 minutes. Alternatively, very gently massage the oil mixture over the same area. A herbalist or acupuncturist may also be able to help. If pregnant, avoid rosemary oil.